The Rebuild-A-Bull Podcast: Chicago Bulls Pod (The Rebuild-A-Bull Podcast)

Guests Ross Pins (@ChiSportsRoss) and Drew Stevens from The Bigs join us to look back at the front office's flurry of activity in 2021 and how they veered toward continuity in 2022. Why did AKME's aggressive approach change so quickly?

Keith Franz from Bulls On Tap joins host Matt Gentile to discuss the hiring of Billy Donovan as head coach. What does this mean for the Chicago Bulls? They also discuss potential moves to be made in the 2020 NBA Draft as well as the 2020 and 2021 offseasons. Could the Bulls make key trades and signings sooner rather than later?

Host Matt Gentile gives his thoughts on the Bulls decision to fire Jim Boylen. Who are some potential coaching candidates, and what type of head coach should the team be looking for? He also discusses how the move can impact the 2021 offseason.

Larro from Bulls 101 (Barroom Network) joins host Matt Gentile to discuss the Bulls offseason moves, what to do with Lauri Markkanen and how the team can enter championship contention down the road. Also, Larro shares how he entered the world of Bulls podcasting.

Matt and Drew return to rank their top five role players on the Bulls roster in 2024. How are these players key to the team’s success? They also discuss Lonzo Ball’s comments about his recovery and the drama surrounding Jerry Reinsdorf's other team. 

The Chicago Bulls 2022-23 season is officially over. After a 10th place finish and play-in tournament exit, Matt and Drew recap the mediocre season that was. What changes are on the horizon this offseason? Also, what was it like for Drew to cover games for The Bigs this year?

Josh J. from the Bullish podcast and On Tap Sports Net joins host Matt Gentile to discuss some of the draft prospects that could be available at No. 4. Are you buying names like Deni Avdija, Killian Hayes, Tyrese Haliburton or Obi Toppin? Also, could the Bulls move up or down in the draft?

Following the Chicago Bulls 0-3 start, host Matt Gentile draws a comparison to the 2004-05 "Baby" Bulls squad. What are the key similarities and differences between both teams? Also, how long should we evaluate this current core?

Host Matt Gentile is joined by a panel featuring podcasters Matt Peck (LockedOnBulls), Buzz (Bulls On Tap) and Salim Suterwalla (BullsGold). They discuss the state of the Chicago Bulls following a very busy offseason and forecast the upcoming season. What is this team's ceiling?

Hosts Matt Gentile and Drew Stevens discuss the Bulls 6-8 record coming off the heels of a tough 1-4 stretch. Is this team painfully mediocre, or can they make any adjustments to right the ship?

Host Matt Gentile tries to guess the best and worst case scenarios for the Chicago Bulls in 2021. He also looks at a hypothetical James Harden trade, courtesy of See Red Fred and John Sabine. Would you give up Zach LaVine & Lauri Markkanen to land Harden?

Big Dave Watson from CHGO Bulls joins hosts Matt and Drew to discuss what's ailing the Bulls through mid-December. Is it time to make major changes or slight tweaks? They also chat about the changes to the starting five, Dalen Terry getting minutes and Dave's new venture with CHGO.

Katy Duffy from NBC Sports Chicago joins host Matt Gentile to discuss the latest on the Chicago Bulls & Sky. What does the future hold for Zach LaVine, Lauri Markkanen, Coby White & Thaddeus Young? Also, does the signing of Candace Parker make the Sky title favorites?

In our first Analyzing AKME episode, Tony Gill from the Bulls Talk and Kris Amundsen from Swish Theory break down the selection of Patrick Williams. Who is to blame for not developing him? They also discuss the quick change in AKME's strategy and, of course, not picking Tyrese Haliburton.

Guests Doug Thonus from Bulls Beat and Big Dave Watson from CHGO Bulls join us to look back at the front office's decision to pivot from a youth movement in 2021. Would it have been better to keep things rolling with Wendell Carter and Lauri Markkanen?

Larro Golden from Swish Theory joins hosts Matt Gentile & Drew Stevens to discuss the Bulls 5-4 start. How does he feel about the latest stretch from Patrick Williams? They also discuss Zach LaVine's play, the bench, Nikola Vucevic and more.

