The Podfather Doug Thonus takes the bus out for a solo ride to read some listener mail.

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0:00 – Intro & Opening Banter

Weekend stories and opening conversation before diving into Bulls talk.

2:00 – Bulls Interested in Benedict Mathurin?

Is Mathurin the right fit?

Why Fred prefers Isaac Okoro.

Team-first vs. me-first players.

Defensive fit alongside Matas Buzelis, Caleb Wilson, and Josh Giddey.

16:30 – Patrick Williams Trade Value

Is there any market for Patrick Williams?

Would the Bulls need to attach draft picks?

What would a successful 2026-27 season look like for Patrick?

24:00 – Expectations for Mid-First Round Picks

Are fans expecting too much from No. 15 picks?

Denzel Valentine revisited.

Why stars at Pick 15 are the exception, not the rule.

29:45 – Solo Pod Follow-Up: Rim Protection vs. Shot Blocking

Fred challenges Doug's comments on his previous podcast.

Why shot blocking and rim protection are not the same thing.

Discussion with an AAU coach about defensive positioning, rotations, deterrence, and anticipation.

34:00 – The Nick Claxton Debate

Is Claxton the missing defensive piece?

Claxton vs. Jalen Smith.

Why rim protection matters more than block totals.

37:30 – Claxton's Health & Offensive Growth

Addressing concerns about the 2024 epidural.

Durability over the past four seasons.

Career-high assists and improved passing.

42:30 – Claxton vs. Walker Kessler

Which center would you rather build around?

Asset cost vs. player value.

46:00 – Success Criteria for the Claxton Trade

What would make the acquisition a success?

Remaining concerns about rebounding.

56:30 – Great Shot Blockers vs. Great Rim Protectors

James Wiseman

Hassan Whiteside

Andre Drummond

JaVale McGee

Brook Lopez

Marc Gasol

Tim Duncan

Al Horford

59:30 – Closing Thoughts

Robin Lopez's underrated rim protection.

Rajon Rondo's comments on the 2017 Bulls.

Final takeaways and sign-off.

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The Podfather Doug Thonus takes the Big Red Bus out for a solo ride with a revival of the Bulls Beat.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.