
By The Horns: A Chicago Bulls Show
NBC Sports Chicago
Welcome to By The Horns, a podcast covering the Chicago Bulls. Hosted by Chicagoans Camron Smith and Drew Stevens. We’ll bring you the latest updates along with guest interviews and breaking news. Episodes are released every Tuesday and Thursday.
Location:
United States
Genres:
Sports & Recreation Podcasts
Description:
Welcome to By The Horns, a podcast covering the Chicago Bulls. Hosted by Chicagoans Camron Smith and Drew Stevens. We’ll bring you the latest updates along with guest interviews and breaking news. Episodes are released every Tuesday and Thursday.
Language:
English
Episodes
Ayo Dosunmu Trade Rumors, Isaac Okoro's Roster Impact, and Tre Jones' Return
7/2/2025
Cam Smith returns from vacation to rejoin K.C. Johnson for a jam-packed episode of By the Horns. The guys dive deep into the Bulls’ offseason so far, including the re-signing of Tre Jones, the growing trade buzz around Ayo Dosunmu, and Isaac Okoro’s potential impact as a two-way starter. They also unpack the challenges and upside of first-round pick Noa Essengue’s transition to Chicago. Plus, K.C. explains why the Bucks moves around Giannis should be applauded.
Duration:00:31:26
Chicago Bulls Draft Noa Essengue 12th Overall
6/26/2025
It’s a special solo draft night edition of By the Horns as K.C. Johnson breaks down the Bulls’ selection of French forward Noa Essengue with the 12th overall pick. K.C. dives into the Bulls’ rationale behind the upside swing, Essengue’s background, strengths, and what GM Mark Eversley envisions for his on- and off-court development. You’ll also hear surprise cameos from Patrick Williams and Talen Horton-Tucker, plus some behind-the-scenes insight into who else the Bulls considered on draft night. Can Essengue and Matas Buzelis anchor the frontcourt of the future? And just how patient will fans need to be?
Duration:00:17:38
Bulls Reportedly Extend Front Office Duo — What It Means for the Future
6/18/2025
With the NBA Finals nearing a possible conclusion, Cam Smith and Bulls insider K.C. Johnson break down how the Thunder have taken control of the series—thanks to elite defense, balanced depth, and smart coaching. They also reflect on what the Pacers' rise means for a Bulls team hoping to emulate a similar build. Then the conversation shifts to the Bulls' front office, where reported extensions for Artūras Karnišovas and Marc Eversley signal ownership's continued trust in their leadership. Cam and K.C. discuss the implications of this stability, how it sets the stage for the next roster iteration, and what Bulls fans can expect with the 12th pick in a wide-open draft class.
Duration:00:27:38
Bulls Youth Building Bonds and NBA Finals Heating Up
6/10/2025
Cam Smith and K.C. Johnson break down the NBA Finals so far—Indiana’s Game 1 steal, OKC’s bounce-back in Game 2, and what’s next. Plus, Bulls offseason workouts, Asa Newell’s draft stock, and Shaq’s Reebok pitch to Matas Buzelis.
Duration:00:45:31
NBA Finals Preview, Thibs Fired, & Lonzo Ball What-Ifs
6/3/2025
The NBA Finals are here—and while some may scoff at the "small market" matchup, Cam Smith and KC Johnson are fired up for Pacers vs. Thunder. The duo breaks down why Indiana can push OKC, the key matchups and X-factors to watch, and why hoopers should love this series. They also react to DeMar DeRozan's heartfelt Lonzo Ball praise, revisiting the Bulls' what-if 2021-22 season. Plus, Cam details his first-ever half marathon experience, and the guys respond in real time to the breaking news of Tom Thibodeau’s firing by the Knicks.
Duration:00:39:22
Fit vs. Best Player Available at No. 12 & All-NBA Team Reactions
5/27/2025
With the NBA Draft just a month away, Cam Smith and Bulls insider K.C. Johnson break down the latest intel from Bulls draft workouts and rising prospects. Will Chicago target a guard or a frontcourt piece at No. 12? They dive deep into the cases for Egor Demin, Derik Queen, and Asa Newell—and debate fit vs. philosophy in the Bulls' draft approach.
