Explore every episode of the podcast The Big Red Bus: A Chicago Bulls Podcast

Big Red Bus – Episode Chapters

1:00 – Doug Admits Fred’s Summer Prophecies Were All True

9:00 – Billy Donovan vs. Tiago Splitter

12:45 – Put Matas Buzelis in a Position to Succeed

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Big Red Bus — Joe Cowley Episode Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction: Joe Cowley Joins the Big Red Bus

00:54 – Caleb Wilson: The Bulls’ Next Superstar?

03:34 – Can Matas Buzelis and Caleb Wilson Coexist?

08:13 – Tiago Splitter’s Offense and the Trae Young Mismatch

12:21 – Why the Bulls’ Bench Is Outplaying the Starters

13:22 – Josh Giddey, Matas Buzelis, and Caleb Wilson: Defensive Fit Concerns

17:12 – Buzelis’ Development and Billy Donovan’s Impact

19:14 – Josh Giddey’s Defensive Struggles and Rebounding Responsibilities

21:34 – Defending Billy Donovan and Questioning Buzelis’ Shot Selection

27:36 – Norman Powell’s Leadership and the Bulls’ Locker Room

30:17 – Joe Cowley on the Bulls’ Front Office and Artūras Karnišovas

32:56 – Behind the Scenes: Cowley Confronts Karnišovas Over His Lack of a Plan

34:10 – The Jaden Ivey Fiasco and the Downfall of the Previous Regime

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Intro - Issues with Coach Splitter

Buzelis vs. Giddey: Who's Playing Better? 5:55

Can the Bulls Build Around All Three Young Players? 08:35

The Difference Between Role Players and Stars 11:50

Isaac Okoro and the Young Bench Players 14:30

Final Thoughts and Go Bulls

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Episode Chapters

0:00 – Welcome to The Big Red Bus

2:00 – Caleb Wilson: The Bulls' Next Franchise Superstar?

7:00 – Can Caleb Wilson and Matas Buzelis Coexist?

13:00 – Trae Young Guarding Buzelis: A Massive Missed Opportunity

19:00 – Bulls' Disastrous Three-Point Shooting: 7-for-47 From the Young Core

25:00 – Defensive Concerns and the Bulls' Early NBA Rankings

30:00 – A Brutal Upcoming Schedule: How Many Games Can Chicago Win?

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Recorded just before Friday's last preseason game, See Red Fred and the Podfather Doug Thonus discuss Noa Essengue's progress, a potential contract extension with Leonard Miller, and the debate around Josh Giddey.

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Show Notes & Timestamps

3:00 – Early Issues with the Matas & Caleb Fit
Examining the early chemistry between Matas Buzelis and Caleb Wilson, their offensive roles, and potential challenges playing together.

23:00 – Drawing Double Teams
How opposing defenses are reacting to Caleb and the opportunities that double teams can create for the rest of the Bulls' offense.

25:00 – Issues with the Offense Setting Up Caleb
Are the Bulls doing enough to put Caleb in positions to succeed? A discussion of offensive execution, shot creation, and getting the most out of his abilities.

38:00 – Swain
Breaking down Swain's early preseason performance and what he could bring to the Bulls.

44:00 – Bright Spots
Ending on a positive note with the most encouraging performances, developments, and takeaways from the Bulls' first two preseason games.

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The Big Red Bus – Episode Show Notes

See Red Fred & The Podfather Doug Thonus

Episode Summary

See Red Fred and the Podfather Doug Thonus are back for another episode of The Big Red Bus, kicking things off with a sleepy Doug, a shameless plug for Bulls Beat and the Knights of the Roundball Table, and a discussion of the Bulls' new announcers. The guys also break down a recent Josh Giddey video before Fred shares his five biggest reasons the Bulls could exceed expectations this season. But it's not all optimism, as Fred also explores five reasons the Bulls could disappoint, examining both the upside and potential pitfalls of this intriguing roster.

Show Notes & Timestamps

• 0:00 – Doug Just Woke Up: The Podfather gets off to a sleepy start as the guys kick off another episode.
• 2:00 – Bulls Beat & Knights of the Roundball Table: A shameless plug for Bulls coverage and opportunities for fans to join the conversation.
• 3:25 – New Bulls Announcers: Fred and Doug discuss the new voices covering the Chicago Bulls.
• 13:00 – Josh Giddey Video: A discussion of a recent Giddey video and what it means for the Bulls.
• 14:15 – Fred's Five Reasons the Bulls Could Be Better & Five Reasons They Could Be Worse

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See Red Fred and the Podfather Doug Thonus record an episode discussing the departure of Rob Dillingham and the arrival of Buddy Hield.  They also discuss the Jalen Bruson appearance on SNL. 

