Locked On Bulls - Daily Podcast On The Chicago Bulls

Could the Chicago Bulls become an NBA playoff team sooner than anyone expects? The Bulls’ young core continues to develop, the Eastern Conference remains wide open, and Chicago may be closer to competing than its rebuilding timeline suggests.

 

On today’s Locked On Bulls, we examine what needs to happen for Chicago to make a legitimate playoff push, which young players could accelerate the rebuild, and whether the Bulls have enough talent to surprise the NBA this season. Is playoff basketball returning to Chicago sooner than we think?

 

Subscribe for daily Chicago Bulls news, analysis, trade rumors, player breakdowns, and more on Locked On Bulls.

 

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Rob Dillingham may be one of the most interesting rotation questions on the Chicago Bulls roster — and Bulls fans might be counting him out too early. 👀🐂

 

On today’s episode of Locked On Bulls, Haize and Pat The Designer break down whether Rob Dillingham has earned a real spot in the Bulls rotation heading into the 2026-27 NBA season. With Chicago trying to balance development, structure, scoring, and defense under Tiago Splitter, Dillingham’s role could be one of the most important bench storylines to watch.

 

The guys discuss what Dillingham brings as a change-of-pace guard, including shot creation, downhill pressure, ball-handling, and offensive juice. But they also ask the bigger question: can he defend well enough, make consistent decisions, and earn enough trust to stay on the floor when the games matter?

 

Haize and Pat also look at how good the Bulls bench can actually be this season. With names like Tre Jones, Dailyn Swain, Noa Essengue, Jalen Smith, Zach Collins, Leonard Miller, Patrick Williams, and Rob Dillingham all potentially fighting for roles, Chicago has more options than in past years. But does that mean the Bulls have real depth — or just a lot of players still trying to prove they belong in consistent NBA minutes?

 

Plus, the guys dive into whether Jaylin Sellers has earned the Bulls’ final roster spot. Sellers has flashed enough scoring ability, confidence, and toughness to make the conversation interesting, but is he the best use of the 15th spot? Or should Bryson Graham keep that roster spot open for a veteran shooter, wing depth, or future flexibility?

 

Topics Include:

Has Rob Dillingham earned a Bulls rotation spot?

Are Bulls fans counting Dillingham out too much?

What Dillingham brings to Chicago’s bench

How Tiago Splitter could use Dillingham offensively

Bulls bench rotation expectations

Can Chicago’s second unit become a strength?

Jaylin Sellers’ case for the final roster spot

Should the Bulls prioritize upside or veteran help?

Final roster spot debate

Bulls 2026-27 rotation questions

 

The Bulls’ starting lineup will get plenty of attention, but the bench could decide how competitive this team really becomes. If Dillingham earns trust, Sellers forces the front office’s hand, and the second unit finds a real identity, Chicago may have more depth than people realize.

 

🎙️ Tune in to Locked On Bulls as Haize and Pat break down Rob Dillingham’s rotation case, the ceiling of the Bulls bench, and whether Jaylin Sellers has earned the final roster spot.

 

Follow Locked On Bulls on Twitter

Locked On Bulls: https://twitter.com/LockedOnBulls

Haize: https://twitter.com/CEOHaize

Pat: https://twitter.com/PatTheDesigner

 

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The Chicago Bulls may not be done looking for upside, and a new report from Mark Stein connects Chicago to a possible pursuit of Bennedict Mathurin. 👀🐂

 

On today’s episode of Locked On Bulls, Haize and Pat The Designer break down the latest Bulls rumor surrounding Bennedict Mathurin and whether he makes sense as a target for Bryson Graham’s front office. Mathurin would bring scoring upside, athleticism, rim pressure, and wing creation to a Bulls roster still trying to find the right balance around Josh Giddey, Matas Buzelis, Caleb Wilson, Nic Claxton, Norman Powell, and Dailyn Swain.

 

The guys discuss what a Mathurin pursuit could say about Chicago’s roster-building priorities. Are the Bulls still searching for another young scorer? Would adding Mathurin create too much overlap on the wing? And could this kind of move put even more pressure on Patrick Williams heading into the 2026-27 season?