Mark Karantzoulis from Bulls HQ joins host Matt Gentile to discuss the Chicago Bulls offseason moves. Which acquisition was the most surprising, and how does he think the rotations will shake out? Also, they talk about why the team's moves are getting disrespect nationally.

Host Matt Gentile reacts to K.C. Johnson's recent column on NBCSportsChicago.com regarding Jim Boylen. Do Arturas Karnisovas and Marc Eversley actually want to keep Boylen as Bulls head coach, or are the Reinsdorfs trying to force him on their new brain trust?

Patrick K. Flowers from BleacherNation joins host Matt Gentile to discuss the Chicago Bulls blistering start. Can this team contend in the East or for a title? They also explore potential pieces to fortify the roster, including DeMarcus Cousins.

Host Matt Gentile previews the 2023-24 season for the Chicago Bulls. What are some major storylines heading into the year? He also shares some bold predictions and talks about what the first 10 games of the season could tell us about the team.

Matt and Drew return with Central Division power rankings. Where do they have the Bulls stacking up against their rivals? They also discuss the early portion of the schedule, subbing out Carlik Jones for either Nerlens Noel or Cam Payne and more. 

Drew and Matt compare the Bulls starting five with the rest of the teams in the Eastern Conference. Where do they stack up compared to the Celtics, Bucks, Sixers, Nets and Heat? Also, have starters on the Hawks and Cavaliers passed the Bulls? 

The Athletic is reporting that the Bulls are taking calls on Zach LaVine. Host Matt Gentile and guest Buzz from On Tap Sports discuss potential trade compensation, issues with the front office and more. Also, why start a rebuild now instead of this past summer?

Matt and Drew discuss how the Bulls latest 1-2 stretch captured the 2023 season in a nutshell. Do they believe reports that the team will actually stay status quo at the deadline? They also chat about Coby White's future, Nikola Vucevic being let go or extended and the Bulls facing winnable games to finish January.

NBA free agency is almost here! Hosts Matt Gentile and Drew Stevens preview what the Chicago Bulls might do. Could they use the mild-level exception on a big man like Bamba or Hartenstein, or are they interested in shooters? Also, is there a surprise trade around the corner?

Doug Thonus, host of The Bulls Beat, joins host Matt Gentile for part two of our Chicago Bulls season preview. They do over/unders on player's stats and the team's win total, and Doug shares his expectation level for the year. Are the Bulls poised to compete for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference?

Matt & Drew react to the Bulls' early activity in free agency. What do the additions of Jevon Carter & Torrey Craig mean for the current core? They also discuss the added pressure on Billy Donovan, Summer League & much more.

In our second Analyzing AKME episode, Matt Peck from CHGO Bulls and Larro Golden from Swish Theory break down the hiring of Billy Donovan. What's his role in the lack of player development, and can he salvage his coaching tenure with the Bulls?

Matt and Drew talk about the Bulls latest 3-2 stretch, which included tough losses to the Cavs. Are the Bulls turning a corner in the new year? Also, They discuss Rob Schaefer's article breaking down of Bulls' fans trades, including one from Matt. 

Host Matt Gentile announces a special series set to kick off in a couple of weeks. He also is joined by Brad "Buzz" Squires from On Tap Sports Net and Bulls On Tap podcast to discuss changes to the starting lineup and the upcoming trade deadline.

Host Matt Gentile sets the stage for 2021 NBA free agency next week by listing his top three targets at point guard. Which major names made the list, and who is a big surprise? Also, would a Derrick Rose reunion make sense?

Matt and Drew join in on the growing speculation surrounding the 9-14 Bulls. Is the team headed for another tank or just a retool? They also discuss Bill Simmons' silly trade idea with the Lakers, Zach Lowe's prediction that the Bulls sell at the deadline and Rich Bucher saying DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine are viewed as untouchable. Should they be?

Our Executive Decision series continues with a two-part episode, featuring guest Michael Walton from the Action Network and Bulls Confidential. In part one, he lays out a vision to make the team playoff bound in 2022. Which veteran point guard does he want to sign this summer?

Podcasters Marcus Couch, Salim Suterwalla, Ryan Borja and See Red Fred join host Matt Gentile for our first state of the Bulls panel. They look back at the highs and lows of the 2020 season and discuss the impacts of the new hires in the front office and head coach. How confident is the panel that the team can contend in the next three years?