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Knights of the RoundBall Table Episode 1:
1:00 - Who was your favorite Bull?
11:30 — Opening Question What current Bull are you most excited about?
19:40 — Matas
29:00 — Billy Donovan Retrospective
41:00 — Predictions for the Season

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The Podfather Doug Thonus brings back Bulls Beat Reborn for solo episode number 4.  

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The Big Red Bus — Episode 280: Do They Fit?

See Red Fred and the Podfather Doug Thonus are back for Episode 280 of The Big Red Bus, covering a little Bears football before diving into several major Bulls topics.

See Red Fred and Doug break down the Bears’ controversial fourth-and-one gamble from deep in their own territory, discuss the future of Rob Dillingham and what Chicago should be looking for from him heading into training camp, react to Taj Gibson officially returning to the Bulls organization as an assistant coach, and then tackle the biggest question facing Chicago’s roster: Can the Bulls’ Big 3 actually fit together on both ends of the floor?

Show Notes

3:23 — Bears Fourth-and-One Gamble
The Bears go for it on fourth-and-one from their own 21-yard line in the second quarter against Carolina. Caleb Williams is stopped on the quarterback sneak, and the Panthers quickly capitalize to tie the game at 21-21. Fred and Doug discuss the decision, the execution, and the risk involved.

9:00 — Rob Dillingham Discussion
A look at Rob Dillingham following the trade from Minnesota, his wrist surgery, his outlook heading into Bulls training camp, and where he may ultimately fit in Chicago’s guard rotation.

16:06 — Taj Gibson Returns to Chicago
Taj Gibson retires after 17 NBA seasons and immediately begins the next chapter of his basketball career, joining the Bulls as an assistant coach under Tiago Splitter. Fred and Doug discuss what Taj brings to the coaching staff, locker room, and organization.

Also Discussed — Do They Fit?
The guys examine whether the Bulls’ Big 3 can function together offensively and defensively. Where does each player fit? Who guards whom? Is there enough shooting, defensive versatility, and role definition to make the combination work?

Big Red Bus Top 10 Bulls Collectibles & Gear

As discussed on the show, here are our Top 10 recommendations for Bulls collectibles and gear. The first five are all priced under $20.

1. Chicago Bulls Zamac Keychain
   https://www.amazon.com/chicago-bulls-zamac-keychain-logo/dp/B094YYN2NW?tag=chicagobullse-20
2. Chicago Bulls PVC Keychain
   https://www.amazon.com/Desert-Cactus-Chicago-Bulls-Keychain/dp/B09DB4GT6T?tag=chicagobullse-20
3. Chicago Bulls Sticker Decal
   https://www.amazon.com/Chicago-Officially-Licensed-Scrapbook-Individual/dp/B098XXJ2BZ?tag=chicagobullse-20
4. Chicago Bulls Felt Pennant
   https://www.amazon.com/WinCraft-Chicago-Bulls-Pennant-Full/dp/B00XWK8WN2?tag=chicagobullse-20
5. Michael Jordan Funko Pop
   https://www.amazon.com/Bulls-Michael-Jordan-Vinyl-Figure/dp/B07KPSDWJJ?tag=chicagobullse-20
6. Ultra Game Super Soft Game Day T-Shirt — The Everyday Favorite
   https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F1H7D1RD?tag=chicagobullse-20
7. NBA Official Chicago Bulls Officially Licensed T-Shirt
   https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D1HSQWCH?tag=chicagobullse-20
8. NBA Chicago Bulls Stacked City Logo T-Shirt
   https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D4GJM9PG?tag=chicagobullse-20
9. NBA Official Chicago Bulls Boundless T-Shirt
   https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FDJHYKKS?tag=chicagobullse-20
10. NBA Chicago Bulls Officially Licensed Pullover Hoodie
    https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DK4F5TQ9?tag=chicagobullse-20

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See Red Fred and the Podfather Doug Thonus discuss the reign of Adam Silver.   They also do a deep dive on where Matas is best suited to guard...at the the 3 or 4. 

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See Red Fred and the Podfather Doug Thonus dives into what feels like a genuine upswing in Chicago sports, with renewed optimism surrounding several of the city’s teams before shifting the focus squarely to the Bulls.

0:25 – Chicago Sports Upswing
The episode opens with a look at the improving mood around Chicago sports and why there may finally be some legitimate reasons for fans to feel optimistic.

6:00 – Level of Excitement for Caleb Wilson
The conversation turns to Caleb Wilson and whether Bulls fans fully appreciate how exciting his potential could be. We discuss what Wilson has already shown, what makes his ceiling so intriguing, and why he could become one of the most important pieces of the Bulls’ future.

13:47 – More Matas Mid-Range Malcontent
The mid-range debate continues with Matas Buzelis. 

27:00 – Kuminga & Mathurin Misses… LOL
Finally, we look back at the Bulls missing out on Jonathan Kuminga and Bennedict Mathurin and discuss why those supposed misses might ultimately work in Chicago’s favor. Sometimes the best moves are the ones you don’t make.

