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Dan Bernstein
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Jason Bernstein
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Sleep Number Representative
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Jason Bernstein
Organizations win Championships A Chicago Bulls Podcast with Jason and Dan Bernstein on 312 Sports. It's OWC from our 312 Sports Studios. Your Chicago Bulls are 17 and 19 and Jason Bernstein. I'll give you one guess where they stand in the NBA's Eastern Conference.
Dan Bernstein
Ninth.
Jason Bernstein
They're ninth. Indeed, because they're always ninth. The Bulls have an offensive rating that places them 22nd of 30. Defensive rating that places them 22nd of thirty. Yet interestingly, their net rating places them 23rd.
Dan Bernstein
Wow. Michael Jordan. Pretty shout out.
Jason Bernstein
Amazing how that happens. And since we last left the Bulls, it seems like we in our little cycle here they went, things got good for a couple of games and then we get them just in time for the WHEE to fall off again with more injuries. It sucks.
Dan Bernstein
And what's crazy is that the game after the injury riddled Timberwolves, whatever that, whatever you want to call it, just bad. They come, they come out and play one of the best games I've seen them play all year. Considering that you don't have your starting backcourt. More importantly Giddy because Kobe has not been his best, let's put it that way. I think he's been far from it. Yes, he just looks out of control. So losing Giddy really hurts. And losing Collins really hurts as well.
Jason Bernstein
A lot.
Dan Bernstein
They come out against Magic, they play a great game and I think we have to talk about modest.
Jason Bernstein
Well, you didn't mention the Pelicans game, right? Yeah, after they lose to the t wolves by 35 points and everything looks like. Well, that's just it.
Dan Bernstein
I thought they were going to lose again.
Jason Bernstein
I did too. And they actually played really well against the Pelicans and they got the game of the year from Isaac Coro. And even though he's still going to be left open every time for him to go 8 of 10 in a game, enjoy that because that's good. That's peak Isaac Okoro for them.
Dan Bernstein
I remember last night he Took the first shot for the Bulls against Boston and it was an open 3 from the left wing air ball. And you just put both arms. Went like this. Yes, because you are so supportive.
Jason Bernstein
But he's been selling me out for my sarcasm. That's all it was, was sarcasm.
Dan Bernstein
I agree.
Jason Bernstein
And I don't know what's going on with that rim. Last night. Rim and bean tow.
Dan Bernstein
We were having way too much fun.
Jason Bernstein
Well, because there was an issue with a tight.
Dan Bernstein
No, because as soon as you said, God, that rim is really tight, I looked at you and I go. And I just go, tight rim, tight rim. And you had to finish in Beantown. Yes. Well, my word. Oh my God.
Jason Bernstein
And it was, it was for everybody.
Dan Bernstein
Trey Jones, for Sam Houser.
Jason Bernstein
That is unbelievable. Tre Jones in that game also showed both of. Not last night, but in the Pelicans game when he ends up shooting 7 for 7 and has 12 assists and 20 points. Like this is what it takes. With all these injuries, you're going to need heroic performances from bench guys.
Dan Bernstein
I wouldn't even say with all the injuries. I think they need it anyway in order to be a non playing team. If we're still looking at that. Because the east is weak. The east is weak. Detroit's great. New York is playing really well. Cleveland, once they figure it out, they'll be fine. I don't think Boston is that.
Jason Bernstein
They're not.
Dan Bernstein
They're not that good. With Tatum out, Jalen Brown's been playing great, but they're not that good. I don't think that. Who's another team?
Jason Bernstein
I guess Sixers.
Dan Bernstein
Sixers. I think they're fine. But Embiid is not even close to what he used to be. And he's just so below the rim now. He's still good, but I don't think he's not the best player on that team anymore. And it's just. It's so weak that it is possible still that the Bulls do get that succeed. I don't want to rule that out. I just don't. However they're going, I think there's a very small chance and they need those performances from their bench guys to, to make that happen. That includes Jalen Smith, who we'll talk about later. Just because that. That collision was awful and losing him sucks. Especially when you're already down Collins and you now have to rely on Lachlan Ulbrich, who's bad. Who's bad and Vuch to play defense, who's also bad.
Jason Bernstein
Yeah, well, but Vuch was the guy who Responded after that Charlotte game, too. Yeah. And I thought we just.