Matt and Drew come out of the NBA All-Star break wondering if it's better for the Chicago Bulls to pivot to tanking. They also discuss if Patrick Beverley really moves the needle and how roster missteps over the last year have put the team in a bind.

Rob Schaefer, who covers the Bulls for NBC Sports Chicago, joins host Matt Gentile to preview the 2020-21 season. They discuss everything from Billy Donovan's impact on the young roster to which players could break out this year. Also, what's it like covering the team in a pandemic world?

Michael Walton from Bulls Confidential and NBC Sports Chicago joins host Matt Gentile for a special episode. We start by discussing the recent protests across the United States regarding police reform and racial injustice. Michael also shares his thoughts on the restart of the NBA season, Jim Boylen's future and potential prospects in the 2020 Draft. Who does he think the Bulls should target?

Hosts Drew Stevens and Matt Gentile discuss the Bulls first quarter of the season, including the latest 2-1 stretch. Have Patrick Williams and Coby White's recent performances impressed them lately? They also talk about Billy Donovan's secret extension and Michael Pina's plea to tank. 

Coming off the Bulls latest 1-3 stretch, hosts Matt and Drew search for answers in what appears to be a lost season. Should fans be rooting for losses and a shot at a top-four pick? They also discuss Billy Donovan's blunders and predict how the remainder of the season and offseason could play out.

Salim Suterwalla from Bulls Gold joins host Matt Gentile to discuss the biggest takeaways from the NBA's restart in Orlando. Also, is Jim Boylen actually coming back in 2021 to coach the Bulls? They talk about the latest reports coming out of Chicago. 

Madeline Kenney, Chicago Sky beat reporter from the Chicago Suntimes, joins the podcast to discuss the coronavirus' impact on the upcoming WNBA season. What makes the league's campus at IMG Academy different from the NBA's bubble? Also, she talks about the Sky's expectations and predicts who is poised for a breakout 2020 campaign.

Katy Duffy, associate producer from NBC Sports Chicago, joins host Matt Gentile to discuss the NBA and WNBA's off-site bubbles. Can both leagues pull these off? They also discuss Jim Boylen's job status, the Bulls being left out of the NBA bubble and how Kris Dunn pulled a "Rocky IV" on them.

The lottery results are in, and the Chicago Bulls got the fourth pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. Michael Walton from Bulls Confidential joins host Matt Gentile to share some names that could be on the team's radar at No. 4. Also, is it possible LaMelo Ball falls or the Bulls trade up?

The Bulls have a grasp of the 10th seed. Matt and Drew break down their chances of moving up ahead of the Hawks and Raptors in the play-in rankings. They also discuss the Pat Beverley effect and Zach LaVine's post All-Star surge.

Big Dave Watson from the BAWL! on Bulls Podcast and Bulls Outcasts joins host Matt Gentile to try and kick the post trade deadline blues. How is this team 3-8 after acquiring Nikola Vucevic? Are things only going to get worse with Zach LaVine out of the lineup? 

Michael Walton from the Action Network and Bulls Confidential returns for part two of his Executive Decision guest appearance. With a veteran point guard added to the roster, what other pieces would he add to the Bulls this summer? Also, how would he approach the 2022 trade deadline and the following offseason?

The "Executive Decision" series kicks off with Salim Suterwalla from Bulls Gold. Salim takes on the roll of Chicago Bulls' management and delivers a plan to build the team into a playoff team in 2022 and a title contending team entering 2023. Find out how he would attack the upcoming offseason and remain flexible.

Host Matt Gentile quickly shares his thoughts on the first eight games of the Chicago Bulls season and the long-term picture. Is it hard to evaluate AKME when they operate under the Reinsdorfs?

We profile two key role players from the first three-peat: Cliff Levingston and Scott Williams. Big Dave Watson from BAWL! on Bulls and Bulls Outsiders on NBC Sports Chicago joins Matt Gentile to discuss their contributions. We reminisce about Williams' hard-nosed defense and energy as well as Levingston's impact in a pivotal game three of the 1991 NBA Finals. 