 

Haize and Pat also react to the Bulls releasing their 2026 preseason schedule and what fans should watch once the new-look roster finally gets on the floor. Preseason may not count in the standings, but it will give Bulls fans their first look at Tiago Splitter’s rotations, Caleb Wilson’s role, Norman Powell’s fit, and how the young players respond in a more structured NBA setting.

 

Plus, the guys dive into Patrick Williams’ 2026-27 season expectations. Is this the year P-Will finally rewards the believers? Or is time running out for him to prove he belongs in the Bulls’ long-term plans? With more young talent arriving and the wing rotation getting more competitive, Williams has to show growth, consistency, defensive impact, and a clearer offensive identity.

 

Topics Include:

Bulls could pursue Bennedict Mathurin

What Mathurin would bring to Chicago

Would Mathurin fit the Bulls’ current roster?

Bulls release 2026 preseason schedule

First look at Tiago Splitter’s new rotation

Patrick Williams’ 2026-27 expectations

Is this P-Will’s make-or-break season?

Bulls wing depth and roster competition

Bryson Graham’s next possible upside swing

Chicago’s roster outlook before training camp

 

The Bulls have already reshaped the roster, but the Mathurin rumor shows Chicago may still be watching for a bigger upside opportunity. And with preseason on the way, Patrick Williams and the rest of the roster are getting closer to proving where they truly fit.

 

🎙️ Tune in to Locked On Bulls as Haize and Pat break down the Bennedict Mathurin rumors, the Bulls’ 2026 preseason schedule, and Patrick Williams’ expectations entering a critical season.

 

#ChicagoBulls #BullsNation #LockedOnBulls #BennedictMathurin #PatrickWilliams #BrysonGraham #JoshGiddey #MatasBuzelis #CalebWilson #NormanPowell #TiagoSplitter #NBA #SeeRed #ChicagoSports 🐂🔥🏀

 

Follow Locked On Bulls on Twitter

Locked On Bulls: https://twitter.com/LockedOnBulls

Haize: https://twitter.com/CEOHaize

Pat: https://twitter.com/PatTheDesigner

 

Everydayer Club

If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub

 

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The Chicago Bulls still have major rotation questions heading into the 2026-27 NBA season, and today’s episode looks at three names who could shape the bench conversation in very different ways. 👀🐂

 

On today’s episode of Locked On Bulls, Haize and Pat The Designer break down Tre Jones’ 2026-27 expectations and what his role should look like in Tiago Splitter’s first season as head coach. Can Jones be the steady backup guard this roster needs? With a young core featuring Josh Giddey, Matas Buzelis, Caleb Wilson, Dailyn Swain, Noa Essengue, and Nic Claxton, the Bulls need reliable decision-making, ball security, and structure off the bench.

 

The guys also dive into Jalen Smith’s expectations for the season. Smith brings size, shooting potential, rebounding, and frontcourt depth, but where does he fit with Nic Claxton, Zach Collins, Caleb Wilson, and the rest of the Bulls’ big-man rotation? Is there a clear role for him, or will minutes be harder to find than expected?

 

Plus, Haize and Pat discuss whether the Bulls should monitor Peyton Watson if the Denver Nuggets’ second-apron situation makes him available. Watson’s athleticism, defensive upside, wing size, and developmental profile could make him an intriguing upside swing for a Bulls team still searching for long-term answers on the wing.

 

Topics Include:

Tre Jones’ 2026-27 expectations

Can Tre Jones stabilize the Bulls’ second unit?

Jalen Smith’s role in Tiago Splitter’s rotation

Is Jalen Smith a sneaky important bench piece?

Bulls frontcourt depth questions

Peyton Watson availability watch

Could the Nuggets’ second-apron situation create an opportunity?

Should the Bulls take another upside swing?