Dan Bernstein
They're doing it to the. What are teams doing to the Bulls. Is there a reason.
Jason Bernstein
Let's talk about the collision first. Because you mentioned it in a loss to Charlotte where.
Dan Bernstein
Well, we haven't even talked about Mattis dunk yet. Let's go chronologically here.
Jason Bernstein
Fair enough.
Dan Bernstein
I think. I think we have to just mentioned that that might have been the greatest. People are saying it's the. I know you hate that when I say people are saying. There was a post that said, is this the best Bulls dunk since Derrick Rose over Gordon Dragic?
Jason Bernstein
Yes.
Dan Bernstein
And I think. I think it might be, yes. Oh, easily it might. I honestly think it's a more impressive dunk.
Jason Bernstein
Well, considering that the guy on whom he dunked, Jalen Suggs was not Gorn Dragic.
Dan Bernstein
No disrespect to Gordon Dragic, former all star great player, not known to be a defensive.
Jason Bernstein
Jalen Suggs is like mega Caruso.
Dan Bernstein
You called it out. You said that. And then I think it wasn't Stacy, it was Adam who said. Who said he plays like Caruso.
Jason Bernstein
It was after he got hurt because he. Yeah, I said it. And then later after he got hurt.
Dan Bernstein
Because, like he only plays 55 games a year or whatever it is.
Jason Bernstein
Because he's playing football.
Dan Bernstein
Yeah, he was a football player. You know, he was like a star Minnesota football player before he chose basketball.
Jason Bernstein
Well, yeah, you get extra credit throwing that down over that guy. And he knew it, too. Suggs, the response afterward, he's like, oh, God.
Dan Bernstein
He kind of gave his eye. But respect to Suggs for jumping.
Jason Bernstein
True.
Dan Bernstein
Good. Good for him. And the thing is that all, all great defensive players are going to get dunked on. I've seen Jared Allen get dunked on.
Jason Bernstein
And I'm sure you're contesting a shot.
Dan Bernstein
Yeah, exactly. I've seen so many great players get dunked on. And it's part of the game. It happens.
Jason Bernstein
It depends how. We used to joke about Steve Nash because Steve Nash would always be like.
Dan Bernstein
Trying fake, drawing a charge, standing with.
Jason Bernstein
His shoulders slumped and somebody scrotum on his head. That was just every. Every time. Well, where's Nash? He's getting back on defense. Some guy just dragged his dong over his head because you don't want to be that gu. But I don't mind somebody up there contesting a shot. You can go down in a blaze of glory that way.
Dan Bernstein
Half of Mattis head was above the rim, too. I didn't. I didn't know he could. I knew he could jump. I didn't know he could fly.
Jason Bernstein
Well, he's getting more aggressive in some of these finishes. After that first dribble. Instead of looking to kick out, instead of waiting to see who's drawn to him, he is now taking a purposeful second dribble to go to the basket and try to do something.
Dan Bernstein
No, he. He kind of. He did a little gather. Took one pump dribble and went off. Off of two feet and cocked it back. And I. Mom was scared.
Jason Bernstein
I know. You scream so loud.
Dan Bernstein
Yeah, I am a loud human being.
Jason Bernstein
Yeah, I know that. Believe me, I know that. But that was. I went crazy, too. I fell down. I just fell off the couch right out of the floor. You jumped up and did the alarm go off to, like, the glass?
Dan Bernstein
No. You're thinking of the DJ Moore touchdown.
Jason Bernstein
That set off the alarm.
Dan Bernstein
That set off the alarm.
Jason Bernstein
Yes. In the house.
Dan Bernstein
Yes, it did.
Jason Bernstein
And it don't stop.
Dan Bernstein
Yeah, I think multiple times for that one.
Jason Bernstein
Well, the modest two, especially with the guys out now who are out. I don't mind him attacking, but, God, he's got to have a tighter handle if they. Everybody's raking at his dribble. Everybody's immediately when he does exactly what I said and he takes that second purposeful dribble. The scouting report is, go get it. Go take it. Go rake it away from him. Because a lot of these guys just can't protect their dribble in traffic. But he does. And I think you pointed this out before, once he's in the air, he does a nice job finding his way to the basket.
