Published by Chicago Sports Network
Welcome to By The Horns, a podcast covering the Chicago Bulls. Hosted by Bulls Countdown Live host Camron Smith and CHSN Bulls Insider K.C. Johnson. We’ll bring you the latest updates along with guest interviews and breaking news. Episodes are released every Tuesday and Thursday.
Listen on Apple PodcastsCam Smith and K.C. Johnson dive into the Bulls' Summer League action, led by the standout play of No. 4 overall pick Caleb Wilson. They also examine No. 15 overall pick Dailyn Swain's early development, share their impressions of second-year forward Noa Essengue, and K.C. gives his early read on new Bulls head coach Tiago Splitter.
Jalen Brunson joins Cam Smith and K.C. Johnson to reflect on his journey from being named Illinois Mr. Basketball at Adlai E. Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire, Illinois, to growing up around the NBA and the Chicago Bulls during his father Rick Brunson's playing and coaching career. He looks back on his championship run at Villanova Wildcats men's basketball, being drafted by the Dallas Mavericks, and eventually helping lead the New York Knicks to an NBA championship. Brunson also shares stories about playing alongside Derrick Rose, his early years in Dallas, the passion of Knicks fans, his foundation, and life after winning it all. (Recorded on June 30, 2026)
Cam Smith and K.C. Johnson break down the start of NBA free agency, including the Bulls' additions of Norman Powell and Nic Claxton, Zach Collins' return, and how each player fits into Chicago's roster heading into next season. They also discuss what the Bulls could do with their final roster spot and react to former Bulls Nikola Vučević and Javon Carter signing with the Orlando Magic.
The newest members of the Chicago Bulls, Caleb Wilson and Dailyn Swain, join Cam Smith and K.C. Johnson on the By The Horns podcast. The two rookies discuss family, college, the culture they hope to build with the Bulls, and life off the court and wrap things up with a fun round of rapid-fire questions.
In this week’s episode of By the Horns, K.C. Johnson and Cam Smith break down the Chicago Bulls’ first night of the NBA Draft. The duo discusses the selections of Caleb Wilson and Dailyn Swain, why both fit the defensive-minded culture Bryson Graham is building, and how each prospect could impact the Bulls' future. Plus, they dive into Wilson’s confidence and Swain’s versatile skill set.
Cam Smith and K.C. sit down with the 25th head coach in Chicago Bulls history, Tiago Splitter to discuss his remarkable journey from leaving Brazil for Spain as a teenager to becoming an NBA champion and head coach. Splitter reflects on his playing career, including the 2014 NBA Finals, and his transition into coaching, while sharing what he learned from mentors like Gregg Popovich and his time leading Portland to a playoff berth. He also opens up about his vision for the Bulls, building relationships with players and growing up a Bulls fan.
Cam Smith and K.C. Johnson sit down with ESPN draft analyst Jeremy Woo for a deep dive into the 2026 NBA Draft. They discuss whether AJ Dybantsa is a lock for the No. 1 pick, break down the top prospects and potential sleepers, debate what the Bulls should do with the No. 4 and No. 15 selections, and examine how players like Darryn Peterson and Cam Boozer could fit at the next level. Woo also shares insight into Chicago's options in the 2nd round and offers a behind-the-scenes look at what the college basketball season is like for one of the sport's leading draft experts.
Cam Smith and K.C. Johnson break down the hire of new Bulls head coach Tiago Splitter. They talk about his journey from NBA champion to NBA head coach after leading the Trail Blazers to a playoff berth last season. They discuss his coaching style, what this means for the Bulls both on and off the court, and much more!
K.C. Johnson and Cam Smith open the show by honoring Stacey King, reflecting on the recent CHSN special and the statement released by Stacey’s family. The two share what Stacey meant to them personally, with Cam recalling memorable stories from working alongside a broadcaster he grew up rooting for. Later, former Bulls forward and Stacey’s longtime teammate Scott Williams joins the podcast to celebrate Stacey’s life and legacy. Scott shares stories from their days on the Bulls, including intense bench-vs.-starter battles, the competitive culture created by players like Michael Jordan and company, memories from the 1992 championship run, Stacey’s relationship with Phil Jackson, and the heartbreak he felt when Stacey was traded.
