Podcast Summary: Dan Bernstein Unfiltered – "Chicago Bulls 3-0 Hot Start"
Podcast: Dan Bernstein Unfiltered
Host: Dan Bernstein (A), with Jason Bernstein (B) and producer Matt Abbatacola
Date: October 28, 2025
Episode: Chicago Bulls 3-0 Hot Start
Episode Overview
This episode is an in-depth, spirited, and often playful breakdown of the Chicago Bulls’ surprise 3-0 start to the 2025-26 NBA season. Dan, joined by Jason (live from New Orleans) and producer Matt, examines how the Bulls pulled off three quality wins—against postseason-caliber teams—while dissecting key contributors, coaching adjustments, what’s real and what’s not, and the fun of watching the new-look squad.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
Bulls’ 3-0 Start: Not Just Beating Up Bad Teams
- The Bulls’ wins came against the Pistons, Magic, and Hawks—all playoff contenders or likely playoff teams.
- The hosts emphasize that the Bulls aren’t simply riding hot shooting; the wins reflect real improvement, execution, and team play (01:15, 01:44).
- “All three of these wins are over teams I think are going to be in the playoffs.” (A, 01:28)
Bench Depth & Rotation Surprises
- Standout performances from the bench—eight Bulls in double figures versus Atlanta (06:31).
- The Bulls remain competitive without key rotation players like Zach Collins and while waiting for Kobe’s return (02:22).
Defensive Discipline & Modern NBA Offense
- Bulls praised for disciplined defensive closeouts and playing “matchup-aware basketball.”
- Atlanta Hawks lauded for creative half-court schemes, but Bulls matched with excellent spacing and “collegiate-level” execution (02:56, 06:31).
- “Their spacing has been impeccable...There’s just no drop off into the second unit.” (A, 06:31)
- Detailed breakdown of Bulls' “pistol”/five-out offense, its similarities to Phil Jackson’s "triple post," and why layups/penetration beat post-up basketball in the modern game (07:37 - 09:53).
Player Spotlights & Development
Patrick Williams
- Extended riff on Patrick Williams' growth: more aggressive play, off-ball movement, and defense (“moving a lot more off the ball and...initiative,” B, 15:09).
- “If you’re paying $18 million a year for a guy who’s efficient from three, gets a couple blocks a game...that’s a worthy expenditure.” (B, 14:22)
- Anecdotes about Williams showing more on-court edge and toughness—responding to physicality, more active body language, and “Flower Boy” earning teammate respect (15:09 – 16:19).
Modestas (Modest) Bouzelis
- Flashes of athleticism, highlighted by a poster dunk over Isaiah Stewart (09:53 – 11:12).
- “That one reverse dunk he had last night was pretty sweet. He did step on the baseline a little bit.” (B, 10:49)
Trey Jones
- Jones praised for steady guard play; described as “a savvy kid whose game grows on you” (A, 16:47).
- Bulls insider relays Jones is “one of the nicest people you’ll ever meet”—a “queef, cute” moment (A/B, 17:05).
- Some worries about shooting confidence when challenged by elite rim protectors (Porzingis), but generally a net positive on the floor.
Jalen Smith & Zach Collins
- Questions around big man depth, rotation timing.
- Smith inconsistent but has had moments, while Collins (when healthy) is clearly the “best backup big” (A, 02:22, 02:31).
- Vucevic’s strong start seen as unsustainable—call to protect his minutes and consider trade value (20:30, 20:46, 29:12).
Josh Giddey
- “Giddy has responded”—carrying forward last season’s breakout, nearly matching high-level outputs each game (21:24 – 22:01).
- “He’s very good at the offensive rebound bat out. That is a skill...” (A, 22:13)
- Room for improvement: avoid leaving his feet on drives without a shot, be more aggressive in seeking contact (“get fouled, get the and one finish,” A, 24:07).
Modern NBA Big Man Evolution
- Discussion contrasting bigs like Okongwu and Stewart (The Pistons) stretching the floor and adding three-point shots to their defensive skillsets (04:51 – 05:12).
- Highlight of Jalen Duren’s physical, even borderline-dirty tactics—Bulls want that toughness, but not at the expense of safety (29:53 – 30:46).