Dan Bernstein
Yeah, I used one of your favorite words, which is proprioception. He. He's very aware of where he is around the rim, where his body is around the rim. And he's also. His little flinches and moves with his hands and his arms. And even his body is pretty good body control when he's up there. He's very aware of who is around him. It's. It's almost like a quarterback in the pocket where somebody's rushing their blind side and they can just kind of sense the pressure. It's similar where if somebody's coming from behind, he. He can kind of feel that out and avoid it.
Jason Bernstein
Well, that's. The great finishers do that, and you add a ton of points over a season by getting the number of. And ones with a little bit of D cell.
Dan Bernstein
Right. Or even a goal 10, just to get that extra bit of time to make something happen.
Jason Bernstein
If you want an Example of somebody who's terrible at that.
Dan Bernstein
Patrick.
Jason Bernstein
Yes.
Dan Bernstein
Yes. However, I was going to say modest is kind of taken after him with his dribble getting attacked. It feels like every time Patrick drives.
Jason Bernstein
Everybody giddy does it too.
Dan Bernstein
Kobe as well. Yep. Which. Which sucks because I feel like over the past few years we've been talking about his improve, his improvement with his handle, how he's worked with Chris Paul and how he's really worked on not turning the ball over when he's got the ball in his hands. He's regressed a little bit with that Kobe. Yeah. Yeah.
Jason Bernstein
Anyway, well, what he's been doing isn't physical. The issues he's been having with turnovers, as far as my estimation is too fast, is he's going into people and leaving the ground for no reason. He's getting into no man's land where the equivalent of the chair pull on.
Dan Bernstein
Him, of just he pulls the chair on himself.
Jason Bernstein
Well, you just sort of let him keep going until he's too far underneath.
Dan Bernstein
Yeah. I do also just want to say I feel like Patrick's been playing pretty well recently.
Jason Bernstein
I agree.
Dan Bernstein
And he will have his moments. He will have his moments. But he, he's been very, very, very solid off the bench. And what annoyed me the other day was when Stacy was talking about old Patrick took five threes last game.
Jason Bernstein
Good.
Dan Bernstein
Didn't he make like three of them or two of them or something? Well, it was like five of his seven shots were threes. It's Patrick Williams. That's what I. That's where, that's where I trust him most, is to make a standstill three point shot.
Jason Bernstein
Yeah. That's where he's going to have the most value.
Dan Bernstein
Yeah.
Jason Bernstein
Right now.
Dan Bernstein
Yeah.
Jason Bernstein
As far as per value per shot for him.
Dan Bernstein
Yeah.
Jason Bernstein
He was over 5.
Dan Bernstein
Okay.
Jason Bernstein
From 3, was over 7 from the field, and over 5 from 3 point range against Charlotte.
Dan Bernstein
Fine. Shoot it more.
Jason Bernstein
I agree.
Dan Bernstein
And last night I thought he played okay. I thought he was fine. And he's been defending really hard recently is something else I've noticed because when he came, when his entire tenure with the Bulls, it's always been, oh, he's a great defender on the ball, but sometimes he gets his head turned, gets lazy off the ball. He's been. He's been rock solid defensively.
Jason Bernstein
And this year he is at 38.7% from 3. He's a career 39%. So he's right at his career number. He's gonna get paid of 39%.
Dan Bernstein
He already got paid. People Might people. A lot of Bulls fans hate Patrick Williams. He's going to have a long career, whether it's with the Bulls or not. He's going to be in the league for a long time.
Jason Bernstein
Yeah, you'll see him as like the seventh guy on a champion.
Dan Bernstein
Like when he, like five years. Harrison Barnes in, in seven years. If he's Harrison Barnes, that's a good career.
Jason Bernstein
What about like a Jay Crowder? If he went to like the bigger, stronger.
Dan Bernstein
Jay Crowder's short, though.
Jason Bernstein
Yeah, but he, he developed a three point shot.
Dan Bernstein
Jay Carter's always been able to shoot.
Jason Bernstein
But I'm just saying, like somebody like that, though, who, when he shows up on a really good team or somebody trades for.
Dan Bernstein
Patrick's never been on a really good team. Right, right. Put him up. Put him on a really good team where he's not asked to handle the ball in traffic and make plays and he's just asked to guard a good player and shoot the ball when it's given to you. If he averages 8 and 8 and 4 on good efficiency off the bench for a good team, he'll be making that $18 million per year for the rest of his career.
