Locked On Bulls - Daily Podcast On The Chicago Bulls

The Tiago Splitter era is officially underway, and his first Summer League practice may have already given Chicago Bulls fans a glimpse into the tone, identity, and expectations he wants to establish. 👀🐂

 

On today’s episode of Locked On Bulls, Haize and Pat The Designer react to Tiago Splitter setting the tone at the Bulls’ first Summer League practice and what that could mean for a team trying to build a new culture under a new front office and coaching staff.

 

The guys discuss whether the Bulls are forming a real team with a clear identity — or if this roster is still just a fun collection of young talent, veteran scoring, and intriguing upside. With Matas Buzelis, Caleb Wilson, Dailyn Swain, Josh Giddey, Nic Claxton, Norman Powell, and Zach Collins all part of the new-look roster, Chicago has more interesting pieces than before. But do those pieces actually fit together?

 

Haize and Pat also ask whether Bulls fans are sleeping on Dailyn Swain. The rookie may not be getting the same level of attention as Caleb Wilson, but his size, defensive tools, athleticism, and long-term upside could make him one of the more important development stories of the season.

 

Topics Include:

Tiago Splitter’s first Summer League practice tone

What Splitter’s early message says about Bulls culture

Are the Bulls building a real team identity?

Is Chicago more than just a fun collection of talent?

Dailyn Swain’s upside and possible role

Why Bulls fans should pay attention to Swain in Summer League

Caleb Wilson and the young core development track

How the new roster fits around Josh Giddey and Matas Buzelis

What expectations should be for Splitter in year one

 

The Bulls have new talent, a new coach, and a new direction — but now comes the real question: can Tiago Splitter turn interesting pieces into a team that actually makes sense?

 

🎙️ Tune in to Locked On Bulls as Haize and Pat break down Tiago Splitter’s first Summer League practice, the Bulls’ roster identity, and why Dailyn Swain may be one of the most underrated storylines in Chicago.

 

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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Reddit

Reddit is where the real fans hang out. Download the Reddit app and dive into your favorite team for hot takes, fresh memes, and the group chat that never sleeps.  

 

Quo

Make this the year where no opportunity - and no cutsomer - slips away.

Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to http://Quo.com/lockedonnba.

 

DoorDash

From tipoff to overtime, stay in your bag and order on DoorDash.  

Get snacks, drinks, gear — whatever gets you through the season — delivered right to your door.  

DoorDash. In your bag all season long.

 

PrizePicks

Download the PrizePicks app today and use code LOCKEDONNFL to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup.

Click Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBA

 

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

 

Gametime

Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

 

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get one-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game.

 

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’ offseason is not done yet, and the next wave of storylines starts with Summer League, one open roster spot, and Matas Buzelis getting more international reps. 👀🐂

 

On today’s episode of Locked On Bulls, Haize and Pat The Designer break down the Bulls Summer League schedule and the biggest things fans should be watching once Chicago’s young players hit the floor. With rookies like Caleb Wilson and Dailyn Swain entering the spotlight, Summer League could give Bulls fans an early look at how the next phase of the roster is coming together.

 

The guys also debate whether Gary Trent Jr. should be a serious option for the Bulls’ final roster spot. Chicago still needs more three-point shooting, spacing, and reliable perimeter offense around Josh Giddey, Matas Buzelis, Caleb Wilson, Nic Claxton, and Norman Powell. Could Trent be the veteran shooter who makes the roster more balanced? Or should Bryson Graham keep that final spot open for flexibility?

 

Plus, Haize and Pat discuss Matas Buzelis playing with Lithuania in FIBA competition and why that experience could matter for his development. More reps, more responsibility, and a different style of basketball could help Matas continue building toward the Year 3 leap Bulls fans are hoping for.

 

Topics Include:

Bulls Summer League schedule preview

Biggest Summer League players to watch

Caleb Wilson and Dailyn Swain development storylines

Gary Trent Jr. as a final roster spot option

Why the Bulls still need more shooting

Should Chicago prioritize spacing or flexibility?

Matas Buzelis playing with Lithuania

How FIBA reps could help Matas’ development

Bryson Graham’s next roster decision

 

The Bulls have made major changes, but the margins still matter. Summer League could show what the young core is building, while the final roster spot could decide whether Chicago has enough shooting to make the offense work.

 

🎙️ Tune in to Locked On Bulls as Haize and Pat break down the Bulls Summer League schedule, Gary Trent Jr.’s possible fit, and what Matas Buzelis’ FIBA run could mean for his next step.

 

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!

5-Hour ENERGY

The funfetti flavor is BACK on https://5hourEnergy.com or Amazon, crack open Confetti Craze 5-hour ENERGY®️ shot today!  

 

KALSHI

For a limited time, download the Kalshi app and use code LOCKEDON to get ten dollars when you trade ten. Kalshi. Trade on anything.  