Matt and Drew breakdown the Bulls' latest 2-1 stretch that included wins against the 76ers and Jazz and a red-hot Zach LaVine. Is Zach rounding back into All-Star form? They also address Darnell Mayberry's report that the Bulls will be "relatively quiet" at the deadline and discuss the potentially easy schedule ahead.

Tony Gill, podcast producer at NBC Sports Chicago, joins us on the first episode of our Media Matters series. We discuss his time as a producer at 670 The Score, move to digital content and ambitions going forward. What direction does he think sports media is turning to?

The Rebuild-A-Bull podcast is back with a co-host: Drew Stevens! Drew and Matt Gentile talk about the future of the pod and preview the NBA Draft with Chip Jones, video scout for Thinking Basketball. Who does Chip like for the Bulls at No. 18, and what are his thoughts on trading for Jazz center Rudy Gobert?

Guest Rob Schaefer from NBC Sports Chicago joins Matt and Drew to help break down the Bulls first four games of the season. Is Patrick Williams better suited for the second unit? They also get Rob's thoughts on Zach LaVine's load management, Lonzo Ball's reassessment and more.

The guys discuss the news surrounding Lonzo Ball's third knee surgery and what it means going forward. They also chat about the Bulls' 25-year history of rebuilding compared to other Chicago sports rebuilds during that span. Is another coming soon?

Hosts Matt Gentile and Drew Stevens wrestle with the Chicago Bulls offseason. Were the signings of Andre Drummond and Goran Dragic impactful or lackluster? They also discuss the issue with not going into the luxury tax and a little summer league action. 

Morris Bankston from On Tap Sports Net joins host Matt Gentile to chat about the lack of activity at the trade deadline. Why is Arturas Karnisovas scared of short-term pain for long-term gain? They also discuss the latest surge from Ayo Dosunmu since the new year.

Host Matt Gentile reacts to the Miami Heat taking a 2-0 lead over the Milwaukee Bucks. Is Jimmy Butler indirectly helping his former team? He explains how the Chicago Bulls benefit from Giannis Antetokounmpo leaving the Bucks and how they can become an attractive spot for free agents in 2021.

Michael Walton from Bulls Confidential joins Matt & Drew to discuss the Bulls odds to advance from the play-in tournament. Which matchup does he like worst and best? They also chat about what could face the team this offseason.

Salim Suterwalla from Bulls Gold joins hosts Matt Gentile and Drew Stevens to preview the Chicago Bulls for the 2022-23 NBA season. They discuss expectations for Patrick Williams, Nikola Vucevic, the bench and much more. Where do the Bulls finish in the Eastern Conference? Also, Matt and Drew do some regular season over/unders. 

Host Matt Gentile is joined by Ryan Borja from Bulls Confidential. They chat about the growing optimism surrounding the Chicago Bulls through the first 11 games. Which players have show some real growth? They also discuss Zach LaVine trade speculation and Lauri Markkanen's return. 

Garry Calzone joins host Matt Gentile to discuss Zach LaVine's All-Star campaign and what to do with Lauri Markkanen. Also, would it be better for the Chicago Bulls to barely make or miss the playoffs this season?

Hosts Matt Gentile and Drew Stevens discuss the latest report from Shams Charania that the Bulls and Nikola Vucevic are starting contract conversations. Is there a right price, or should they move on? They also talk about the NBA Finals matchup, Scottie Pippen noise and more.

Kris Amundsen and Larry "Larro" Golden from Bulls 101 (Barroom Network) join host Matt Gentile to discuss the Bulls current losing streak. Are they concerned? They also talk about Ayo Dosunmu's emergence, Nikola Vucevic's slump, Patrick Williams' potential role when he returns and what piece the team should add at the trade deadline.

We profile a very underrated starter from the second three-peat: Ron Harper. Matt Peck from Locked on Bulls and Bulls Outsiders on NBC Sports Chicago joins Matt Gentile to talk about Harper's staunch defense, career transformation and willingness to sacrifice stats. 

Buzz from On Tap Sports joins Matt and Drew to discuss the Bulls two-game winning streak with Patrick Beverley in the fold. Does this mean anything, or is it the same ol' story? They also chat about the struggle of rooting for Reinsdorf-owned teams and the similarities between the White Sox and Bulls.