Jason Bernstein
Speaking of really good players and guys asked to do a lot. These were Jalen Smith's numbers before the collision with Lamelo Ball over the last.
Dan Bernstein
How many games this was in?
Jason Bernstein
No, no, no. This was in that game.
Dan Bernstein
Oh, in that game.
Jason Bernstein
This is through 15 minutes.
Dan Bernstein
Yeah.
Jason Bernstein
He was 4 for 5, 1 of 2 from 3. He had five rebounds, three block shots.
Dan Bernstein
Yeah, he was protecting the rim.
Jason Bernstein
He had three block shots in 15 minutes in that game before he and Lamelo Ball hit heads. Ball hit his mouth on the back of Smith's.
Dan Bernstein
Yeah. The fact that Lamello Ball came back from that and remarkable.
Jason Bernstein
I thought, when I saw.
Dan Bernstein
I thought he was going to be out for 20 games.
Jason Bernstein
So did I. I saw Ball leaving with a bloodied mouth. I'm like, well, he's done for a week. He came back in the game and Smith was out cold.
Dan Bernstein
Yeah, it sucks.
Jason Bernstein
You knew it when he and. And the broadcasters, it was, it was that weird crew and they weren't saying anything about what was going on. Like, it looked like they got hit that. Like, look at the replay. They hit heads. One guy's knocked out, the other guy's got a lip is cut open. Right. The other guy's going to get his lips sewed up. Either way, you're going for repairs.
Dan Bernstein
And what.
Jason Bernstein
That's what they would say. He's got a good Andrew Shaw.
Dan Bernstein
Hacky. He's a bulldog. Hacky.
Jason Bernstein
Pulford just died. The guy whose voice we're doing. Pulley Rip Sky.
Dan Bernstein
Motley Cruelty. Can you do me a favor real quick?
Jason Bernstein
What?
Dan Bernstein
Go on Basketball Reference. Look up. Look up Jalen Smith.
Jason Bernstein
Why?
Dan Bernstein
And go to his. Look. What are his per 36 averages for this year? For this year.
Jason Bernstein
Okay. Jalen Smith this year. Last 5 per game per 36 minutes this year his scoring is actually down. His career scoring is 18 8. He is at 18 4. What else do you want?
Dan Bernstein
Rebounds, blocks.
Jason Bernstein
Field goal Rebounds are at 12.7, up over a career number of 11. 9. Assists are up 2.6 over 1.9. Blocks are about the same. 1.7 to 1.6. So is your thesis proven disproven or neither?
Dan Bernstein
Well, my thesis from last season is that if he's given the minutes, he'll average those that 15 and 10 that I was telling you.
Jason Bernstein
It was 15 and 8, I think, right?
Dan Bernstein
Yeah, 15 and 8.
Jason Bernstein
I think 15 today is what you said. Hey, but he can't get those minutes on a good team because he's not good enough.
Dan Bernstein
Then why can't he get him on a bad team with a bad starting center? I would rather have Collins start over Vuch. I would rather have Smith start over Vuch, not Lachlan Ulbricht.
Jason Bernstein
Vuch is struggling. He's really struggling. He's defensively. Simple game. Well, yeah, it's simple when you're trying to take a contested two all the time.
Dan Bernstein
Simple game.
Jason Bernstein
That sucks.
Dan Bernstein
A game can be simple and bad.
Jason Bernstein
You're correct. It is simple. It's also why you're losing.
Dan Bernstein
A simple game that's good is when you get an open three and shoot it.
Jason Bernstein
He has become the Bulls enforcer. Unwritten rules enforcer. Where it was Giannis that.
Dan Bernstein
But hold on. He's the only guy that can be on that team because he's the only vet who's really, isn't he? Authority. Yeah. He's made two all star teams. He's had a good career. He's the only guy. You can't have Dale and Terry. Dan.
Jason Bernstein
Terry.
Dan Bernstein
You can't have Dale and Terry go up to Giannis and start a fight. No. Until Bobby Portis comes in, I'm staying away. He's good.
Jason Bernstein
Yeah, and he's also.
Dan Bernstein
BP is good.