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The Big Red Bus - Episode 277 - Rage Against (And For) the Mid-range Machine

0:00 – Welcome Aboard the Big Red Bus
1:45 – Maui, Family Time and Social Media
4:00 – Why August Is Perfect for Bulls History
6:15 – Tom Thibodeau’s Revolutionary Defense
9:45 – The Forgotten Injuries of the 2015–16 Bulls
13:15 – Mike Dunleavy Deserves More Respect
17:15 – Patrick Williams and Misleading Narratives
19:45 – Andrés Nocioni and the “Lean Years”
24:30 – Max Strus, Nic Claxton and Positional Value...Is Peyton Watson Overrated?
30:00 The Value of Unprotected First-Round Picks.  Should the Bulls Absorb Bad Contracts?
37:00 – Matas Buzelis, Billy Donovan and the Mid-Range
38:45 – The Priorities for Matas’ Development
42:00 – Upcoming Shows and Final Thoughts

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Podfather Doug Thonus returns for a solo bus ride on the third episode of the reborn Bulls Beat.

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The Podfather Doug Thonus takes the bus out for a solo ride to read some listener mail.

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Big Red Bus Episode 273 – Clashing on Claxton

0:00 – Intro & Opening Banter

Weekend stories and opening conversation before diving into Bulls talk.

2:00 – Bulls Interested in Benedict Mathurin?

Is Mathurin the right fit?

Why Fred prefers Isaac Okoro.

Team-first vs. me-first players.

Defensive fit alongside Matas Buzelis, Caleb Wilson, and Josh Giddey.

16:30 – Patrick Williams Trade Value

Is there any market for Patrick Williams?

Would the Bulls need to attach draft picks?

What would a successful 2026-27 season look like for Patrick?

24:00 – Expectations for Mid-First Round Picks

Are fans expecting too much from No. 15 picks?

Denzel Valentine revisited.

Why stars at Pick 15 are the exception, not the rule.

29:45 – Solo Pod Follow-Up: Rim Protection vs. Shot Blocking

Fred challenges Doug's comments on his previous podcast.

Why shot blocking and rim protection are not the same thing.

Discussion with an AAU coach about defensive positioning, rotations, deterrence, and anticipation.

34:00 – The Nick Claxton Debate

Is Claxton the missing defensive piece?

Claxton vs. Jalen Smith.

Why rim protection matters more than block totals.

37:30 – Claxton's Health & Offensive Growth

Addressing concerns about the 2024 epidural.

Durability over the past four seasons.

Career-high assists and improved passing.

42:30 – Claxton vs. Walker Kessler

Which center would you rather build around?

Asset cost vs. player value.

46:00 – Success Criteria for the Claxton Trade

What would make the acquisition a success?

Remaining concerns about rebounding.

56:30 – Great Shot Blockers vs. Great Rim Protectors

James Wiseman

Hassan Whiteside

Andre Drummond

JaVale McGee

Brook Lopez

Marc Gasol

Tim Duncan

Al Horford

59:30 – Closing Thoughts

Robin Lopez's underrated rim protection.

Rajon Rondo's comments on the 2017 Bulls.

Final takeaways and sign-off.

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The Podfather Doug Thonus takes the Big Red Bus out for a solo ride with a revival of the Bulls Beat.

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• 0:00 – Welcome to the Big Red Bus & LeBron James joins the 76ers
• 3:00 – Who is the favorite in the Eastern Conference? Knicks vs. Sixers
• 14:30 – Are the Bulls really a bottom-three team in the East?
• 26:45 – Listener email: Are the Bulls already out on Noah Essengue?
• 39:00 – Why NBA teams evaluate much more than Summer League games
• 40:00 – Billy Donovan vs. Lonzo Ball: The Buzelis mid-range debate
• 50:45 – Breaking down Buzelis' shooting numbers and offensive growth
• 55:30 – Can Buzelis and Caleb Wilson thrive together?
• 60:00 – Josh Giddey: Point guard or shooting guard?
• 65:00 – Final thoughts and looking ahead to next week's show

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Big Red Bus Podcast Episode Notes

• 0:00 – 1:30: Casual open – Chicago weather and bison attack story
• 2:30: Summer League discussion begins
• 5:00: Heated debate on Daylen Swing vs. Noa Essengue performances (who played worse) and how the Bulls handled Essengue
• 12:00: Fred & Doug argue about the front office and coaching staff’s approach to Noa Essengue
• 19:00: Options for Noa Essengue’s future
• 30:00: Potential replacements for Stacey King on Bulls broadcasts

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Big Red Bus Episode 270 Notes Title: Caleb Wilson is Awesome

Episode Summary

In this episode, the hosts break down the Chicago Bulls’ Summer League Game 1, with heavy praise for Caleb Wilson’s standout performance. They analyze key players like Daylon Swain and Noa Essengue, share overall thoughts on the team’s showing, and close with a discussion on major NBA roster moves and league developments.