Plus, the duo reacts to the All-NBA selections, Shea Gilgeous-Alexander's MVP win, and what his historic season means for OKC’s Finals hopes. They also check in on the Knicks-Pacers and Timberwolves-Thunder showdowns and discuss who has the edge as the Conference Finals continue.
Duration:00:35:46
Buzelis Named to NBA All-Rookie Second Team
5/20/2025
Cam Smith and K.C. Johnson dive into the big news of the week—Matas Buzelis earning All-Rookie Second Team honors—and what it says about his trajectory with the Bulls. They break down his development, his defensive mindset, and why he could be the foundation of Chicago’s rebuild. Plus, the guys preview the Bulls' strategy heading into the draft with the 12th overall pick and highlight key prospects to watch. Then it’s NBA Conference Finals time—Cam and K.C. make their picks and debate whether the Pacers and Timberwolves have what it takes to make a Finals run.
Duration:00:33:28
Bulls Land 12th Pick as NBA Combine Takes Over Chicago
5/14/2025
The NBA world descended on Chicago for Draft Lottery and Combine Week, and By The Horns was there to take it all in. Cam Smith and KC Johnson break down the Bulls landing the 12th pick, share insights from the combine floor, and debate who could be the best fit for the team on draft night. From Cooper Flagg’s rise to under-the-radar names like Saint Joseph's Rasheer Fleming and Duke's Khaman Maluach, the guys talk development, frontcourt priorities, and the myths of lottery luck. Plus, KC shuts down those conspiracy theories and shares what he's hearing from insiders on the ground.
Duration:00:30:30
Why the Bulls Aren’t Getting Giannis (Yet)
5/6/2025
On this episode of By the Horns, Cam Smith and K.C. Johnson dive into the sizzling offseason chatter as Bulls fans dream about a potential Giannis trade—and K.C. brings a dose of reality to the fantasy. The duo breaks down why the Bucks' superstar isn’t going anywhere anytime soon and what it would actually take to bring him to Chicago. Plus, they go around the NBA Playoff landscape—from the Pacers turning heads to the Knicks' Game 1 stunner, and the Nuggets’ gritty finish against the Thunder. They also reflect on Gregg Popovich’s legendary coaching career and his transition to team president of the Spurs.
Duration:00:31:20
The Playoff Scars You Need: Bulls' Future, Bucks' Collapse, and Why the First Round Rules
4/29/2025
Cam Smith and K.C. Johnson are back on By The Horns, presented by Toyota, diving into a spicy NBA Playoffs first round. They kick things off reflecting on the Bulls' offseason position and why playoff scars are necessary for young stars. The guys break down Milwaukee’s collapse and debate whether the Bucks’ championship window is officially closed. Plus, they pick their favorite first-round series, rave about rising young teams like Detroit and Minnesota, and share why seeing NBA legends watch their sons ball out is one of the coolest parts of this postseason.
Stay locked in, fight through the playoff sleep deprivation, and make it up to your significant other later — By The Horns is rolling through the best time of the basketball year.
Duration:00:32:42
Closing the book on the '24-'25 Chicago Bulls season
4/23/2025
K.C Johnson joins Cam Smith and Drew Stevens on this end of season episode of the By The Horns podcast. We cover everything that happened this season and it effects the Bulls now and into the future. From the expectations going into the season, the end of the Zach LaVine era, Coby White's adaptability, Vučević's career year, and the emergence of rookie Matas Buzelis. We also discuss how the Bulls will approach the offseason and what to look forward to in the future.
Duration:01:07:11
Bulls' season comes to an end with play-in loss to Miami
4/17/2025
The Chicago Bulls' season ends in a disheartening defeat against the Miami Heat in the play-in tournament. Cam Smith and Drew Stevens break down the 109-90 loss, analyzing the Bulls' struggles, Tyler Hero's dominant performance, and what this means for the team moving forward. Plus, a heated debate on the NBA's play-in tournament.
Duration:00:22:35
K.C. Johnson previews Bulls-Heat Play-In
4/15/2025
On this episode of By The Horns, Cam Smith and K.C. Johnson preview the Bulls play-in matchup against the Miami Heat. They discuss how the Bulls can use their fast paced style to their advantage, the Heat’s 4th quarter struggles, and expectations from key players on both sides. They give their x-factors of the game and the extra motivation in the locker room after Miami ended their season the last two seasons.