Jason Bernstein
Don't. Don't step to him.
Dan Bernstein
Oh, no, you don't. You don't mess with bp.
Jason Bernstein
Run up.
Dan Bernstein
Get BP for my bum.
Jason Bernstein
Run up. Get done up.
Dan Bernstein
One of those eyes widen a Little bit. And he's not mirror Titch got popped.
Jason Bernstein
A two piece and a biscuit put on him.
Dan Bernstein
Yeah, that was the precursor to the Draymond Green Jordan pool thing.
Jason Bernstein
So Lamelo dunks at the end of the game.
Dan Bernstein
It wasn't like Giannis who did a windmill. It was just somebody got a seal, he picked it up, he kind of just dropped it.
Jason Bernstein
Yeah, he slow walked and he kind.
Dan Bernstein
Of just half got it. If Lamelo just played with more effort, oh my God.
Jason Bernstein
He'd be amazing.
Dan Bernstein
Oh my God.
Jason Bernstein
So Vuch comes up to Lamelo after he did that. He like pokes him with the ball and then he said something at the end and there's a little bit of a pushing scuffle. Scuffle. But no big deal. But it's like, hey, don't do that. You know what?
Dan Bernstein
Bulls win, win instead.
Jason Bernstein
There's a really good way to prevent that.
Dan Bernstein
Play well.
Jason Bernstein
Yeah, play. Play better basketball. Play better defense.
Dan Bernstein
I just want to say something about Charlotte. They beat Oklahoma City by 27 on the road. They look good, man. If Lamelo is healthy and even he. Well, he is right now. And if he's. Even if he's not trying that much, he's still a very good player. You love Con canipple.
Jason Bernstein
Who doesn't?
Dan Bernstein
Yeah, he's great.
Jason Bernstein
Who doesn't?
Dan Bernstein
Concan Nipple is great. Miles Bridges piece of shit, but I love his game. Brandon Miller.
Jason Bernstein
Brandon Miller.
Dan Bernstein
Brenner Cockbrenner is good. Brandon. Brandon Miller can.
Jason Bernstein
Wait. You just mentioned Hulkbrenner in the same sentence.
Dan Bernstein
Have you seen him this year as a shop blocker?
Jason Bernstein
I know, but he's a rookie. Okay.
Dan Bernstein
And I like, I really like see on James as an off the bench 3.3 and die wing type player. I mean, I'm a little bit biased, but still he's a good player. That. That team. That seems one of those teams.
Jason Bernstein
Is there anything to be said about the Boston game? Other than if you keep letting Sam Houser shoot 26 footers, he's going to keep making them.
Dan Bernstein
Well, if you only score 33 points and a half, yeah, that's what's going to happen. There's really great. There's not much to say, but it's really hard to judge that game when Kobe, Giddey, Smith and Collins are all hurt and you have to rely on Lachlan Ulbricht.
Jason Bernstein
Well, Kobe played.
Dan Bernstein
Off the bench.
Jason Bernstein
Yeah, but he's still bad. And now you've got this.
Dan Bernstein
He said he's still playing at the same time I Just said still bad.
Jason Bernstein
This stretch now at Pistons l, Heat at home, Mavericks at home. At the Rockets.
Dan Bernstein
Yeah. Rockets are looking scary too.
Jason Bernstein
Yeah, they are.
Dan Bernstein
Yeah. When you talk about the Rockets, it's like Thompson, Shangoon, Jabari Smith. Oh, right. Kevin Durant.
Jason Bernstein
Yep.
Dan Bernstein
Like he's 37 or whatever it is, but it's Kevin Durant. Duke could still play. That's one of the greatest scorers of all time, if not the most talented scorer ever. It's like, who Every team. Just. Just every team. Except I know every team can say this. Every bad team can say this. Like every team is guys.
Jason Bernstein
Healthy or just.
Dan Bernstein
Just every team is guys. And what are we doing?
Jason Bernstein
The Bulls don't have those guys though, right?
Dan Bernstein
They're in the play in every year. It's the. It's Miami, Atlanta and Chicago. And at least Atlanta is looking to move on from Trae Young because he's a little.
Jason Bernstein
But they are apparently. Well, they're well down the road in discussions too. I would not trade for him, apparently.