How Peyton Watson would fit Chicago’s timeline

Bulls bench rotation preview

 

The Bulls have added talent, but the margins still matter. If Tre Jones gives Chicago steady guard play, Jalen Smith finds a defined role, and Peyton Watson becomes a real option, Bryson Graham may still have ways to improve the roster before the season begins.

 

🎙️ Tune in to Locked On Bulls as Haize and Pat break down Matas Buzelis’ comments on Billy Donovan, his work with Dirk Nowitzki, and Norman Powell’s expectations for the 2026-27 season.

 

 

Follow Locked On Bulls on Twitter

Locked On Bulls: https://twitter.com/LockedOnBulls

Haize: https://twitter.com/CEOHaize

Pat: https://twitter.com/PatTheDesigner

 

Everydayer Club

If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub

 

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This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Sign up and get 10% off at https://BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA.

 

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COM to play Daily Dingers and make your free pick on who’s hitting a homer this MLB season.

 

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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Caleb Wilson is officially one of the biggest pieces of the Chicago Bulls’ future — but what should Bulls fans realistically expect from him as a rookie? 👀🐂

 

On today’s episode of Locked On Bulls, Haize and Pat The Designer break down Caleb Wilson’s rookie-year expectations heading into the 2026-27 NBA season. After being added as a major part of Bryson Graham’s first offseason, Wilson enters Chicago with size, skill, defensive upside, and the kind of two-way potential Bulls fans have been waiting to see in the frontcourt.

 

But how much should be expected right away? Haize and Pat discuss what Wilson can bring immediately, where he may need patience, and what would make his rookie season a true success. Is it scoring? Rebounding? Defensive flashes? Starting-level impact? Or simply proving he belongs as a long-term core piece next to Matas Buzelis, Josh Giddey, Nic Claxton, Dailyn Swain, and Norman Powell?

 

The guys also dive into one of the biggest roster questions still facing the Bulls: which position has the most questionable depth? Chicago added talent this offseason, but there are still concerns about shooting, wing depth, bench creation, backup guard play, and how Tiago Splitter will build reliable rotations around a young roster.

 

Plus, Haize and Pat give love to the city after Chicago showed out for WNBA All-Star Weekend. From the energy in the city to the basketball culture on full display, Chicago reminded everyone why it deserves to keep being a major basketball stage.

 

Topics Include:

Caleb Wilson rookie-year expectations

What would make Wilson’s first season a success?

Can Wilson impact winning right away?

How Wilson fits with Matas Buzelis and Nic Claxton

Bulls’ most questionable position depth

Rotation concerns heading into training camp

How Tiago Splitter should manage a young roster

Chicago showing out for WNBA All-Star Weekend

Why Chicago basketball culture deserves more spotlight

 

The Bulls are entering a new era with more young talent, more athleticism, and more questions. Caleb Wilson’s rookie year could be one of the biggest storylines of the season, but the roster around him still has to prove it has enough depth to compete.

 

🎙️ Tune in to Locked On Bulls as Haize and Pat break down Caleb Wilson’s rookie expectations, the Bulls’ biggest depth concerns, and why Chicago’s WNBA All-Star Weekend energy was a major win for the city.

 

#ChicagoBulls #BullsNation #LockedOnBulls #CalebWilson #MatasBuzelis #JoshGiddey #NicClaxton #DailynSwain #WNBAAllStar #ChicagoSports #NBA #SeeRed

 

🎙️ Tune in to Locked On Bulls as Haize and Pat break down Matas Buzelis’ comments on Billy Donovan, his work with Dirk Nowitzki, and Norman Powell’s expectations for the 2026-27 season.

 

 

Follow Locked On Bulls on Twitter

Locked On Bulls: https://twitter.com/LockedOnBulls

Haize: https://twitter.com/CEOHaize

Pat: https://twitter.com/PatTheDesigner

 

Everydayer Club

If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub

 

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Odoo

Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon.  

 

Indeed

Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast

 

Betterhelp

This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Sign up and get 10% off at https://BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA.

 

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COM to play Daily Dingers and make your free pick on who’s hitting a homer this MLB season.

 

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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