Who Should Bulls Draft at No. 1? Worst HC Options & Why Root for Blazers

Locked On Bulls - Daily Podcast On The Chicago Bulls31mApril 14, 2026

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AI-Generated Summary

In this episode of Locked On Bulls, hosts Wes Goldberg and Pat discuss the Chicago Bulls' potential path in the upcoming NBA Draft, focusing on who they would select with the No. 1 overall pick. They express strong preference for AJ Griffin, praising his leadership, competitive fire, and all-around skill set, while also considering Darren Painter and Caleb Williams as viable options. The conversation shifts to head coaching candidates, with both hosts unanimously agreeing that the Bulls should avoid bringing back Tom Thibodeau or Doc Rivers, citing their outdated styles and the need for forward momentum. They also express cautious optimism about Monte Williams if he believes in the roster. The episode concludes with a deep dive into the Portland Trail Blazers' crucial play-in game against the Phoenix Suns, analyzing key players like Scoot Henderson and Drew Holiday, and discussing how a Blazers win could secure the Bulls a top-15 draft pick. The hosts emphasize that while the draft is pivotal, the team's future hinges on both talent acquisition and the right leadership.

Key Takeaways
1

AJ Griffin is the top draft pick choice for both hosts due to his leadership, competitiveness, and all-around skill set.

2

The Bulls should avoid hiring Tom Thibodeau or Doc Rivers as head coach, as both are seen as outdated and tied to the past.

3

Monte Williams could be a viable coach if he genuinely believes in the Bulls' young core and roster potential.

4

A Portland Trail Blazers win in the play-in game would give the Bulls the 15th overall pick, a significant opportunity for rebuilding.

5

The Bulls' future depends more on player development and front office strategy than on coaching pedigree.

…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus

Chapters
0:00
2 min

Sponsor: State Farm & ADT

Introductory sponsor segments for State Farm and ADT, promoting insurance and home security services.

2:00
3 min

Draft Preview: Who Should the Bulls Draft?

AJ DeBansta is AK's dream of a player, except he would find a way to mess it up.

Highlight
5:00
5 min

Top Draft Prospects: AJ Griffin, Darren Painter, Caleb Williams

I think if you're telling me Noah Essenge is going to be anything in this league and Caleb Wilson is in this lineup and Modest Buzellas is in this lineup and Josh Giddey's in this lineup. You got a lot of length. You got a lot of ability.

Highlight
10:00
5 min

Coaching Concerns: Why Avoid Thibodeau & Rivers?

Leave Tom Thibodeau alone. If you want to bring him in, which he'll never accept, but if you want to bring him in as an assistant coach, I'm all for it. Do not bring him in as a head coach.

Highlight
15:00
5 min

Monte Williams & the Future of Coaching

Discussion on Monte Williams as a potential coach if he believes in the roster, with emphasis on player empowerment and belief in the team.

High-Impact Quotes
I'm good, bro. I'm good, man. I'm telling you, I'm good. 41-year-old Taj Gibson. Yo, Taj, get in here, bro. I'm running you 40 minutes tonight.
Pat18:34
Viral: 95.0
Leave Tom Thibodeau alone. If you want to bring him in, which he'll never accept, but if you want to bring him in as an assistant coach, I'm all for it. Do not bring him in as a head coach.
Pat15:17
Viral: 90.0
I don't want to hear nothing about Doc Rivers becoming the head coach of the Sky. I don't want to hear nothing about him being from Chicago. I don't care about none of that.
Pat16:19
Viral: 88.0
Speakers

Hosts

Wes GoldbergPat
Topics Discussed
NBA Draft Analysis95%Chicago Bulls Rebuilding Strategy90%Head Coaching Candidates85%Play-In Tournament Implications80%Player Development & Culture75%Team Chemistry and Leadership70%Front Office Decision Making65%Sponsorship & Monetization50%
People & Brands

Chicago Bulls

other

30xPositive

Wes Goldberg

person

25xPositive

Pat

person

22xPositive

Portland Trail Blazers

other

15xPositive

AJ Griffin

person

12xPositive

Tom Thibodeau

person

10xNegative

Darren Painter

person

8xPositive

Phoenix Suns

other

8xNeutral

Doc Rivers

person

7xNegative

Caleb Williams

person

6xNeutral

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