See Red Fred and Doug Thonus rumble down the road in their trusty styrofoam Red Bus, coming to terms with the harsh reality that all hopes of glory died with the Okoro injury—and that this Bulls team, unfortunately, really sucks. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

<description>&lt;p&gt;See Red Fred and Doug Thonus rumble down the road in their trusty styrofoam Red Bus, coming to terms with the harsh reality that all hopes of glory died with the Okoro injury—and that this Bulls team, unfortunately, really sucks.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br/&gt; &lt;p&gt;Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See &lt;a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com"&gt;pcm.adswizz.com&lt;/a&gt; for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.&lt;/p&gt;</description>

See Red Fred and Doug Thonus rumble down the road in their trusty styrofoam Red Bus, coming to terms with the harsh reality that all hopes of glory died with the Okoro injury—and that this Bulls team, unfortunately, really sucks.

The Big Red Bus - Episode 230 - The Big Red Bus Crash

Episode Notes — The Big Red Bus - Interview with Joel Lorenzi (Part 1)
1. Background & Chicago Roots In Part 1, Joel takes listeners back to where it all began—growing up on the West Side of Chicago. .
2. Career Path & Early Success Joel discusses his path toward winning the 2023 USBWA Rising Star Award, an honor that spotlighted him nationally as one of the most promising young journalists in the game. He breaks down what that recognition meant at this early stage and how it fueled his growth. We get into the realities of NBA reporting—what he thought the job would be versus what he’s learned on the ground
3. Covering the Oklahoma City Thunder Before arriving at The Athletic, Joel spent two seasons on the Oklahoma City Thunder beat for The Oklahoman. He shares what surprised him most about covering OKC—whether it was the team’s culture, the city’s basketball intelligence, or the way the organization operates behind the scenes. Joel offers insight into what makes the Thunder one of the most intriguing franchises in the NBA.
4. Joel provides his insight on a potential AD trade..and provides reasons on why he is against the potential move.
Part 2 will dive deeper into the Bulls, the roster, the fanbase, and Joel’s early impressions of covering Chicago’s most beloved team. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

<description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Episode Notes — The Big Red Bus - Interview with Joel Lorenzi (Part 1)&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;1. Background &amp; Chicago Roots&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;In Part 1, Joel takes listeners back to where it all began—growing up on the &lt;strong&gt;West Side of Chicago. &lt;/strong&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;2. Career Path &amp; Early Success&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Joel discusses his path toward winning the &lt;strong&gt;2023 USBWA Rising Star Award&lt;/strong&gt;, an honor that spotlighted him nationally as one of the most promising young journalists in the game. He breaks down what that recognition meant at this early stage and how it fueled his growth. We get into the realities of NBA reporting—what he thought the job would be versus what he’s learned on the ground&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;3. Covering the Oklahoma City Thunder&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Before arriving at &lt;em&gt;The Athletic&lt;/em&gt;, Joel spent two seasons on the Oklahoma City Thunder beat for &lt;em&gt;The Oklahoman&lt;/em&gt;. He shares what surprised him most about covering OKC—whether it was the team’s culture, the city’s basketball intelligence, or the way the organization operates behind the scenes. Joel offers insight into what makes the Thunder one of the most intriguing franchises in the NBA.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;4. Joel provides his insight on a potential AD trade..and provides reasons on why he is against the potential move.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Part 2 will dive deeper into the Bulls, the roster, the fanbase, and Joel’s early impressions of covering Chicago’s most beloved team.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br/&gt; &lt;p&gt;Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See &lt;a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com"&gt;pcm.adswizz.com&lt;/a&gt; for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.&lt;/p&gt;</description>

In this episode, See Red Fred welcomes Joel Lorenzi, Staff Writer for The Athletic covering the Chicago Bulls and the NBA. Before arriving in Chicago, Joel spent two seasons reporting on the Oklahoma City Thunder for The Oklahoman, giving him a unique perspective on one of the league’s most forward-thinking franchises. He joins the Big Red Bus to discuss his career path, what he learned covering OKC’s rise, and how that experience shapes his approach to reporting on the Beloved Bulls. This is part one of an insightful, wide-ranging conversation with one of the brightest young writers on the beat. 

The Big Red Bus - Episode 229 - Interview with Joel Lorenzi Part 1

<h1>Big Red Bus – Episode 228: The Bigs Issue</h1>
<h2>Episode Notes</h2>
In this episode, See Red Fred and the Podfather tackle the growing debate in Bulls Nation surrounding the team’s frontcourt defense and the misconceptions fueling it. Fred breaks down why some defenders keep drawing the toughest scoring assignments—Banchero, Lauri Markkanen, and other oversized, high-usage forwards—and why blaming Billy Donovan for those matchups completely misses the real issue. The truth is simple: Matas is not physically ready to guard NBA power forwards, and Giddey can’t defend point guards or shooting guards, leaving others to absorb those brutal matchups.
Fred details the specific physical challenges Matas faces right now—getting bumped off spots, losing box-outs, and being displaced by contact—and explains why these are normal development hurdles for a young forward entering the league. He emphasizes that Matas’ talent is real and his offensive flashes are legitimate, but a couple of highlight blocks don’t erase the 20-plus possessions where strength becomes a glaring problem.
The episode also explores why the Bulls struggle to close games with a Giddey–Vooch–Matas trio, outlining how their combined defensive limitations create a structural disadvantage that no coach can scheme around.
Ultimately, Fred reframes the conversation: this is not a coaching-mistake problem. It’s a roster-composition problem and a physical-development reality. Until the Bulls add more frontcourt physicality or Matas grows into his NBA body, Okoro will keep being the one tasked with holding the defensive line, even when the matchups look strange on paper. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