Dan Bernstein
Like, I saw Washington as the only team that could be possibly suitable for him. And I'm thinking, what.
Jason Bernstein
Why are you trading for Trey Young?
Dan Bernstein
I don't know.
Jason Bernstein
Empty calories? Empty. Yeah, I don't. I don't want him around. I wouldn't trade for him. But every team's got guys who aren't like the Bulls guys.
Dan Bernstein
Yeah. And speaking of Bulls, the Hawks have an all NBA player. Jalen Johnson's a MF. MFer.
Jason Bernstein
Speaking of which, I wanted to get to this article that I thought that you would find interesting. And it was in the ringer. And it is a mid season report about eight players who Michael Pina believes are taking a leap this season.
Dan Bernstein
All right. And you already told me that Gideon Mattis aren't on this.
Jason Bernstein
Let me just. I just want to give you some of the names here.
Dan Bernstein
Can I guess some of them?
Jason Bernstein
Well, let me give you the logic. Just chill. Chill your tatas. This is a look at eight of the most significant leaps we've seen from abrupt star turns. Talents who've benefited from a change of scenery. Okay, Everyone on the list has been in the NBA for at least three full seasons. So relative newcomers who deserve most improved player votes will not appear. So the guys not appearing. Keonte George, Stefan Castle, Reed Shepherd, AJ Mitchell, Colin Gillespie, Cam Spencer, Anthony Black. Anthony Black, Alex Saar, Keyshawn George and Jaime Haquez. They will not appear, he said. Instead, we're looking for players who've noticeably improved beyond the natural arc of a young career. It's more fun that way.
Dan Bernstein
Yeah.
Jason Bernstein
All right. Can I give you Ryan.
Dan Bernstein
I know you already said, or I mentioned that Ryan Rollins has to be on here.
Jason Bernstein
Ryan Rollins is the second guy on the list.
Dan Bernstein
Yeah, that.
Jason Bernstein
He said. He said I've gone hard at Bucs GM John Horst. This is Pena for trying to salvage an unsalvageable situation. The Rollins signing was a grand Islam. He said 12 million over three years total. And as of Saturday, he led the Bucks in total minutes, shots, assists and steals. Was tied in points with Giannis.
Dan Bernstein
Pretty good. Pretty good.
Jason Bernstein
Not even Milwaukee saw that coming. Jalen Duran.
Dan Bernstein
No.
Jason Bernstein
Yeah. Yep.
Dan Bernstein
Yeah.
Jason Bernstein
He said if you try, you don't like him. I. Well, I don't. I don't. I think he's a little dirty, but he's good.
Dan Bernstein
He's not like Lou Dort.
Jason Bernstein
Lou Dort is a dick. Yeah, he is.
Dan Bernstein
Oh, he kicks his feet out. I know.
Jason Bernstein
His knees. Look at what Dort does with his knees when he's a screener. He's. Yeah, like he sticks his knees into your knees to try to tie you up.
Dan Bernstein
Yeah, it's. Could Amend Thompson be on here?
Jason Bernstein
Well, let's see. You got Ryan Rollings, you get Duran, you then have Michael Porter Jr. Oh.
Dan Bernstein
I mean, change of scenery, scoring on a bad team.
Jason Bernstein
Let me say he didn't have to take advantage of this opportunity. His efficiency could have crumbled, but no, he genuinely cares as he cuts hard, he passes the ball, calls out teammates on the ground. Wow.
Dan Bernstein
He passes the ball.
Jason Bernstein
Yep. And this, I think, is maybe stretching it, but he says that Jalen Johnson has gone from a tantalizing athlete to an obvious all star. Oh, yeah, he said, who should not be included in a trade for Giannis Anetokounmpo.
Dan Bernstein
No.
Jason Bernstein
A free flowing, cerebral player at his best, rippling through random offense in the open floor.
Dan Bernstein
That's your type of writing. Could Anthony Simons be on here?
Jason Bernstein
Well, I'll give you the rest. This, and this pains me to say, he's got Dylan Brooks on here.
Dan Bernstein
Wow. Yeah, he's been having a good year. Yeah.
Jason Bernstein
He said most role players can't crank their game's volume up to 11 without frying any speakers, but Brooks can.
Dan Bernstein
No, he's been good.
Jason Bernstein
Yep. He also has Nemius Keita of the Boston Celtics.
