By The Horns: A Chicago Bulls Show

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 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.

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.

Cam Smith and K.C. Johnson break down the Chicago Bulls’ loss to the Sacramento Kings, where Collin Sexton poured in 28 points as Chicago struggled out of the gate. The guys discuss Sexton’s potential long-term fit with the team and highlight Matas Buzelis continuing to make an impact defensively with an elite block game, fueling the conversation about his underrated sophomore season and untapped ceiling. Later, they react to Josh Giddey returning to the floor and recording his ninth triple-double of the season before looking ahead to the rest of the Bulls’ West Coast trip, including a tough back-to-back in Los Angeles. Cam and K.C. also go around the NBA to talk about Jayson Tatum’s return and how it affects the Eastern Conference race, while Cam weighs in on the recent Thunder–Nuggets matchup he’s calling the “game of the year.”

Cam Smith and K.C. Johnson break down the Bulls’ frustrating 10-game losing streak and what’s fueling the slide, from late-game execution to lineup adjustments. The guys also discuss the opportunity emerging from the skid, including the valuable minutes Rob Dillingham is logging and what that experience could mean for his long-term development in Chicago. They also dive into Matas Buzelis’ breakout 32-point performance against the Charlotte Hornets and what it says about his ceiling moving forward. Plus, former Bull Coby White makes his return to the United Center in a Hornets uniform for the first time since the trade, adding another emotional layer to a pivotal stretch of the season.

The NBA Trade Deadline takes center stage as the crew breaks down where the Bulls stand coming out of a busy day and why the roster is still a work in progress. K.C. Johnson offers his perspective on what he called the "wildest deadline" he’s ever covered, setting the stage for how Chicago’s moves fit into the league-wide chaos. From there, the focus shifts to the newcomers, evaluating how players like Jaden Ivey, Anfernee Simons, Collin Sexton, Rob Dillingham and others could shape both the Bulls’ present and long-term direction. The episode wraps up with a look back at the Bulls tenures of Nikola Vučević, Coby White, Ayo Dosunmu, Javon Carter and Kevin Huerter, reflecting on their impact and what their departures mean for the franchise going forward.

Cam Smith and K.C. Johnson take a reflective look at the legacy of Derrick Rose, ahead of his jersey retirement, revisiting the moments that defined his journey from a Chicago prodigy to one of the most electrifying players of his era. The guys walk through his rise with the Chicago Bulls, from being selected No. 1 overall to the peak of his prime, while also acknowledging the challenges and lost time that shaped his career. The conversation expands beyond the court, touching on Rose’s early roots, his influence on basketball culture, and his impact in Chicago after his playing days, including his continued efforts to give back to the city. They also look ahead to the jersey retirement night against the Boston Celtics, and which familiar Bulls faces are expected to be in attendance for the momentous occasion.

Cam Smith and K.C. Johnson take a closer look at the Bulls’ recent back-to-back games, breaking down what stood out from those matchups against the Hornets and Celtics. The conversation then turns to Coby White and how he continues to fight through his calf injury, before diving into Matas Buzelis’ continued emergence. Cam and K.C. also share a lighter moment from K.C.’s live TV countdown on-court collision. Plus, a look at the Bulls’ decision to sign Yuki Kawamura to a two-way contract and how it fits into the team’s broader plans.

Cam Smith and K.C. Johnson break down the Bulls’ strong recent stretch, winning four of their last five and starting to look more settled as the roster gets healthier. They dive into how having all the bigs available has opened up more lineup and rotation flexibility, and what that means for Billy Donovan moving forward. The guys also discuss Matas Buzelis’ recent performances and why it feels like he may be turning a corner—easing some of the offensive pressure on Josh Giddey and Coby White in the process. Plus, a look ahead to a challenging six-game homestand against quality opponents, and K.C. wraps things up with a great story about how Rajon Rondo helped make him a better interviewer.

Cam Smith and K.C. Johnson dive into the Bulls’ seven-game losing streak and the defensive issues that continue to haunt them. They dive into Billy Donovan’s postgame comments after another tough loss to the Warriors, assess the latest injury updates, and break down what Chicago’s depth looks like moving forward. They also look ahead to another great opportunity to bounce back with games against Charlotte and New Orleans as the Bulls search for a momentum shift.

Cam Smith and K.C. Johnson are back at it on the By The Horns podcast after a rollercoaster stretch for the Bulls. They break down what went wrong in New Orleans during the 143–130 loss and revisit Chicago’s close call against the Wizards, highlighting the defensive issues that continue to surface. They also dive into Billy Donovan’s lineup change against the Pelicans that involved sitting Matas Buzelis to open the half, a Zach Collins injury update from K.C., and why Ayo Dosunmu’s strong start to the season has been a major bright spot. Plus, they look ahead to a crucial opportunity for the Bulls to flip the script against a pair of sub-.500 opponents in the Hornets and Pacers.

K.C. Johnson is joined by longtime Bulls voice and 2025 Ring of Honor inductee Neil Funk. Neil talks about getting the call, going in alongside former players and colleagues, and reflects on his years covering the Bulls. They discuss travel on the road during the Jordan era and working alongside partners like John Paxson and Stacey King. He also shares stories about life on the road, his path through Philly and Kansas City, and what broadcasting in Chicago meant to him.