- Concerns about Bulls’ pick-and-roll defense with Vucevic playing drop coverage.
League Notes & Playful NBA Debates
Victor Wembanyama Fandom
- Excited, almost awestruck banter about Wemby’s skill and impact (17:55 – 18:29, 32:19).
- “The highlights look like AI. Not AI—looks like 2K. They don’t look real.” (A, 11:47)
- Jokes that “every episode is going to include Wemby worship,” embracing the phenomenon (32:19).
Old School vs. New School Debates
- Debate whether 90s Bulls teams could compete against today’s NBA.
- “Last year’s Thunder would beat the Bulls by 50. It would be ridiculous.” (A, 36:39)
- Explains that the game’s evolution (size, shooting, speed) would make even championship teams of the past struggle.
Hairlines & NBA Style Moments
- Playful anecdotes about NBA hair disasters—Boozer’s “painted” head, Jaylen Brown’s transferred paint, Dennis Schroder’s infamous line (25:49 – 27:34).
- Recalls those lighter moments to illustrate the culture around the NBA.
Michael Jordan’s “Insights on Excellence”
- Skeptical preview of MJ’s new NBC segment. Dan expects Jordan will rail against load management, sticking to his “play every game” mantra (33:39 – 35:19).
- “Only I’m deigning to do this, to descend from Mount Olympus to give back to the game of basketball.” (A, 34:26)
Bulls Outlook for the Season
- Cautious optimism: The Bulls look well-coached, deep, and “fun to watch,” but no hosts foresee a true title run (24:17).
- Top-six finish is seen as possible; Eastern Conference unproven after Cleveland, New York, and with Boston down (25:32).
- “Why can’t they be a top-six team in this conference?” (B, 25:17)
What Might Deraill the Bulls?
- Scouting/counter-adjustments now that there’s tape on the new-look group.
- Trade deadline, injuries, and regression to the mean as headwinds mentioned (28:13).
Fun & Trivia Segments
- Extended “OWC Trivia Showdown” features Bulls lineup history, college alumni in the NBA, and memory games (39:01 – 56:05).
- Both Dan and Jason riff, roast, and challenge each other, with Matt occasionally chiming in.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
On Bulls’ team identity:
- “They’re not star-reliant...they’re playing almost like collegiately.” (A, 06:31)
On tactical execution:
- “You want points in the paint, but you don’t want them from post-ups. You want them from layups and dunks and penetration.” (A, 07:49)
- “There’s no drop-off into the second unit. They are matchup aware. Their spacing has been impeccable.” (A, 06:31)
On Patrick Williams:
- “I like angry Pat. You gotta get angry, gotta get mean. That’s the only way.” (B, 16:05)
On NBA evolution:
- “Last year’s Thunder would beat the Bulls by 50. It would be ridiculous.” (A, 36:39)
On Victor Wembanyama:
- “It looks like somebody messed up. The highlights look like AI...They don’t look real.” (A, 11:47)
- “He’s a guard. That clip of him blocking two shots in a row, someone getting a rebound, snatching it, pulling up from the logo...” (A/B, 17:55 – 18:07)
On load management & Michael Jordan:
- “You know what you’re going to get—‘I didn’t need any load management...I played every game because I felt I had to give it to the game of basketball.’” (A, 34:41)
Timestamps for Key Segments
- Intro & Bulls hot start – 01:05–01:44
- Bench/depth praise – 06:31
- Breakdown of offensive schemes – 07:37–09:53
- Patrick Williams segment – 12:00–16:19
- Trey Jones, insider text – 16:32–17:13
- Wembanyama highlight awe – 17:55–18:29, 32:19
- Vucevic/playoff aspirations – 20:29–21:15, 24:17
- League-wide trivia games – 39:01–56:05
Tone & Style
The episode is both analytical and conversational, rich in basketball Xs and Os, but never losing the sense of humor and candor that defines Dan Bernstein’s style. Banter and light ribbing are mixed with detailed game breakdowns and passionate debates about team building and NBA history.
For Listeners
If you missed the episode, this summary conveys all major storylines and sidebars, from the Bulls’ promising start to the inevitable NBA rabbit holes. Dan and Jason blend tactical insight with entertainment, making this a must-listen for Chicago hoops fans seeking both hope and hard truths.