Locked On Bulls - Daily Podcast On The Chicago Bulls

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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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.

 

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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

 

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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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The Chicago Bulls are being projected for just 29.5 wins next season, but is that number fair — or are people overlooking the impact of this rebuilt roster? 👀🐂

 

On today’s episode of Locked On Bulls, Haize and Pat The Designer break down the 2026-27 season expectations for Nic Claxton and why his role could be one of the biggest swing factors for Chicago. Claxton gives the Bulls a true defensive anchor, rim protection, switchability, rebounding, vertical spacing, and a different level of athleticism at center than they have had in recent years.

 

But how much can one player change?

 

The guys discuss what Claxton needs to bring next season for the Bulls to become a more serious defensive team, how he fits next to Josh Giddey, Matas Buzelis, Caleb Wilson, Norman Powell, and the rest of the new-look roster, and whether his presence alone can help Chicago beat its low win projection.

 

Haize and Pat also react to the Bulls being predicted to win 29.5 games next season. Is that a realistic number for a team still trying to build chemistry under Tiago Splitter, or is it too low considering the additions Chicago made this offseason?

 

Plus, the guys ask whether Bulls fans should be surprised that Bryson Graham did not make a bigger upside trade during his first offseason running the team. Chicago added talent, improved the roster, and stayed flexible — but did the Bulls miss a chance to swing bigger on a young player with star upside?

 

Topics Include:

Nic Claxton’s 2026-27 Bulls expectations

How Claxton changes Chicago’s defense

Bulls projected to win 29.5 games next season

Is the win total too low or fair?

How Claxton fits with Josh Giddey and Caleb Wilson

What Tiago Splitter needs from Claxton in year one

Why the Bulls avoided a big swing trade

Did Bryson Graham play it smart or too safe?

Bulls offseason review and season outlook

 

The Bulls may not be viewed as a serious threat nationally, but the path to beating expectations starts with defense, identity, and internal growth. If Nic Claxton gives Chicago the rim protection and defensive stability they have been missing, the Bulls could be better than the 29.5-win projection suggests.

 

🎙️ Tune in to Locked On Bulls as Haize and Pat break down Nic Claxton’s season expectations, the Bulls’ 29.5-win projection, and whether Chicago should have made a bigger upside trade this offseason.

 

🎙️ 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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Matas Buzelis is not hiding how he felt about his role under Billy Donovan — and now Bulls fans have a major reason to watch his development even closer. 👀🐂

 

On today’s episode of Locked On Bulls, Haize and Pat The Designer react to Matas Buzelis talking about Billy Donovan putting him on a leash and what that says about his growth, confidence, and mindset entering the 2026-27 NBA season. Was Matas limited too much last year? Did the Bulls fail to fully unlock his offensive game? And with Tiago Splitter now leading the team, could Buzelis finally get the freedom he needs to take a real leap?

 

The guys also discuss Matas working with Dirk Nowitzki and why that could be massive for his development. From footwork to shooting touch to creating advantages as a taller forward, Dirk’s influence could help Buzelis sharpen the exact areas that may determine whether he becomes a high-level starter or something even bigger for Chicago.

 

Plus, Haize and Pat break down Norman Powell’s 2026-27 season expectations with the Bulls. Powell was brought in to give Chicago veteran scoring, three-point shooting, shot creation, and offensive reliability. But how much should Bulls fans expect from him? Can Powell be the steady scoring presence this roster needs around Josh Giddey, Matas Buzelis, Caleb Wilson, Nic Claxton, and Dailyn Swain?

 

Topics Include:

Matas Buzelis speaking on Billy Donovan’s restrictions

Did Billy put Matas “on a leash”?

How Tiago Splitter could unlock Buzelis

Matas working with Dirk Nowitzki

What Dirk’s influence could mean for Matas’ development

Matas Buzelis Year 3 leap expectations

Norman Powell’s 2026-27 Bulls role

Can Powell fix Chicago’s scoring and shooting issues?

How Powell fits next to Josh Giddey and the young core

Bulls offensive expectations entering the season

 

The Bulls are entering a new era, and two players could define how quickly things change: Matas Buzelis and Norman Powell. If Matas takes the leap and Powell gives Chicago reliable veteran production, the Bulls may have a much more dangerous offense than people expect.

 

🎙️ 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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The Chicago Bulls are entering the 2026-27 season with a new-look roster, a new head coach, and major expectations for their young core — starting with Josh Giddey and Matas Buzelis. 👀🐂 On today’s episode of Locked On Bulls, Haize and Pat The Designer break down what Bulls fans should realistically expect from Josh Giddey this season. After the front office made it clear that Giddey is viewed as part of the Bulls’ core, the pressure is now on him to prove he can be more than a connective passer. Can Giddey improve as a shooter, defend at a higher level, control the offense, and help raise the ceiling of the team? The guys also discuss whether Matas Buzelis is ready to make a true third-year leap. With more talent around him and a bigger role in the Bulls’ future, Buzelis has a chance to become one of Chicago’s most important players. But what does that leap actually look like? More scoring? Better three-point shooting? Stronger defense? More consistency? Haize and Pat lay out what fans should be watching for. Plus, the guys dive into the question of Thomas Sorber’s availability and whether the Bulls should be interested if the young big man becomes a realistic option. Chicago has added frontcourt talent, but long-term size, rim protection, rebounding, and developmental upside should always be on the radar for Bryson Graham and the front office. Topics Include: Josh Giddey’s 2026-27 expectations Can Giddey prove he is a Bulls core piece? What Giddey must improve this season Matas Buzelis’ possible third-year leap Why Buzelis’ development matters so much Thomas Sorber availability watch Should the Bulls pursue another young big? How the Bulls’ young core fits together Bryson Graham’s long-term roster-building vision Bulls expectations entering the new season The Bulls have more intriguing talent than they have had in years, but now the next step is turning promise into production. If Giddey and Buzelis both level up, Chicago’s rebuild could start moving faster than expected. 🎙️ Tune in to Locked On Bulls as Haize and Pat break down Josh Giddey’s expectations, Matas Buzelis’ Year 3 leap potential, and whether Thomas Sorber should be on the Bulls’ radar. 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)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.