It’s 2016. By now you should be familiar with the concept of a podcast. I find them to be great sources of information and entertainment, particularly when I’m sitting in a dismal cubicle approximately 40 hours each week.
One such pod that focuses on the Chicago Bulls is the Dennis Podman Podcast from Mark Karantzoulis and Morten Jensen.
On yesterday’s Episode 22, Mark and Morten were joined by the one and only K.C. Johnson who covers the Bulls for the Chicago Tribune.
Highlights
The front office and their fans relationship: Looked at potential disconnect between front office and the fans. K.C. said that he noticed more anger and dissatisfaction from fans than there has been in very long time and he said that correlates to the sign that a championship window is closing. Johnson said that he experienced backlash from fans via e-mail and social media and a lot of that centered around Hoiberg being sold as missing piece and they ultimately missed the playoffs.
Related Story: FanSided NBA Mock Draft: Bulls' Pick at No. 14
Players the Bulls working out for draft:
Denzel Valentine was mentioned, but not much more information due to Gar Forman closing pre-draft workouts. Pointed to the team liking the ability to sit down and talk to prospects and said that the team is casting a wide net with the No. 14 pick. K.C. said that he thinks that Forman should open up the pre-draft workouts.
Johnson confirmed that they like Kris Dunn, but of course would need to move up to top five to get him. His sense as of right now is that they aren’t looking to move up.
On Wade Baldwin IV, KC said he doesn’t watch much college or do much draft work, but was told he has great positional since, very good defender and give depth at point guard
Says that Bulls have history of taking best player available according to their evaluations, cited the Marquis Teague and Bobby Portis picks.
Swarm and Sting
They also discussed potential cap space strategies. Johnson thinks that Bulls will be reactive based on what they do in draft and hasn’t heard anything about Bulls going after big names. He believes they draft guard and look for a second-tier guy to complete their starting five.
On Rose, Butler, injuries and making the playoffs: “Last year was just really weird.”
End of year press conference: Told organization that he didn’t think it was a good idea to hold it post game because of reporters being on deadline and having to miss a majority of the dialogue.
On Mirotic: “He’s got a little nasty in him.”
Hasn’t heard anything on Whiteside being linked to Bulls.
They also touched on the future of the Bulls and how that relates to Kirk Hinrich, the potential of Cristiano Felicio, a quick rebuild versus blowing it all up, potential bench coach additions and subtractions, and the lingering Pau Gasol and Joakim Noah situations.
Next: An Open Letter to Bulls Fans
To listen to the full podcast, and I strongly encourage you to do so, head over to check them out on Soundcloud or find them on Stitcher or iTunes.