<description>&lt;h1&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Big Red Bus – Episode 228: &lt;em&gt;The Bigs Issue&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h1&gt;
&lt;h2&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Episode Notes&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;In this episode, See Red Fred and the Podfather tackle the growing debate in Bulls Nation surrounding the team’s frontcourt defense and the misconceptions fueling it. Fred breaks down why some defenders keep drawing the toughest scoring assignments—Banchero, Lauri Markkanen, and other oversized, high-usage forwards—and why blaming Billy Donovan for those matchups completely misses the real issue. The truth is simple: &lt;strong&gt;Matas is not physically ready to guard NBA power forwards&lt;/strong&gt;, and Giddey can’t defend point guards or shooting guards, leaving others to absorb those brutal matchups.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Fred details the specific physical challenges Matas faces right now—getting bumped off spots, losing box-outs, and being displaced by contact—and explains why these are normal development hurdles for a young forward entering the league. He emphasizes that Matas’ talent is real and his offensive flashes are legitimate, but a couple of highlight blocks don’t erase the 20-plus possessions where strength becomes a glaring problem.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The episode also explores why the Bulls struggle to close games with a Giddey–Vooch–Matas trio, outlining how their combined defensive limitations create a structural disadvantage that no coach can scheme around.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Ultimately, Fred reframes the conversation: &lt;strong&gt;this is not a coaching-mistake problem&lt;/strong&gt;. It’s a &lt;strong&gt;roster-composition problem&lt;/strong&gt; and a &lt;strong&gt;physical-development reality&lt;/strong&gt;. Until the Bulls add more frontcourt physicality or Matas grows into his NBA body, Okoro will keep being the one tasked with holding the defensive line, even when the matchups look strange on paper.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br/&gt; &lt;p&gt;Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See &lt;a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com"&gt;pcm.adswizz.com&lt;/a&gt; for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.&lt;/p&gt;</description>

The Big Red Bus - Episode 228 – The Bigs Issue 
In this episode, See Red Fred offers his breakdown of the Bulls’ core defensive issue, centered on roster construction and physical development. Fred explains why certain defenders are constantly forced to guard up, carrying an unsustainable defensive load because Matas (and a lesser extent) Giddey simply can’t handle NBA-level strength at the forward positions yet. The episode cuts through fan-narratives and highlights the real issue: the Bulls need more physicality in the frontcourt to make the Bulls a serious contender.

The Big Red Bus - Episode 228 - The Bigs Issue

In Episode 227, To Add AD or Not to Add AD, See Red Fred and Doug Thonus analyze the Bulls’ recent four-game losing streak and what’s driving the downturn. They also debate the case for pursuing Anthony Davis and outline what Chicago should—and shouldn’t—be willing to give up. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

<description>&lt;p&gt;In Episode 227, &lt;em&gt;To Add AD or Not to Add AD&lt;/em&gt;, See Red Fred and Doug Thonus analyze the Bulls’ recent four-game losing streak and what’s driving the downturn. They also debate the case for pursuing Anthony Davis and outline what Chicago should—and shouldn’t—be willing to give up.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br/&gt; &lt;p&gt;Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See &lt;a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com"&gt;pcm.adswizz.com&lt;/a&gt; for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.&lt;/p&gt;</description>

In Episode 227, "To Add AD or Not to Add AD", See Red Fred and Doug Thonus analyze the Bulls’ recent four-game losing streak and what’s driving the downturn. They also debate the case for pursuing Anthony Davis and outline what Chicago should—and shouldn’t—be willing to give up.