Timestamps

• 1:00 – Discussion on Caleb Wilson’s incredible Game 1 performance
• 6:27 – Daylon Swain playing point guard and the lack of PG options on the Summer League roster
• 11:00 – Further discussion on the play of Swain and Noa Essengue
• 18:00 – General comments on the game
• 20:00 – Patrick Williams
• 30:00 – End – Discussion on the big NBA moves

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Big Red Bus – Episode 269 (Part 2) | Episode Notes

See Red Fred and the Podfather Doug Thonus return to the Big Red Bus to discuss whether the Bulls could realistically position themselves to pursue Karl-Anthony Towns, why Chicago's recent moves preserve maximum salary-cap flexibility, and the importance of patience as the franchise builds around its young core. Fred also shares his memorable encounter with Ayo Dosunmu at the driving range before the conversation shifts to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Then, at the 26-minute mark, Fred is joined by Northwest suburban basketball legend, former Trine University standout, and current South Elgin High School coach Drew Cwik. Drew provides a player's perspective on the Bulls' offseason moves, explains why leadership and culture are essential ingredients for winning basketball, and discusses how the right veterans can accelerate the development of a young team.

Time Stamps

0:00 – How much cap space can the Bulls have in 2027?

1:00 – Could the Bulls land Karl-Anthony Towns? Breaking down the dream scenario and Chicago's potential cap space.

4:25 – See Red Fred meets Ayo Dosunmu at the driving range.

10:20 – Why the Norm Powell and Zach Collins contracts preserve maximum flexibility.

11:00 – Doug gives some love to the Cash Considerations podcast.

19:45 – The importance of maintaining financial flexibility.

21:00 – 2026 FIFA World Cup soccer talk.

26:00 – Drew Cwik joins the Big Red Bus.

28:15 – Drew's thoughts on the Bulls' offseason moves.

34:00 – Why leadership matters more than fans realize.

41:30 – Culture: the difference between talented teams and winning teams.

49:30 – Final thoughts and closing remarks.

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See Red Fred and the Podfather Doug Thonus break down the Bulls' free-agent additions of Norm Powell and Zach Collins with baseball analogies, and what they mean for Chicago's present and future.  They also dive into the ongoing Nic Claxton debate and tackle the biggest Bulls questions coming out of free agency.

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• 1:00 – Doug Tonus shares his thoughts on the draft, especially Caleb Wilson.
• 5:00 – Deeper discussion on Daylon Swain.
• 6:00 – See Red Fred explains why he's excited about Swain,
• 11:00 – See Red Fred outlines why Swain is a much superior player to Dalen Terry.
• 13:00 – See Red Fred and the Podfather break down Round 2 and the Bulls' moves.
• 20:00 – Doug Tonus discusses the acquisition of Nic Claxton via trade
• 29:00 – See Red Fred and Doug Tonus debate whether getting Julius Randle would've been better than Nic Claxton.
• 37:00 - Nate Dog, lonetime listener, friend, and Bulls' Expert, provides his thoughts on the Bulls' draft.

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1:55 — The Bulls hiring of Tiago Splitter and outbidding Portland for his services.

• 5:50 — Discussion on ownership

• 10:20 — Doug and Fred give their one-to-four rankings for the NBA draft

• 17:30 — Deep dive on prospect Dailyn Swain

• 26:00 — Talk about Allen Graves from Santa Clara

• 32:00 — Prospects Morez Johnson Jr. and Aday Mara from Michigan

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Big Red Bus Podcast – Show Notes

1:00 – Doug Thonus and See Red Fred discuss the passing of Bulls legend and longtime broadcaster Stacey King, sharing memories and reflecting on his impact on the organization and its fans.

10:57 – The conversation turns to the Chicago Bulls' coaching search, with a breakdown of the team's four reported finalists and what each candidate could bring to the franchise.

18:00 – Draft Prospect Breakdown: Kingston Flemings

23:00 – Draft Prospect Breakdown: Brayden Burries

32:00 – Draft Prospect Breakdown: Mikel Brown Jr.