K.C. Johnson gives Cam Smith his due after Cam correctly predicted the NBA Finals matchup, setting the stage for a breakdown of how the two teams stack up against each other. The guys compare strengths and weaknesses, identify their X-factors, and explain why players like Victor Wembanyama and Jalen Brunson could ultimately determine who lifts the trophy. Later, K.C. and Cam make their championship picks and break down the matchups that could swing the series. They also bring out the "By The Horns Hotline," answering questions from Bulls fans about the coaching search, draft possibilities, roster decisions involving Ayo Dosunmu, organizational changes under Bryson Graham, and potential trade scenarios.
Cam Smith and K.C. Johnson welcome Bulls pre and postgame analyst and former Bull Kendall Gill to talk the future of the Bulls and the current NBA landscape. Kendall shares why he believes newly hired EVP Bryson Graham can help reshape the franchise, reflects on his own experiences in Charlotte and how they compare to the Bulls’ current situation, and explains why Chicago still has major work to do despite the pieces already on the roster. The guys also get into the Bulls’ options with the No. 4 overall pick, potential draft fits, and Kendall’s surprising thoughts on a possible move for a former NBA all-star. The conversation also shifts around the league as Kendall gives his conference finals and NBA Finals predictions, discusses the rise of the New York Knicks, and talks about what it would mean for Jalen Brunson to bring New York a championship. They dive into Victor Wembanyama’s future with the San Antonio Spurs, whether he is already becoming the face of the league, and how the Spurs’ organizational culture continues to stand out across the NBA. Plus, Kendall wraps things up with stories from his offseason life away from basketball, including his passion for gardening.
Cam Smith and K.C. Johnson unpack some more offseason moves for the Chicago Bulls after the organization officially added Stephen Mervis and Acie Law IV to the front office. The conversation dives into Law’s return to the franchise, his basketball background, and the Chicago sports ties that make the hire even more intriguing. From there, the spotlight swings toward the Bulls’ coaching search, as Cam and K.C. sort through the growing list of candidates that includes Wes Unseld Jr., David Sweeney, Micah Nori, and James Borrego. Then the energy shifts to a wild start to the NBA’s conference finals, beginning with the Spurs and Thunder delivering an instant classic in Game 1 of the West Finals. Cam and K.C. break down Victor Wembanyama’s jaw-dropping performance, debate whether his deep late-game three could become one of the defining shots of this NBA era, and discuss what lessons the Bulls can take from San Antonio’s rapid rise. The episode also includes Eastern Conference Finals predictions, draft talk surrounding potential risers outside the top four, K.C.’s insight into how league circles view the Bulls’ draft position, and why Cam believes Caleb Wilson may ultimately have the highest ceiling in the entire class.
Ruthie Polinsky fills in for Cam Smith alongside K.C. Johnson as the two break down a pivotal stretch for the Chicago Bulls following the NBA Draft Lottery. They react to the Bulls landing the 4th overall pick, share the latest on Josh Giddey’s injury status, and discuss where the organization’s coaching search stands as the offseason begins to ramp up. The episode also includes takeaways from the NBA Draft Combine, including notable press conference moments and early impressions of several intriguing draft prospects. K.C. and Ruthie dive deeper into several names connected to the Bulls, including Chicago-linked star Cam Boozer and North Carolina big man Caleb Wilson, while also taking a quick look at elite talents AJ Dybantsa and Chicago native Darryn Peterson. Later, the conversation shifts toward potential options at No. 15 overall, including high-upside Kentucky forward Jayden Quaintance and towering Michigan center Aday Mara, as the crew evaluates the different directions Chicago could take in this year’s draft.
