

By The Horns: A Chicago Bulls Show
Chicago Sports Network
Welcome to By The Horns, a podcast covering the Chicago Bulls. Hosted by Bulls Countdown Live host Camron Smith and CHSN Bulls Insider K.C. Johnson. We’ll bring you the latest updates along with guest interviews and breaking news. Episodes are released every Tuesday and Thursday.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Apr 8, 2026 • 18min
REACTION: Michael Reinsdorf addresses media
Cam Smith and K.C. Johnson react to a major shift inside the Chicago Bulls organization following the departures of Vice President Arturas Karnisovas and General Manager Marc Eversley. The guys break down what led to the decision, what it signals about the franchise’s direction, and why this moment could define the next era of Bulls basketball.
They also dive into the press conference from Bulls president and CEO Michael Reinsdorf, unpacking his comments on the search for the team’s next VP and GM, the qualities the organization is prioritizing, and how extensive the process could be. Plus, where does head coach Billy Donovan fit into all of this? The conversation explores his future in Chicago and how the next front office hire could shape the team’s identity moving forward.

Apr 2, 2026 • 14min
Bulls take on MVP Candidate Wembanyama and Final Four Preview
Plus, it’s all about March Madness as the guys take a look at the Final Four picture, including Cam’s experience at the United Center for Michigan vs. Tennessee in the Elite Eight. Cam and KC make their picks for who’s headed to the championship—and who’s ultimately cutting down the nets.

Mar 25, 2026 • 33min
Clutch Buzelis, Durant Still Making It Look Easy
Cam Smith and K.C. Johnson break down the Bulls’ 2–2 homestand, highlighting Matas Buzelis’ clutch late-game impact and what stood out down the stretch. They also dive into Kevin Durant’s performance against Chicago, unpacking what still makes his scoring feel nearly impossible to defend, while debuting “K.C.’s Notebook” to spotlight Durant’s professionalism and lasting impact on the game, both on and off the court.
The conversation shifts to Josh Giddey’s playmaking surge, including a career-high 19 assists, and how his pass-first style continues to evolve with the roster. They also discuss Leonard Miller’s strong showing, the emergence of young contributors within Billy Donovan’s system, and preview the Bulls’ upcoming road trip. Plus, a look around the NBA with potential expansion news and “Cam’s Court” tackles the ongoing debate surrounding the league’s 65-game rule.

Mar 18, 2026 • 43min
Buzelis Brings the Edge, Giddey Keeps Filling the Stat Sheet
Cam Smith and K.C. Johnson break down Matas Buzelis’ continued rise after another great performance against the Grizzlies, including a career best third quarter. They also dive into the on-court back-and-forth between Buzelis and Luka Dončić and what it says about Matas' growing confidence and edge.
The conversation expands to Josh Giddey’s red-hot stretch and evolving mindset while also highlighting Buzelis joining Victor Wembanyama in rare statistical company. Plus, Taj Gibson makes another appearance at the UC and the first-ever edition of a new segment, “Cam’s Court," where Cam gives his two cents on the Bam Adebayo 83-point game.

Mar 11, 2026 • 37min
Collin Sexton's offensive surge, Matas Buzelis builds upon strong sophomore season
Cam Smith and K.C. Johnson break down the Chicago Bulls’ loss to the Sacramento Kings, where Collin Sexton poured in 28 points as Chicago struggled out of the gate. The guys discuss Sexton’s potential long-term fit with the team and highlight Matas Buzelis continuing to make an impact defensively with an elite block game, fueling the conversation about his underrated sophomore season and untapped ceiling.
Later, they react to Josh Giddey returning to the floor and recording his ninth triple-double of the season before looking ahead to the rest of the Bulls’ West Coast trip, including a tough back-to-back in Los Angeles.
Cam and K.C. also go around the NBA to talk about Jayson Tatum’s return and how it affects the Eastern Conference race, while Cam weighs in on the recent Thunder–Nuggets matchup he’s calling the “game of the year.”

Mar 3, 2026 • 21min
Bulls snap losing streak, Josh Giddey continues to climb the record books
The Bulls use a stunning 27-0 surge against the Milwaukee Bucks to end an 11-game skid. Cam and K.C. break down how that momentum shift unfolded, and Josh Giddey records his first triple-double since December.
From there, the focus turns to what’s ahead, including a challenging West Coast swing with late-night matchups against the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers. The conversation also highlights rookie Matas Buzelis and his steady presence all season, not just being durable but also embracing the learning curve and staying composed through the inevitable ups and downs.

Feb 26, 2026 • 26min
Matas nets career-high, Coby White returns to United Center
Cam Smith and K.C. Johnson break down the Bulls’ frustrating 10-game losing streak and what’s fueling the slide, from late-game execution to lineup adjustments. The guys also discuss the opportunity emerging from the skid, including the valuable minutes Rob Dillingham is logging and what that experience could mean for his long-term development in Chicago.
They also dive into Matas Buzelis’ breakout 32-point performance against the Charlotte Hornets and what it says about his ceiling moving forward. Plus, former Bull Coby White makes his return to the United Center in a Hornets uniform for the first time since the trade, adding another emotional layer to a pivotal stretch of the season.

Feb 12, 2026 • 23min
The takeaways from the new-look Bulls, Matas showcases in rising stars
As the first half winds down, Cam Smith and K.C. Johnson evaluate how the revamped Bulls roster is starting to take shape. With Anfernee Simons, Rob Dillingham, and Collin Sexton now in the mix, the focus shifts to late-game struggles, locker room accountability, and whether this group can finally close out tight contests.
The conversation turns to which newcomer has captured their attention most, with Cam and K.C. each making their case and sharing a fun nugget about who Simons believes is the greatest of all time. They also preview Matas Buzelis showcase in the Rising Stars Game before looking ahead to the post–All-Star stretch.

Feb 6, 2026 • 47min
NBA Trade Deadline Recap
The NBA Trade Deadline takes center stage as the crew breaks down where the Bulls stand coming out of a busy day and why the roster is still a work in progress. K.C. Johnson offers his perspective on what he called the "wildest deadline" he’s ever covered, setting the stage for how Chicago’s moves fit into the league-wide chaos.
From there, the focus shifts to the newcomers, evaluating how players like Jaden Ivey, Anfernee Simons, Collin Sexton, Rob Dillingham and others could shape both the Bulls’ present and long-term direction. The episode wraps up with a look back at the Bulls tenures of Nikola Vučević, Coby White, Ayo Dosunmu, Javon Carter and Kevin Huerter, reflecting on their impact and what their departures mean for the franchise going forward.

Jan 27, 2026 • 42min
Rose's Jersey Retirement Recap & Buzelis Named to Rising Stars Team
Cam Smith and K.C. Johnson open the episode by reflecting on an emotional night at the United Center as the Derrick Rose jersey retirement takes center stage. They break down what the moment meant for Rose, the franchise, and the city, before diving into the on-court action that followed as the Chicago Bulls edged the Boston Celtics on Kevin Huerter’s game-winning shot.
From there, the guys recap a tough loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, sparked by a big first half from LeBron James and a double-double from Luka Dončić. They also highlight Coby White who is playing some of his best basketball of the season, Josh Giddey finding his rhythm since returning from injury, and Matas Buzelis earning another Rising Stars nod while opting out of the dunk contest.
The episode wraps with a look ahead to a packed stretch of games, including multiple matchups with the Miami Heat and a visit from the Indiana Pacers, plus a debate on whether the Bulls should keep leaning into their effective double-big lineup.