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Big Red Bus - Episode 265 - Nate Ament, Karim Lopez and Yaxel Lendeborg Prospect Breadowns

1:00 – NBA Finals Talk

• Reactions and takeaways from Game 1 of the NBA Finals
• Key storylines, performances, and adjustments
• What the Finals can teach teams like the Bulls

5:45 – The Bulls Head Coaching Search

• Latest on Chicago's coaching search
• Evaluating potential candidates
• What the Bulls should prioritize in their next head coach

17:00 – Nate Ament Breakdown

• Scouting one of the top prospects in the 2026 class
• Strengths, upside, and developmental areas
• NBA projection and Bulls fit

26:00 – Karim Lopez Breakdown

• Deep dive into the talented international wing
• Offensive and defensive outlook
• Long-term ceiling and draft stock

31:00 – Yaxel Lendeborg Breakdown

• Comprehensive scouting report on Lendeborg
• Why his versatility is so intriguing
• Potential NBA role and fit with the Bulls

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🚌 The Big Red Bus – Episode 264 - Carr & Philon Jr. Breakdowns

See Red Fred and the Podfather Doug Thonus are back aboard the Big Red Bus for another deep dive into the future of the Chicago Bulls. The show opens with a discussion on sunblock before shifting into a serious debate about whether the Bulls should explore a draft-night trade with the Oklahoma City Thunder and what it would realistically cost to move up.

At the 14-minute mark, Fred and Doug examine the NBA landscape and identify which teams are most likely to finish ahead of Chicago next season, sparking a conversation about the Bulls' place in the league hierarchy. The episode closes with a detailed scouting breakdown of two intriguing young prospects: Cameron Carr, whose combination of size, length, athleticism, and shooting has Bulls fans buzzing, and Labaron Philon Jr., one of the more dynamic young guards in the draft pipeline.

Episode Timeline

• 2:00 – Sunblock User
• 4:41 – Would the Bulls Trade with OKC?
• 14:00 – Who Will Be Better Than the Bulls?
• 24:00 – Cameron Carr Breakdown & Labaron Philon Jr.

🚍 All aboard the Big Red Bus as Fred and Doug navigate draft strategy, roster building, and the next generation of Bulls prospects. 🔴🐂

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The Big Red Bus – Episode Notes

1:15 – Trading to Move Up?
See Red Fred and the Podfather Doug Thonus discuss whether the Chicago Bulls should consider trading up in the NBA Draft, what it could cost, and whether this draft class has prospects worth aggressively pursuing.

12:11 – Further Discussion on Peterson
The guys continue their deep dive on draft prospect Darryn Peterson, breaking down his strengths, shot selection, playmaking concerns, upside, and overall projection at the next level.

21:00 – Breakdown on NBA Draft Prospects Keaton Wagler & Darius Acuff Jr.
Fred and Doug analyze two intriguing young prospects in Keaton Wagler and Darius Acuff Jr., discussing their offensive games, NBA potential, developmental paths, and how each player could fit into the modern NBA landscape.

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Towns, Wiggins, and Butler Redo 1:00

Alex Caruso's 3-point shooting 3:25

Caleb Wilson vs Darryn Peterson Assist Numbers / Noa Essengue 5:52

Anthony Edwards / Mo Bamba / Ayo / Keaton Wagler 8:00

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Big Red Bus – Episode 261 Peterson–Steinbach Prospect Breakdowns

In Episode 261 of the Big Red Bus, See Red Fred and the Podfather Doug Thonus dive into several major Chicago Bulls and NBA Draft topics, highlighted by front office changes, coaching additions, and detailed prospect evaluations.

1:15 – The Stephen Mervis Hire

The episode opens with a discussion about the Bulls hiring Stephen Mervis into a major basketball operations role under new Executive VP Bryson Graham. The hosts break down Mervis’ background with the Orlando Magic organization, and his new role as Senior Vice President of Basketball Operations for the Bulls.

19:00 – Acie Law IV Joins the Bulls

At the 19-minute mark, the podcast shifts to the Bulls adding Acie Law IV to the front office as Vice President of Player Personnel. The hosts discuss Law’s basketball background, including his playing career and what value he could bring to the organization. 

26:00 – Darryn Peterson Prospect Breakdown

The episode then transitions into a detailed evaluation of Darryn Peterson, one of the most highly regarded young guard prospects in basketball. The Big Red Bus crew analyzes Peterson’s scoring ability, shot creation, size for the guard position, and overall offensive upside. 

36:00 – Hannes Steinbach Breakdown

The final major segment features a deep dive into draft prospect Hannes Steinbach. The crew evaluates Steinbach’s physical tools, offensive skill set, rebounding instincts, passing ability, and defensive upside. The discussion emphasizes his motor, feel for the game, and long-term developmental ceiling while also addressing concerns about shooting consistency and offensive polish.

Overall, Episode 261 blends Bulls front-office analysis with thoughtful draft scouting, continuing the Big Red Bus tradition of combining passionate fan perspective with detailed basketball evaluation.

 

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The Big Red Bus – Episode 260 – “Four! Big Red Bus”

The latest episode of The Big Red Bus brings the good vibes as See Red Fred and the Podfather dive into the huge decisions facing the Chicago Bulls with the #4 pick in the draft.

