Interviews of the Week on 104.3 The Score: Feb. 9-13
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What is the current state of the Chicago Bulls at the All-Star break?
I think it's being in the middle that's what we don't want to do. I think we've seen that for the past four years and we want to change that. And at the stage that we're in right now, I think we have to take a look at different combinations of players. And I'm definitely worried about so many new players on the team and how little time we have for cohesion and get to know each other and all this stuff. But I trust Billy and his staff. They're going to do their best for the next couple of months to work with this group.
Spiegel and Holmes, afternoons on the score.
It's a lot of work that's being asked of the Bulls head coach when you have a team that looks like they're going on a rec league run because they haven't had a ton of practice time. But that's really the smaller problems when it comes to the Bulls. Ricky O'Donnell has been covering this team for a really long time when he was here covering the Bulls like on a daily basis. And now he covers the league for SB Nation.
How are new player combinations affecting the Bulls' performance?
And we appreciate you jumping on the show, Ricky, joining us here on the Circus Sports Illinois Hotline Circus Sports app. Download it today. I want to go back for a second because I know that you've been in the camp of being skeptical on everything that's happened with the Bulls. And then there was like a moment where you're like, you know what? I think I might be able to see what it is that they're doing.
Yeah. Week number one, we were right there together. Like, look at this five in a row.
Maybe the system is the star of that kind of thing. How do you feel like it didn't get to the point where it proved you correct in having a little bit of faith in them?
Yeah, I think, you know, I was somewhat a believer at the start of the year, mostly because the Bulls were beating good teams like the Pistons have been the best team in the NBA this year. Essentially, the Bulls beat them on that run. The magic looked good. They were just running off some some pretty good wins. And I think from someone in my position where I've just always been so critical of the Bulls from an ownership and front office level that when they actually were playing good ball, I felt like I should compliment them and give them a little bit of the benefit of the doubt. Where it went wrong is that the Bulls lost to all the worst teams in the league in a row as soon as they started getting some injuries.
They've lost three times to the Nats. They've lost multiple times to the Pacers. They've lost multiple times to the Pelicans, I believe. So... These games against the Tankers early in the season, they had to like essentially sweep those games to give themselves a shot at being a 45, 46, 47 win team. And instead, as soon as they hit some adversity with injuries, they just completely fell apart. So there were some decent things for the Bulls to hang their hat on before the trade deadline. Really like Jalen Smith, really like Trey Jones. Both of those guys are nice finds by Arturis Karnaschovas. Giddy has proved me wrong. He's played pretty well this year when he's been healthy. But in general, you know, this team was never really going to make noise in the Eastern Conference, and I think Arturis was smart to take a step back at the trade deadline to be a seller.
Unfortunately, it's probably too little too late. There's 10 teams tanking this year. The Bulls have the most wins out of any of those teams. They are choosing this path pretty late in the season, so they're going to be a long-shot team in the lottery.
What challenges does the Bulls' coaching staff face this season?
They need to pray for some luck, but... I think they had to make these moves at the end of the day.
We wanted them to pivot, and they did pivot. Did they go too far or just too late? What is your thought overall as you look at the wreckage that's left behind?
Yeah, I would say that based off what the Bulls got at the trade deadline, there's like three keeper assets, I would say. That would be Jaden Ivey, who is a restricted free agent at the end of this year. Going to be an interesting negotiation with Ivey. He's got a $30 million cap hold.
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Chapters
8 chapters
1
What is the current state of the Chicago Bulls at the All-Star break?
0:00–1:08
2
How are new player combinations affecting the Bulls' performance?
1:08–3:24
3
What challenges does the Bulls' coaching staff face this season?
3:24–7:02
4
What is Clay Harbor's wish list for the Bears in free agency?
7:02–9:03
5
How does the NFL draft impact team strategies for the Bears?
9:03–14:22
6
What are the goals of Illinois football coach Bret Bielema for the upcoming season?
14:22–16:25
7
How is the Big Ten conference evolving in college football?
16:25–19:31
8
What strategies does Bielema use to retain and acquire talent?
19:31–47:45
Speakers
6 identifiedMore from Rahimi & Grote Show
Full Show — September 22, 2026
Bears quarterback Tyson Bagent lands in concussion protocol (Hour 4)
Transition with Spiegel & Holmes
What can the Cubs expect to get from Alex Bregman if he returns from facial injury?
Tim Jenkins diagnoses Bears' problems on offense in 9-3 loss to Vikings
5 On It & Tim Jenkins breaks down Bears tape (Hour 3)