

By The Horns: A Chicago Bulls Show
Chicago Sports Network
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 5, 2025 • 29min
What the Bulls’ Fresh Faces Will Bring This Season
In this episode of By the Horns, Cam Smith and KC Johnson break down the Chicago Bulls’ newest faces as the team gears up for training camp. From defensive stopper Isaac Okoro to rookie forward Noa Essengue, they dive into how these players can impact the rotation and energize the team. The guys also discuss Lachlan Olbrich’s rugged style, Yuki Kawamura’s electric playmaking, and why Tre Jones’ poise makes him a critical piece for the Bulls’ guard depth. Get the full scoop on what to expect from the Bulls heading into the season.

Jul 29, 2025 • 28min
Ayo Dosunmu’s Road to Recovery & What’s Next for Nikola Vučević
Cam Smith and KC Johnson break down the Bulls finalizing an extension with head coach Billy Donovan, exploring what his leadership means for the franchise’s future. We dive into Donovan’s impact on player development, communication with the front office, and how his presence may influence contract talks with Josh Giddey. Plus, an in-depth update on Ayo Dosunmu’s recovery and offseason grind, and KC clears the air on recent rumors surrounding Nikola Vučević

Jul 22, 2025 • 32min
Yuki Steals the Show in Summer League, Matas' Momentum, and Josh Giddey's Negotiation
Yuki Kawamura stole the show in Las Vegas and earned a two-way contract—but can he actually crack the Bulls' crowded guard rotation? Cam Smith and K.C. Johnson break down the rise of “Yuki Mania,” grade performances from Matas Buzelis and rookie Noa Essengue, and share the latest on Josh Giddey’s stalled contract negotiations. Plus: updates on Bulls player chemistry off the court, Derrick Rose’s chess tournament takeover in Vegas, and what Damian Lillard’s return to Portland means for Chicago’s draft picks.

Jul 8, 2025 • 28min
Bulls Head to Vegas for Start of Summer League
With Summer League tipping off in Las Vegas, Cam Smith and K.C. Johnson dive into what to expect from the Bulls’ summer league roster. They discuss Matas Buzelis’ mindset heading into his second NBA season, Noa Essengue’s mature and confident approach as he adjusts to the pro level, and Billy Donovan III stepping in as head coach. From stylistic changes to leadership development, this episode offers a full breakdown of what fans should watch for as the Bulls take the floor in Vegas.

Jul 2, 2025 • 31min
Ayo Dosunmu Trade Rumors, Isaac Okoro's Roster Impact, and Tre Jones' Return
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.

Jun 26, 2025 • 18min
Chicago Bulls Draft Noa Essengue 12th Overall
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?

Jun 10, 2025 • 46min
Bulls Youth Building Bonds and NBA Finals Heating Up
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.

Jun 3, 2025 • 39min
NBA Finals Preview, Thibs Fired, & Lonzo Ball What-Ifs
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.

May 27, 2025 • 36min
Fit vs. Best Player Available at No. 12 & All-NBA Team Reactions
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.

May 20, 2025 • 33min
Buzelis Named to NBA All-Rookie Second Team
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.