2:28 – What should the Bulls do at #4?
7:00 – Breaking down the best options available at the 4 spot
11:00 – Extended Wilson discussion and prospect analysis
35:00 – Which skills and player traits actually translate to NBA success?
40:00 – Yaxel Lendeborg at 15? Why he could be one of the steals of the draft

A fun and energetic episode focused on the future of the Bulls, draft philosophy, and finding the right players to finally move the franchise forward.

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See Red Fred and the Podfather Doug Thonus discuss the Greatest Press Conference of All-Time, the introduction of Bryson Graham as the new leader for the Beloved Bulls.

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See Red Fred and the Podfather discuss the choice of Bryson Graham as the new lead decision-maker for the Chicago Bulls. 

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See Red Fred and the Podfather discuss the end of the tanking era with the significant changes on the horizon regarding the NBA Draft lottery. 

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🎙️ The Big Red Bus – Episode 256: “The Lords of the Rings Will Sing”

In Episode 256, See Red Fred and the Podfather are joined by MarkK from Australia again.  They dive into one of the most passionate debates among Bulls fans—which jersey number should be retired next? From franchise legends to modern-era contributors, the discussion blends nostalgia, logic, and a little classic Big Red Bus chaos. The conversation then shifts to a polarizing question: would bringing Tom Thibodeau back to Chicago actually make sense?  

The episode wraps in true Big Red Bus fashion, featuring the latest entries in the ongoing Bulls song battle. The Podfather debuts “Spreadsheet Rebuild", while See Red Fred counters with “I Miss You Billy,” a nostalgic and emotional ode to the departed Coach Billy Donovan.

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The Big Red Bus - Episode 255 – Fred Buys the Team

Jump on The Big Red Bus with See Red Fred and the Podfather Doug Thonus as things get hypothetical—and a little unhinged—in the best way.

At 1:30, the guys revisit: “You down with Lloyd?” and what it could mean for the future direction of the Bulls. By 12:00, Fred takes things to another level—buying the team—while Mr. K and Mr. Podfather interview for roles in the new regime. The episode wraps around 25:00 with a clear offseason priority: Bring Ayo Back. Go Bulls!

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The Podfather Doug Thonus takes the Bus out on a solo drive to provide his thoughts on the departure of Billy Donovan. 

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See Red Fred reacts to the Chicago Bulls landing the 15th pick and suggests signing Coby White this summer.  They then debate on whether the front office should commit to young talent like Matas and Josh Giddey. The episode closes with the See Red Fred penned "Dribble, Dribble, Pass!" about Patrick Williams, and Doug's "Fallen Prophet". 

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In this episode of The Big Red Bus, See Red Fred and the Podfather Doug Thonus dive into some offseason storylines and the potential return/departure of Billy Donovan.

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See Red Fred and the Podfather Doug Thonus jump on the mic to break down the long-awaited end of the AKME era—widely regarded as the most disappointing front office tenure in Chicago Bulls history. From questionable roster construction and missed opportunities to a lack of direction and identity, the guys unpack how things unraveled over six frustrating seasons.

But this isn’t just a post-mortem.

Fred and Doug turn the page to what comes next—what the Bulls’ new leadership must prioritize, which assets (if any) can anchor a rebuild, and whether there’s a realistic path back to relevance in the Eastern Conference. It’s an honest, unfiltered conversation that blends frustration, accountability, and a cautious sense of hope for what’s ahead.

If you’ve been riding through the highs and (mostly) lows of this era, this is the episode you’ve been waiting for.

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🎙️ Big Red Bus – Episode 250

Episode 250 tips off with See Red Fred joining Waddle & Silvy on Thursday’s show.

⏱️ 3:30 – Fred and the Podfather dive into the idea of “Two Leagues” in today’s NBA — the teams truly trying to win vs. those clearly positioning for the future. The Chicago Bulls? Stuck in the middle… failing at both winning and tanking.

⏱️ 9:00 – The Podfather breaks down the three “acceptable” tanking paths the NBA has effectively created — and where the Bulls fit (or don’t).

⏱️ 21:28 – Doug unveils his entry into the Song Contest: “Play-In Parade” 🎶

⏱️ 24:27 – See Red Fred counters with his own masterpiece: “AKME” 🎤

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See Red Fred and the Podfather Doug Thonus discuss a significant predictive indicator for elite superstars to open the show.  They then discuss the Jaden Ivey situation. 

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Lyrics to “Play-In Parade” by Doug Thonus

Walked in with the fourth pick and a lottery crew,
Two future all-stars and a clean cap too.
Then called Orlando like “I know what to do,”
Two firsts for Vooch and some bad salary too.

Built a mid three that can’t guard anybody,
Iso ball heroes and defense looking shoddy.
Pseudo stars for the billboard view,
A low ceiling strategy to make the Fan's woo.