Duration:00:31:11
Bulls likely headed for yet another play-in matchup versus the Miami Heat
4/10/2025
On this episode of By The Horns, Cam and Drew break down the Bulls' win against the Miami Heat, focusing on Josh Giddey's historic performance—a stat line only matched by Larry Bird and Giannis Antetokounmpo! We'll dive into the team's impressive synergy, pointing out the contributions of Kevin Huerter and Matas Buzelis. We discuss the Bulls' playoff outlook, the upcoming games against the Wizards and Sixers, and the likely rematch against the Heat in the play-in tournament. Plus, we speculate on Erik Spoelstra's strategies and the emotional impact of Luka Dončić's return to Dallas.
Duration:00:30:21
Did the Bulls make a mistake by sitting key starters vs Cleveland?
4/9/2025
Join Cam Smith and Drew Stevens for a new episode of the By the Horns podcast. Fresh off vacation, Cam is back to discuss the wild ride that is the NBA playoffs. We'll dissect the Bulls' surprising decision to rest key players against the Cleveland Cavaliers, a game where the Cavs clinched the number one seed in the East. We'll analyze the implications for the Bulls' play-in tournament seeding and discuss whether the team is prioritizing competitive integrity or playoff positioning. Hear Cam and Drew debate the Bulls' strategy, analyzing the performances of key players like Patrick Williams (who had a season-high 21 points!), and break down the importance of the upcoming games against the Miami Heat and beyond. Plus, we'll discuss the latest NBA drama, including recent coaching changes, and Cam takes a victory lap for Arsenal's 1st leg win over Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-final. See you at the Bernabéu, Cam. Hala Madrid!
Duration:00:25:31
Can Coby White and Josh Giddey be the backcourt of the future?
4/3/2025
On this episode of By the Horns, K.C. Johnson and Drew Stevens discuss the Chicago Bulls' playoff hopes. They analyze the team's remaining schedule, the potential of a future backcourt of Giddey-White, and the importance of the upcoming play-in tournament. Plus, a discussion on Lonzo Ball's potential return and the Bulls' overall future.
Duration:00:28:27
Fastbreak EP. 12: Matas Buzelis' defense, Bulls' road success, Dalen's rotation jump
4/1/2025
K.C. Johnson returns for Episode 12 of The Fastbreak to discuss all things Bulls after a wild week that witnessed one of the craziest plays and sequence in the NBA this year as well as back-to-back losses for the Bulls that have dropped them back to the #10 seed. With a new week and a new month beginning, K.C. details the four storylines he'll be most watching as the Bulls face Toronto and Portland in a two-game home stand this week.
Duration:00:11:28
Josh Giddey buzzer beater stuns Lakers in wild finish
3/28/2025
On this edition of By The Horns, Cam Smith and Drew Stevens react to the wild finish between the Bulls and the Lakers. Down 5 points with 12.6 seconds left, the two teams had one of the wildest sequences in the NBA this season ending in a Josh Giddey half court buzzer beater to seal the 4th win in a row for the Chicago Bulls. The guys break down Giddey's recent play and Coby White's 4th quarter run. Can the Bulls reach the 8th seed?
Duration:00:29:39
K.C. Johnson on Coby White leading the Bulls' recent success
3/26/2025
Cam Smith and K.C Johnson recap the Chicago Bulls' electrifying win streak, Coby White's rise as a star, and the promising news on Lonzo Ball's return. K.C. shares exclusive insights from his interview with Coby, discussing his adaptation to playing alongside Josh Giddey. We also break down the team's improved chemistry and defensive performance. Plus, playoff predictions and a look ahead to the final 10 games!
Duration:00:23:28
Coby White leads Bulls past LaVine & DeRozen in Sacramento
3/21/2025
In this episode of the By the Horns podcast, Cam and KC dive deep into the Chicago Bulls' hot streak. Coby White's 11-game, 20+ point streak is dissected, revealing career highs and a poise on the court. We explore the explosive team chemistry on display in Sacramento, including Kevin Huerter's revenge game against his former team and Nikola Vucevic's near-triple-double. Injury updates on Lonzo Ball and Tre Jones are provided, alongside a discussion of the team's playoff aspirations. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the post-game locker room celebrations and hear exclusive insights into the Bulls' dynamic.
Duration:00:31:47