 

Reddit

Reddit is where the real fans hang out. Download the Reddit app and dive into your favorite team for hot takes, fresh memes, and the group chat that never sleeps.  

 

Quo

Make this the year where no opportunity - and no cutsomer - slips away.

Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to http://Quo.com/lockedonnba.

 

DoorDash

From tipoff to overtime, stay in your bag and order on DoorDash.  

Get snacks, drinks, gear — whatever gets you through the season — delivered right to your door.  

DoorDash. In your bag all season long.

 

PrizePicks

Download the PrizePicks app today and use code LOCKEDONNFL to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup.

Click Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBA

 

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

 

Gametime

Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

 

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get one-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game.

 

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 have rebuilt the roster, but one major question still hangs over everything: do they have enough three-point shooting to make this offense work? 👀🐂

 

On today’s episode of Locked On Bulls, Haize and Pat The Designer break down just how big the Bulls’ shooting issue could be heading into the 2026-27 NBA season. Chicago has added talent, athleticism, defense, and scoring upside, but spacing remains one of the biggest concerns around a roster featuring Josh Giddey, Matas Buzelis, Caleb Wilson, Dailyn Swain, Nic Claxton, Norman Powell, and Zach Collins.

 

The guys discuss whether the Bulls have enough reliable shooters to create driving lanes, keep defenses honest, and help Tiago Splitter build a functional offense in year one. Is this simply a roster flaw that can be managed, or is the lack of shooting serious enough to limit Chicago’s ceiling?

 

Haize and Pat also dive into the bench rotation battle. With a deeper roster and several young players fighting for minutes, not everyone can play. Who gets left out of the rotation? Which young players need consistent development minutes? And how should the Bulls balance winning games with building for the future?

 

Plus, the guys set expectations for Tiago Splitter’s first season as Bulls head coach. With a rebuilt roster, a new identity, and pressure to show progress, what should fans realistically expect from Splitter in year one?

 

Topics Include:

How big is the Bulls’ three-point shooting problem?

Can Chicago build a functional offense without elite spacing?

Who should make the Bulls bench rotation?

Which players could be left out of regular minutes?

Tiago Splitter’s year one expectations

How Splitter can maximize the rebuilt roster

Bulls’ offensive identity entering 2026-27

Development vs. winning for Chicago’s young core

 

The Bulls have more talent than they did before, but talent alone does not guarantee balance. If Chicago wants to take a real step forward, shooting, rotation decisions, and coaching identity will decide how far this rebuilt roster can go.

 

🎙️ Tune in to Locked On Bulls as Haize and Pat break down the Bulls’ shooting concerns, bench rotation battles, and Tiago Splitter’s expectations in year one with Chicago.

 

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!

5-Hour ENERGY

The funfetti flavor is BACK on https://5hourEnergy.com or Amazon, crack open Confetti Craze 5-hour ENERGY®️ shot today!  

 

KALSHI

For a limited time, download the Kalshi app and use code LOCKEDON to get ten dollars when you trade ten. Kalshi. Trade on anything.  

 

Reddit

Reddit is where the real fans hang out. Download the Reddit app and dive into your favorite team for hot takes, fresh memes, and the group chat that never sleeps.  

 

Quo

Make this the year where no opportunity - and no cutsomer - slips away.

Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to http://Quo.com/lockedonnba.

 

DoorDash

From tipoff to overtime, stay in your bag and order on DoorDash.  

Get snacks, drinks, gear — whatever gets you through the season — delivered right to your door.  

DoorDash. In your bag all season long.

 

PrizePicks

Download the PrizePicks app today and use code LOCKEDONNFL to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup.

Click Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBA

 

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

 

Gametime

Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

 

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get one-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game.

 

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’ 2026-27 roster looks very different — and now the expectations have to change with it. 👀🐂

 

On today’s episode of Locked On Bulls, Haize and Pat The Designer break down what Bulls fans should realistically expect from Chicago after an offseason that added Caleb Wilson, Dailyn Swain, Nic Claxton, and Norman Powell to the roster.

 

The Bulls now have more athleticism, more defensive versatility, more veteran scoring, and a clearer identity around the young core. But does that mean Chicago should be viewed as a serious Play-In team? A playoff threat? Or is this still a development year where progress matters more than wins?

 

Haize and Pat discuss how Caleb Wilson and Dailyn Swain fit into the future, what Nic Claxton gives Chicago defensively, and why Norman Powell could be one of the most important additions if the Bulls want to fix their scoring and spacing issues.

 

The guys also look at the Bulls’ final open roster spot and debate what Bryson Graham should do with it. Should Chicago add more shooting? Another ball-handler? A veteran big? Or should the Bulls leave flexibility open for a future trade?

