By The Horns: A Chicago Bulls Show

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.