On the latest episode of By The Horns, K.C. and Cam are joined by new Bulls Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations Bryson Graham. Graham opens up about his upbringing, how the Bulls inspired him to as a young kid and what traits he brings as the new leader of the organization. Cam and K.C. pull back the curtain and connect with Bryson on a deeper level beyond X's and O's. 0:00-1:08 - Intro 1:09-4:00 - Graham's upbringing and family influence 4:01-5:44 - Graham's college career and perspective change 5:45-12:00 - How Graham went from intern to executive 12:01-17:34 - Graham's leadership style 17:35-21:45 - The influence of Michael Jordan on Graham 21:46-23:01 - How the 90's Bulls defined greatness for Graham 23:02-25:38 - What about the Bulls opportunity appealed to Graham 25:39- 27:22 - Rapid fire questions 27:23-27:49 - Outro
Cam Smith and K.C. Johnson break down where the Bulls’ front office search stands, diving into the process of hiring a new executive vice president while sizing up potential candidates. They shift to the NBA Playoffs, sharing their early takeaways and highlighting the first-round matchups that have grabbed their attention most. Cam spotlights the Pistons-Magic series, while K.C. weighs in on why the opening round often delivers more intrigue than the Finals. The guys also dig into performances from Cade Cunningham, Ayo Dosunmu and the intensity spilling over in the Timberwolves-Nuggets series. They close by discussing Dosunmu’s upcoming free agency, plus LeBron James continuing to defy time, including a memorable playoff moment alongside his son.
Cam Smith and K.C. Johnson dive into the news of Billy Donovan resigning as head coach of the Chicago Bulls, unpacking what it means for the franchise moving forward. As the conversation unfolds, they break down Donovan’s farewell statement, highlighting the key acknowledgments to players, staff, and Bulls Nation, while reflecting on the defining moments of his tenure in Chicago. From there, the focus shifts toward what’s next, as K.C. explains why predicting the Bulls’ next head coach isn’t so straightforward and the factors that could shape the search. The episode closes by looking ahead to the 2026–2027 season, exploring the identity this team might take on and how this transition could redefine the direction of the organization.
Cam Smith and K.C. Johnson share the latest on where things stand between the Bulls’ front office and Billy Donovan while also breaking down the team’s odds of landing the top pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. They discuss the impact of Portland clinching a postseason spot, which secures an additional first-round pick for Chicago and gives the Bulls added flexibility heading into the draft. The conversation then turns to our season recap with a deep dive into Josh Giddey’s campaign and growing leadership, along with Matas Buzelis’ progress and offseason mindset. They also highlight Tre Jones’ emergence as a reliable contributor and examine Isaac Okoro’s underrated season, including the offensive growth that caught Billy Donovan’s attention.
Cam Smith and K.C. Johnson react to a major shift inside the Chicago Bulls organization following the departures of Vice President Arturas Karnisovas and General Manager Marc Eversley. The guys break down what led to the decision, what it signals about the franchise’s direction, and why this moment could define the next era of Bulls basketball. They also dive into the press conference from Bulls president and CEO Michael Reinsdorf, unpacking his comments on the search for the team’s next VP and GM, the qualities the organization is prioritizing, and how extensive the process could be. Plus, where does head coach Billy Donovan fit into all of this? The conversation explores his future in Chicago and how the next front office hire could shape the team’s identity moving forward.
Plus, it’s all about March Madness as the guys take a look at the Final Four picture, including Cam’s experience at the United Center for Michigan vs. Tennessee in the Elite Eight. Cam and KC make their picks for who’s headed to the championship—and who’s ultimately cutting down the nets.
Cam Smith and K.C. Johnson break down the Bulls’ 2–2 homestand, highlighting Matas Buzelis’ clutch late-game impact and what stood out down the stretch. They also dive into Kevin Durant’s performance against Chicago, unpacking what still makes his scoring feel nearly impossible to defend, while debuting “K.C.’s Notebook” to spotlight Durant’s professionalism and lasting impact on the game, both on and off the court. The conversation shifts to Josh Giddey’s playmaking surge, including a career-high 19 assists, and how his pass-first style continues to evolve with the roster. They also discuss Leonard Miller’s strong showing, the emergence of young contributors within Billy Donovan’s system, and preview the Bulls’ upcoming road trip. Plus, a look around the NBA with potential expansion news and “Cam’s Court” tackles the ongoing debate surrounding the league’s 65-game rule.