NBC Sports Chicago's Rob Schaefer joins host Matt Gentile to talk about the Bulls hiring Marc Eversley as GM and Jim Boylen's job status. Also, we discuss the first four episodes of ESPN's The Last Dance, touching on Michael Jordan's climb to the NBA mountaintop, Doug Collins' and Phil Jackson's stories and the lack of Jerry Krause's perspective. What else do we want to see in later episodes?

Annie Costabile, reporter from the Chicago Sun-Times, joins us on the latest episode of our Media Matters series. We discuss her role as a multimedia reporter, hosting the Equal Play podcast, the direction of sports media and how more female voices can find their way into the industry.

Matt Esposito from The Playgrounder joins host Matt Gentile to recap the 2020 NBA Draft and free agency. They discuss the "chalk" draft results and the most surprising trades and signings since last Friday. Also, what are Esposito's thoughts on Patrick Williams and the Chicago Bulls' conservative approach this offseason?

Matt Peck and Big Dave Watson from Bulls Outsiders join host Matt Gentile for our second state of the Bulls episode. They share their thoughts on what the front office should do this offseason and in 2021 to get closer to contention. How confident are they that the team can get there in three years?

In our latest Executive Decision episode, Edward Shuler Jr. from the Bulls Gold podcast takes on the role of armchair GM. Find out how he would make the Chicago Bulls a playoff team in 2022 and a contender by 2023. Also, which big-name point guard does he want this summer?

Matt Gentile reflects on the 2020-21 season and explores what key additions could help the Bulls make the playoffs in 2022. Will the Zach LaVine's contract situation loom large this offseason? Also, Matt discusses the return to an "old-but-good" format to podcast.

B.J. Armstrong is the latest role player we profile from the Bulls' dynasty. Tony Gill from NBC Sports Chicago joins host Matt Gentile to discuss Armstrong's impact during the first three-peat. They discuss how he emerged as a starter and perfectly complemented Jordan and Pippen. 

Katy Duffy, associate producer from NBC Sports Chicago, joins host Matt Gentile to talk about the highs and lows of the Bulls 6-3 start. Who or what has been the biggest surprise so far? They also discuss Nikola Vucevic's current slump and Coby White's imminent return.

Hosts Matt & Drew are joined by Elias Schuster of Bleacher Nation Bulls to discuss the NBA trade deadline. Should the Bulls split up their big 3, shuffle up role players or stand pat? They also talk about rumors surrounding the team's interest in Russell Westbrook.

K.C. Johnson, Chicago Bulls reporter, joins the Media Matter series to discuss about his accomplished career in sports journalism. He talks about his breakthrough and time at the Chicago Tribune, why he moved to NBC Sports Chicago and how access could change sports media going forward.

Elias Schuster from Bleacher Nation stops by to offer his preseason observations for the Bulls. What's been the biggest positive and cause for concern? They also discuss Coby White's solid performance, Patrick Williams and more. 

Michael Walton from Bulls Confidential joins host Matt Gentile to preview the 2020 NBA Draft. They discuss who goes in the top three, and which prospects are realistic for the Bulls at No. 4. Could they possibly trade up or down?

Host Matt Gentile breaks down the Chicago Bulls' free agent signings with blogger Drew Stevens from WARR Media. Who will have the bigger impact: Lonzo Ball or DeMar DeRozan? They also discuss what type of sign-and-trade deal would like to see for Lauri Markkanen.

Host Matt Gentile sets the table for the upcoming 2021-22 season for the Chicago Bulls. Also, Doug Thonus of the Bulls Beat and Big Red Bus podcasts stops by to do some over/unders and discuss expectations for the year.

The Chicago Bulls don't get lucky in the NBA Draft Lottery. With no pick in 2023 NBA Draft, what will Arturas Karnisovas and Marc Eversley do to reshape the roster? Hosts Matt and Drew explore options to recoup draft capital or strike a deal with the Portland Trail Blazers. They also discuss Billy Donovan and the matchups in the Conference Finals.

Matt and Drew are joined by Will Gottlieb from CHGO Chicago to discuss the Bulls puzzling 1-2 stretch, including Zach LaVine and Billy Donovan's disagreement and success against the Celtics. Also, are the Bulls more likely to be buyers or sellers?