Three long years of the same routine,
Blame Lonzo’s knee for everything.
Add Pat and Dalen, our draft pick busts
And when we trade, teams just fleece us

A.K. proudly leads the Play-In Parade,
Hang the banner, 9th place made!
Beat down by Miami again
No rebuild here, just secret extensions

Standing still as the window decays,
Then make a move when value’s gone away.
Empty speeches while the fans complain,
A.K. smiles and waves at his play-in parade

Held on to Coby and Ayo too long,
Just second round picks, the value was gone.
“No shortcuts here,” that’s the line he sells,
But every move is just mid as hell

When the Pelicans called with a franchise deal,
He passed for a project instead of taking the steal
Have a pile of cap room when free agency's iffy,
Trying to build the future around Josh Giddey.

Keep mediocre players instead of waive
When losing some games get the odds raised
Chasing meaningless wins in the month of March,
While the draft board’s loaded with future stars.

A.K. proudly leads the Play-In Parade,
Hang the banner, 9th place made!
Beat down by Miami again
No rebuild here, just secret extensions

Standing still as the window decays,
Then make a move when value’s gone away.
Empty speeches while the fans complain,
A.K. smiles and waves at his play-in parade

A.K. proudly leads the Play-In Parade,
Hang the banner, 9th place made!
Beat down by Miami again
No rebuild here, just secret extensions
 

Standing still as the window decays,
Then make a move when value’s gone away.
Empty speeches while the fans complain,
A.K. smiles and waves at his play-in parade

9th seed! 9th seed!
Hang the banner high!
9th seed! 9th seed!
That's playoffs, right?

9th seed! 9th seed!
Hang the banner high!
9th seed! 9th seed!
That's playoffs, right?

A.K. proudly leads the Play-In Parade,
Hang the banner, 9th place made!
Beat down by Miami again
No rebuild here, just secret extensions

Standing still as the window decays,
Then make a move when value’s gone away.
Empty speeches while the fans complain,
A.K. smiles and waves at his play-in parade

9th seed! 9th seed!
Hang the banner high!
9th seed! 9th seed!
That's playoffs, right?

9th seed! 9th seed!
Hang the banner high!
9th seed! 9th seed!
That's playoffs, right?

AKME by by See Red Fred.

AKME, AKME....When will those boos turn into cheers? AKME, AKME...We've been a play-in for years.  With no winning in the scores, Just more money for the Dorfs, You can't say I'm satisfied.  So AKME...AKME...Ain't it time that you resigned? AKME, you're dutiful yeah, but ain't it time we said goodbye? AKME, I can't stand it...We have one playoff win in five.  All your teams were never close, now the league thinks you're a dope. What goes on between your ears? AKME….AKME...Where will you lead us from here? (ooh-yeah…ohhh…See Red Fred’s so upset with you Why did you trade Ayo, all the pain will never go Doo-doo-doo, AKME don't you say to me, we just need continuity) It's like a sharp stick in your eye, but AKME, AKME...Patrick Williams makes me cry (yeah) You average one playoff win in five...with no winning in the scores, just more money for the Dorfs, you can't say we're satisfied.  But AKME, you've been a bit better lately. Some trades you made, they were alright. Ball for Okoro was an awesome move. But AKME, AKME...ain't it time that you resigned? AKME, AKME...We have one playoff win in five.  AKME, AKME...I can't say you didn't try.

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See Red Fred and the Podfather break down Josh Giddey’s declining free throw rate and what’s really driving it—scheme, shot profile, or aggression. They also dive into Ayo Dosunmu’s “prohibited shots” comments and the backlash around the Bulls seemingly discouraging the mid-range game. Is this smart, modern basketball or overthinking development? A passionate debate on analytics vs. instinct and where the Bulls are headed.

 

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See Red Fred and the Podfather Doug Thonues continue the discussion with a debate on Matas talking trash to Luka.  They close the show with a discussion about the most common commercials while watching a Bulls' game.   The show ends with See Red Fred's 2 hit singles, "I Miss Coby White" and "Coby White". 

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Big Red Bus – Episode 245 - Still Trying to Win Show Summary 

Title: Still Running for Wins
Date: March 14, 2026
Hosts: See Red Fred & Doug Thonus

Show Opening

The episode begins with See Red Fred introducing the show on a cold mid-March day in Chicago, welcoming co-host Doug Thonus as the Big Red Bus rolls again.

Fred briefly notes:

The podcast is now officially part of the All-City Network.

Listener feedback has been very positive so far.

The hosts plan to increase fan engagement, including future mailbag segments.

Fred thanks listeners who send emails to seeredfred@gmail.com.
The hosts plan to introduce regular listener mailbag episodes every couple weeks.

Main Discussion Topic Bulls West Coast Trip: Wins vs Draft Position

The first major segment centers on the Bulls’ recent wins over the Phoenix Suns and Golden State Warriors during their West Coast trip.

While many fans celebrated the victories, Fred strongly disagrees with the enthusiasm, arguing that these wins hurt the Bulls’ long-term future.

