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.

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