Matt & Drew talk Joe Cowley's report that the Chicago Bulls are considering offing Nikola Vucevic an extension. Should they do it, and what's the right annual salary? They also discuss Jamal Collier's report that Lonzo Ball's camp thinks Ball will be ready by the opener. Are you buying it?

Host Matt Gentile discusses Bulls draft speculation stemming from content courtesy of Tom Haberstroh and K.C. Johnson at NBC Sports Chicago. If the Bulls are looking to move up in the draft, are you okay with Zach LaVine being part of a trade package? Also, what is LaVine's role on a contending team?

Host Matt Gentile gives his thoughts on ESPN's The Last Dance. Did the documentary do more to hurt the reputation of the Chicago Bulls throughout the league? Matt explains how the organization's tide could be turning with the additions of executive VP Arturas Karnisovas and GM Marc Eversley as well as team president Michael Reinsdorf becoming the face of ownership.

Following another uneven stretch from the Chicago Bulls, Matt and Drew discuss trade rumors swirling around Alex Caruso and Coby White. Are either likely to get dealt and for what? Also, they wonder if it's better to keep, trade or extend Nikola Vucevic. 

The Chicago Bulls don't have a pick, but there is still buzz before the NBA Draft. Tony Gill from the Bulls Talk podcast joins us to break it all down. Is there a player worth trading into the draft for? We also discuss Zach LaVine trade rumors and other potential offseason moves.

We preview what's ahead for the Chicago Bulls in NBA free agency. Will they test a shaky trade market for Zach LaVine & DeMar DeRozan or keep most of the core intact? They also recap the addition of Julian Phillips in the draft, address Derrick Rose rumors & discuss how to handle Coby White & Ayo Dosunmu.

Matt and Drew talk about the Ayo Dosunmu re-signing with the Bulls, Javon Freeman-Liberty leaving for a two-way deal with Toronto and the remaining roster spots. Will they add anyone notable? They also discuss Drew's recent appearance on CHGO Bulls.

Guest Drew Stevens from WARR Media and On Tap Sports Net joins host Matt Gentile to discuss the Bulls latest stretch and Nikola Vucevic's best performance of the season. Is he headed for a turnaround? They also talk about the team's ceiling and a potential trade idea being tossed around.

Matt Gentile and Drew Stevens break down some of the highlights of the Bulls schedule, including some key stretches and match-ups. Also, they discuss the latest news about Kevin Durant staying with the Nets and how it impacts the Bulls. Plus, Drew poses the question: Is Zach LaVine currently better than Anthony Davis?

Host Matt Gentile quickly dives into the latest Zach LaVine trade rumors. Could the packages be underwhelming? He also discusses solid performances from Coby and Pat and announces a new series coming to the pod!

Salim Suterwalla and Edward Schuler from Bulls Gold join hosts Matt Gentile and Drew Stevens for a Bulls offseason roundtable. They discuss rebuilding vs. retooling, extending Nikola Vucevic, the Draft and more.

Hosts Matt and Drew chat about the Bulls latest stretch, which featured three brutal losses, three big wins and a thud after Christmas. Is it time for Arturas Karnišovas and Marc Eversley to step up to the microphone? They also talk about Kyle Kuzma and Raptors trade rumors.

Kris Amundsen from Bulls 101 (Barroom Network) and host Matt Gentile get ready for Chicago Bulls media day and training camp. They discuss the buzz around Zach LaVine's contract situation as well as potential offensive and defensive lineups. Also, who will have the bigger impact: Lonzo Ball or DeMar DeRozan?

Drew Stevens says goodbye as co-host. But first, he and Matt pose questions they want answered during Bulls media day and in training camp. They also discuss Dame Lillard trade talks and what's on the horizon for Drew.

K.C. Johnson from NBC Sports Chicago gives his thoughts on what the Chicago Bulls could do at the trade deadline. Will they be active or status quo? Could Lauri Markkanen or Thaddeus Young be on the move? Also, host Matt Gentile gives more details on the podcast's new Media Matters series.

In our final installment of Analyzing AKME, Salim Suterwalla from BullsGold joined us to discuss the front office's decision to re-sign Zach LaVine to a max contract. Was it the right call, and where do the Bulls go from here with LaVine?