Dan Bernstein
I knew it in college.
Jason Bernstein
I know you did. And this pisses me off too, because you pointed about in Utah State.
Dan Bernstein
Yeah. They were like a 10C in the tournament.
Jason Bernstein
Like I like this Nemius Kita.
Dan Bernstein
I remember he wore 88. And then I knew.
Jason Bernstein
I saw. Remember he wore 88?
Dan Bernstein
I don't know, because he's still wearing in the league. But it's a very easy number to remember because nobody else is wearing it.
Jason Bernstein
Isn't it supposed to be. Is that a Nazi number?
Dan Bernstein
Is it?
Jason Bernstein
I thought because 8 and 8.8h is the eighth letter and it meant like Heil Hitler or something.
Dan Bernstein
I don't think he's.
Jason Bernstein
No, I know I'm not.
Dan Bernstein
So then why'd you bring it up?
Jason Bernstein
Because what's the point? There was something about 88 that I remembered being bad.
Dan Bernstein
No. Yeah. It's because, like you after my last high school game, the other pitcher who dominated you found his Twitter account and it was like his thing said like 1488. And then a bunch of. Bunch of people in your comment section just started coming after this kid and he had to put out like, no, those are like my childhood numbers. Right. I think he wore 88 in the game.
Jason Bernstein
Somebody said 14 and 88. Maybe that's how I remember it.
Dan Bernstein
Yes. Like what?
Jason Bernstein
I don't know.
Dan Bernstein
You just said you just threw a lob to that kid to get dunked on.
Jason Bernstein
I mean, nice kid. And he was great that game.
Dan Bernstein
Oh, my God. We also couldn't hit.
Jason Bernstein
Yes. Denny of dia. He says, duh. He said he was the pick to win most improved of the quarter season mark remains his to lose. He's an all star full stop. Averaging 25.7 points, 7.3 rebounds and 7.1 assists.
Dan Bernstein
You didn't know that?
Jason Bernstein
Jeez.
Dan Bernstein
You didn't know that?
Jason Bernstein
But I mean, to look at it right there, that is.
Dan Bernstein
That's like. That's like 38 year old LeBron numbers.
Jason Bernstein
That's wild.
Dan Bernstein
You know, LeBron is still averaging 21, 6 and 5.
Jason Bernstein
And he's washed.
Dan Bernstein
He's 41.
Jason Bernstein
He's washed. Yeah.
Dan Bernstein
Like I saw that the other day. He had. He had like 32 points the other day.
Jason Bernstein
And then the last one here, Austin Reaves.
Dan Bernstein
Yeah.
Jason Bernstein
Yeah. He said, I. Not in a million years. No.
Dan Bernstein
Carlo Matkovic.
Jason Bernstein
Stop. Not in a million years.
Dan Bernstein
Did I think never let go of.
Jason Bernstein
That narrative that Reeves would ever be good enough to earn a max contract without any caveats. And then he says honorable mentions.
Dan Bernstein
Giddey.
Jason Bernstein
Josh Giddey. Tyrese Maxey. Too good. Jaylen Brown. Come on. Jamal Murray. Marvin Bagley.
Dan Bernstein
Marvin Bagley.
Jason Bernstein
Yeah. Marv Bagley iii.
Dan Bernstein
Wow. I haven't heard that name in a while.
Jason Bernstein
Nikhil Alexander Walker.
Dan Bernstein
Did you see his buzzer beater? The Other day, no half court. Lefty swish. And he held the Follow Through. I forgot. I think KD tweeted about it. He's like, that might be the sickest shot I've ever seen.
Jason Bernstein
IO's the other night was pretty good.
Dan Bernstein
It wasn't left. It wasn't offhand.
Jason Bernstein
Why is he lefty? Because.
Dan Bernstein
Because Caruso was guarding his right hand. He just went and it bottoms.
Jason Bernstein
That's pretty cool. Dominic Barlow. And then the last name is Isaiah Stewart. Who the Bulls are going to see very soon. Correct. He's on the Pistons. Right. They're big guy. So now that the Bulls are looking at the quick approach to the trade deadline, I wish there was more that we could discuss. I wish the Bulls cared about draft capital. I wish they cared about moving any of these guys for the right reasons. But they've got a lot to sort out and a lot of dudes hurt right now.