 

Plus, Haize and Pat give their honest thoughts on Bryson Graham’s first offseason running the Bulls. Did Graham move with patience and purpose? Did he address the right needs? And has this new front office already started to reshape the direction of Bulls basketball?

 

Topics Include:

Bulls 2026-27 season expectations

Caleb Wilson’s role as a rookie

Dailyn Swain’s long-term upside

Nic Claxton’s defensive impact

Norman Powell’s scoring and shooting fit

What the Bulls should do with their final roster spot

Bryson Graham’s first offseason review

Did Chicago build a more balanced roster?

Bulls Play-In and playoff outlook

 

The Bulls may not be a finished product yet, but this offseason has created a clearer path forward. Now the question is whether this new-look roster can turn potential into real progress.

 

🎙️ Tune in to Locked On Bulls as Haize and Pat break down expectations for the 2026-27 Chicago Bulls, the final roster decisions ahead, and Bryson Graham’s first offseason leading the franchise.

 

 

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!

5-Hour ENERGY

The funfetti flavor is BACK on https://5hourEnergy.com or Amazon, crack open Confetti Craze 5-hour ENERGY®️ shot today!  

 

KALSHI

For a limited time, download the Kalshi app and use code LOCKEDON to get ten dollars when you trade ten. Kalshi. Trade on anything.  

 

Reddit

Reddit is where the real fans hang out. Download the Reddit app and dive into your favorite team for hot takes, fresh memes, and the group chat that never sleeps.  

 

Quo

Make this the year where no opportunity - and no cutsomer - slips away.

Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to http://Quo.com/lockedonnba.

 

DoorDash

From tipoff to overtime, stay in your bag and order on DoorDash.  

Get snacks, drinks, gear — whatever gets you through the season — delivered right to your door.  

DoorDash. In your bag all season long.

 

PrizePicks

Download the PrizePicks app today and use code LOCKEDONNFL to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup.

Click Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBA

 

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

 

Gametime

Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

 

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get one-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game.

 

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 made their first move of NBA free agency by re-signing Zach Collins to a two-year, $17 million deal — but was that the right opening move for Bryson Graham and this new front office? 👀🐂

 

On today’s episode of Locked On Bulls, Haize and Pat The Designer break down what Zach Collins returning means for the Bulls’ frontcourt, rotation, and offseason flexibility. Collins gives Chicago another experienced big man, but the bigger question remains: does this move actually solve enough for a roster that still needs shooting, scoring, and reliable depth?

 

The guys also react to a surprisingly quiet Day One of free agency, not just for the Bulls, but around the NBA as a whole. With fewer major moves than expected, did Chicago benefit from staying patient? Or should Bulls fans be concerned that the front office has not been more aggressive early?

 

Haize and Pat then look at the best remaining free agent targets who could still make sense for the Bulls. Chicago still needs more perimeter shooting, wing scoring, and lineup balance around Josh Giddey, Matas Buzelis, Caleb Wilson, Dailyn Swain, and the rest of the young core. The Bulls may have brought Collins back, but the offseason work is far from finished.

 

Topics Include:

Bulls re-sign Zach Collins to a two-year, $17 million deal

What Collins brings back to Chicago’s frontcourt

Was this a smart value move or too safe?

Quiet Day One of NBA free agency

Why the Bulls may still be waiting for the market to settle

Best free agents still available for Chicago

How Bryson Graham can still fix the roster

Bulls’ biggest remaining needs after Day One

 

The Bulls have made their first move, but now the pressure shifts to what comes next. Can Bryson Graham add enough shooting and scoring to make this roster more functional, or is Chicago heading toward another offseason full of patience and unanswered questions?

 

🎙️ Tune in to Locked On Bulls as Haize and Pat break down Zach Collins’ new deal, the quiet start to NBA free agency, and the best remaining targets for the Chicago Bulls.

 

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!

5-Hour ENERGY

The funfetti flavor is BACK on https://5hourEnergy.com or Amazon, crack open Confetti Craze 5-hour ENERGY®️ shot today!  

 

KALSHI

For a limited time, download the Kalshi app and use code LOCKEDON to get ten dollars when you trade ten. Kalshi. Trade on anything.  

 

Reddit

Reddit is where the real fans hang out. Download the Reddit app and dive into your favorite team for hot takes, fresh memes, and the group chat that never sleeps.  

 

Quo

Make this the year where no opportunity - and no cutsomer - slips away.

Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to http://Quo.com/lockedonnba.

 

DoorDash

From tipoff to overtime, stay in your bag and order on DoorDash.  

Get snacks, drinks, gear — whatever gets you through the season — delivered right to your door.  

DoorDash. In your bag all season long.

 

PrizePicks

Download the PrizePicks app today and use code LOCKEDONNFL to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup.

Click Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBA

 

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

 

Gametime

Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

 

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get one-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game.

 

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.