Fred’s Argument: Winning Now Hurts the Bulls

Fred explains his core frustration:

The Bulls are fighting for meaningless late-season wins

These wins reduce their chances of landing a top-four draft pick

A top-four pick is the best chance to add a true superstar

He emphasizes that:

Josh Giddey and Matas Buzelis both had excellent games.  However, their development could have happened even in losses.  Fred argues the Bulls should prioritize development while still losing games to protect lottery odds.

The Draft Odds Problem

Fred highlights the specific statistical consequences of winning:  If the Bulls finish with a better record than Milwaukee, their odds of a top-four pick could drop from:

~20% chance
to

~13% chance

That 7-percentage-point drop is the central issue driving his frustration.

Fred calls these victories:

“dumb, idiotic, meaningless March wins.”

Comparison to Memphis

Fred contrasts the Bulls with the Memphis Grizzlies, who he believes are clearly managing minutes to maximize lottery odds.

He argues Memphis is:

Limiting key players’ minutes

Prioritizing draft positioning

Meanwhile, the Bulls are:

Playing young stars 40+ minutes

Prioritizing wins over long-term strategy

Fred points specifically to the Golden State game, where both Giddey and Buzelis played more than 40 minutes.

He believes simply reducing their minutes slightly could have resulted in a loss while still allowing development.

The Future Core Debate

Fred lays out his vision for the Bulls’ future roster.

Current Core

He believes:

Josh Giddey

Matas Buzelis

are legitimate foundational pieces.

However, he views them as:

Potential #2 or #3 options

Not franchise-level superstars

Therefore the Bulls still need one true elite star.

The Target: A.J. Dybantsa

A player with true franchise-changing upside

Someone who could elevate the Bulls into championship contention

Fred argues a core of:

A.J. DeBonsa

Matas Buzelis

Josh Giddey

would give the Bulls the foundation of a serious contender.

But he stresses:

The only realistic path to DeBonsa is landing in the top four of the draft lottery.

Veteran Management Debate

The hosts briefly discuss the possibility of removing veterans like:

Collin Sexton

Anfernee Simons

Fred agrees with Doug that cutting them now would be a mistake.

Reasons include:

Damaging relationships with players and agents

Hurting the Bulls’ reputation with future free agents

Fred says the real mistake was not moving these players earlier.

Front Office Criticism

Fred predicts the current Bulls leadership will eventually be fired.

His reasoning:  The franchise has produced only one playoff win.  The team risks being stuck in “play-in purgatory”.  He warns the Bulls could remain permanently mediocre if they fail to maximize this draft opportunity.  Fred argues that a roster built only around Giddey and Buzelis might top out as:  A 50 win ceiling team at best.  Without the top-tier superstar needed to win a title

Closing Thoughts of the Segment

Fred reiterates his central point:  The Bulls should focus on maximizing draft odds, not chasing late-season wins.

He believes the current strategy sacrifices the chance to add a true franchise-altering player, which is far more valuable than winning games in March.

✅ Segment End Point:
This summary covers the first portion of the show up until the conversation transitions to Leonard Miller (22:00).

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The Big Red Bus – Episode 244 features See Red Fred recording from the road while driving the Big Red Bus down I-65 in Indiana alongside the Podfather, Doug Thonus. The two break down the Bulls’ bizarre 2-point “win” over the Suns in Phoenix and debate why the organization can’t even seem to tank correctly. They also dive into a discussion about the Bulls’ best unrestricted free agent signing since 2011. The episode closes with See Red Fred’s new single, “I Miss Coby White.”

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In the latest episode of The Big Red Bus podcast, driver See Red Fred and the Podfather Doug Thonus celebrate the Chicago Bulls' dramatic turnaround, going undefeated in March, with a dominant win over the Milwaukee Bucks—after an entirely winless February that featured an 11-game losing streak. They dive into the key contributions from that Bucks victory, while also examining the ongoing struggles of newcomer Rob Dillingham as he adjusts to increased minutes but faces shooting inconsistencies in his new role with the team. The conversation shifts focus to promising young forward Matas Buzelis, highlighting his recent surge in production alongside discussions about the noticeable absence of his mid-range jump shots in his evolving game.

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Big Red Bus - Episode 242 – Episode Summary

2:00 — See Red Fred and Michael Walton II open with a candid discussion on whether Bulls fans should be concerned about Matas Buzelis’ development heading into Year 2.
5:30 — The debate shifts to role and fit: is Matas ultimately a true 3, a modern 4, or something in between?
8:36 — Ceiling talk: could a Giddey/Matas pairing surpass what the Bulls once envisioned with Lauri Markkanen and Zach LaVine?
13:30 — Front office accountability takes center stage as they question whether AKME should continue leading the organization.
17:37 — The episode wraps with a tough coaching conversation: should Billy Donovan remain the head coach moving forward? 🔴🚌

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