The Big Red Bus - Episode 227 - To Add AD or Not to Add AD

<h2>Big Red Bus Podcast</h2>
<h3>Episode Title: AKME Redemption: The Rise of the Red Leviathan</h3>
Hosts: See Red Fred & The Podfather, Doug Thonus
Summary: See Red Fred and the Podfather Doug Thonus break down one of the most thrilling weeks in recent Bulls history — a miraculous comeback win that cements the Bulls as the #1 seed in the Eastern Conference. The guys argue that we’re witnessing the greatest front office turnaround in Chicago sports history, thanks to four franchise-changing moves that have completely reshaped the team’s identity.
Topics Covered:
<ul>
 	<li>
The Buzelis Draft Pick (June 2024, #11 Overall) Fred and Doug revisit the bold selection of Matas Buzelis — calling it an A+ pick that set the tone for everything that followed.
</li>
 	<li>
The LaVine Trade The front office struck gold by trading Zach LaVine for Tre Jones, Kevin Huerter, and John Collins — plus their pick back. Fred praises each as rock-solid contributors, emphasizing that the Bulls gained three quality pieces and financial flexibility.
</li>
 	<li>
The Okoro Trade Dubbed “the most underrated great move,” Isaac Okoro’s addition transformed the Bulls’ defense. Shooting 50-40-80 over his last five games, Okoro locked down Tyrese Maxey in crunch time — solidifying himself as the team’s best defender and a critical late-game stopper. Fred contrasts his production with Lonzo Ball’s multi-year absence and inefficiency, calling out the overreaction from fans who doubted the deal.
</li>
 	<li>
The Giddey Trade and Extension A true win-win. Alex Caruso helped OKC capture a championship, while Josh Giddey — a misfit in OKC — has flourished in Chicago. At just 23 years old, Giddey is emerging as a bona fide All-Star and, according to Fred, even belongs in the early MVP conversation.
</li>
</ul>
Closing Thoughts: The Big Red Bus celebrates a Bulls team reborn — deeper, smarter, tougher, and finally built to contend. From a fanbase in despair to the top of the East, AKME Redemption is real, and the ride has only just begun. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

<description>&lt;h2&gt;Big Red Bus Podcast&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;Episode Title: &lt;em&gt;AKME Redemption: The Rise of the Red Leviathan&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Hosts:&lt;/strong&gt; See Red Fred &amp; The Podfather, Doug Thonus&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Summary:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;See Red Fred and the Podfather Doug Thonus break down one of the most thrilling weeks in recent Bulls history — a miraculous comeback win that cements the Bulls as &lt;em&gt;the #1 seed in the Eastern Conference&lt;/em&gt;. The guys argue that we’re witnessing &lt;em&gt;the greatest front office turnaround in Chicago sports history&lt;/em&gt;, thanks to four franchise-changing moves that have completely reshaped the team’s identity.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Topics Covered:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
 	&lt;li&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;The Buzelis Draft Pick (June 2024, #11 Overall)&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Fred and Doug revisit the bold selection of Matas Buzelis — calling it an &lt;em&gt;A+ pick&lt;/em&gt; that set the tone for everything that followed.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/li&gt;
 	&lt;li&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;The LaVine Trade&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The front office struck gold by trading Zach LaVine for &lt;em&gt;Tre Jones, Kevin Huerter, and John Collins — plus their pick back&lt;/em&gt;. Fred praises each as rock-solid contributors, emphasizing that the Bulls gained three quality pieces &lt;em&gt;and&lt;/em&gt; financial flexibility.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/li&gt;
 	&lt;li&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;The Okoro Trade&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Dubbed “the most underrated great move,” Isaac Okoro’s addition transformed the Bulls’ defense. Shooting 50-40-80 over his last five games, Okoro locked down Tyrese Maxey in crunch time — solidifying himself as the team’s best defender and a critical late-game stopper. Fred contrasts his production with Lonzo Ball’s multi-year absence and inefficiency, calling out the overreaction from fans who doubted the deal.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/li&gt;
 	&lt;li&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;The Giddey Trade and Extension&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;A true win-win. Alex Caruso helped OKC capture a championship, while Josh Giddey — a misfit in OKC — has flourished in Chicago. At just 23 years old, Giddey is emerging as a &lt;em&gt;bona fide All-Star&lt;/em&gt; and, according to Fred, even belongs in the &lt;em&gt;early MVP conversation&lt;/em&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Closing Thoughts:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The Big Red Bus celebrates a Bulls team reborn — deeper, smarter, tougher, and finally built to contend. From a fanbase in despair to the top of the East, &lt;em&gt;AKME Redemption&lt;/em&gt; is real, and the ride has only just begun.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br/&gt; &lt;p&gt;Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See &lt;a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com"&gt;pcm.adswizz.com&lt;/a&gt; for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.&lt;/p&gt;</description>

The Big Red Bus Podcast
Episode 226 - AKME Redemption: The Rise of the Red Leviathan
Hosts: See Red Fred & The Podfather, Doug Thonus
Summary: See Red Fred and the Podfather Doug Thonus break down one of the most thrilling weeks in recent Bulls history — a miraculous comeback win that cements the Bulls as the #1 seed in the Eastern Conference.  Fred argues that we’re witnessing the greatest front office turnaround in Chicago sports history, thanks to four franchise-changing moves that have completely reshaped the team’s identity.

The Big Red Bus - Episode 226 - The AKME Redemption

Join See Red Fred and Bulls Beat's Doug Thonus as they break down everything Chicago Bulls! Featuring the latest Bulls' talk, interviews and more, if you are a Bulls fan, it's time to hop on The Big Red Bus!

The Big Red Bus: A Chicago Bulls Podcast

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