Dan Bernstein
As it stands, it's not like they would make any moves anyway. Well, no, they wouldn't because they just.
Jason Bernstein
Don'T at the moment. Zach Collins remains out. We know Sangay's out for the season. Josh Giddey, they're saying still a few weeks. And Jalen Smith remains in the concussion protocol. Kobe White back, but not. Not healthy, I don't think. Or not himself. He's not getting the same lift on his jumper and he's dribbling into traffic with. No. It's all just rhyme or reason. All right, so you want to get to the showdown.
Dan Bernstein
Yeah, because it's too depressing. Not the showdown, but the showdown's not depressing. The showdown.
Jason Bernstein
The showdown is life affirming.
Dan Bernstein
Affirming. That's an interesting word to say for that.
Jason Bernstein
Yes. The showdown makes us understand. What? I can't talk over the music. Why not? Dave, Tell me when I can talk.
Dan Bernstein
Maddie, I know you appreciated that. Can I talk.
Jason Bernstein
Now?
Dan Bernstein
Keep playing the music just so we can't talk. All right, Fine.
Jason Bernstein
All right. So with the Pistons now taking over the number one spot in the East. They're the best team in the east and they've earned it. Oh, they've had their shares of injuries, too.
Dan Bernstein
Yeah, because they have the best player in the league on their team. What the hell are you talking about?
Jason Bernstein
Javante Green. Yeah, he had a great game, too.
Dan Bernstein
Best player in the league.
Jason Bernstein
Stop. No.
Dan Bernstein
Yes. He's also wearing my old hockey number.
Jason Bernstein
Well, that's on purpose.
Dan Bernstein
Hockey. Hockey. Weird hockey sweater number.
Jason Bernstein
I think he said that when he took the number. He said that he needed to be like the unstoppable wall of a goaltender for somebody who's only three feet tall.
Dan Bernstein
What's that?
Jason Bernstein
Where'd that come from? Is Maddie into his toys all of a sudden?
Dan Bernstein
Yeah.
Jason Bernstein
Oh, no. All right, so I picked a. An arbitrary benchmark here to use as we look at the Pistons and you know, who they've got on their team, their current roster and all that. And I was thinking like, if they get good, if this team really, like.
Dan Bernstein
If they get good, like playoff good. What? They're number one in the conference. They can win the title this year.
Jason Bernstein
The bulls were number one in the conference in 2020. It's a little different.
Dan Bernstein
I'm just saying, when you have Cade Cunningham, Jalen Duran, Jaden I like. Come on, man.
Jason Bernstein
I understand that.
Dan Bernstein
But of course, Javante Green.
Jason Bernstein
If they prove it in the playoffs.
Dan Bernstein
Oh my God. Like they were like the. Okay. Bulls get the bulls get the 8 seed in the play in. Bulls get the 8 seed in the plan. They play Detroit. You don't think the Pistons could win in the playoffs?
Jason Bernstein
Oh my God, chill out.
Dan Bernstein
Then they play the magic next. You don't think. You don't think the Pistons will beat them?
Jason Bernstein
All right. If over time.
Dan Bernstein
Cade, what the hell, man? All right.
Jason Bernstein
Seriously is biting my dick off the moment.
Dan Bernstein
I'd rather not.
Jason Bernstein
These are the top 10. I want you to figure out all time in the history of the Detroit Pistons. Yeah. Going back to the Fort Wayne Zollner Pistons in Allen County. War Memorial Coliseum in Fort Wayne, Indiana. This is their all time top 10 based on value over replacement player.
Dan Bernstein
Okay.
Jason Bernstein
Okay. So don't worry about the actual number. It's just an arbitrary. But I think.
Dan Bernstein
Is there a minimum number of games played type thing?
Jason Bernstein
Don't worry about it. Okay. No, that's not a counter.
Dan Bernstein
Isaiah Thomas.
Jason Bernstein
Isaiah Thomas is number one.
Dan Bernstein
Joe Dumars.
Jason Bernstein
Joe Dumars is number seven.
Dan Bernstein
Rip Hamilton.
Jason Bernstein
Good guess, but no.
Dan Bernstein
Tayshawn Prince.
Jason Bernstein
Yes. Tayshawn Prince is eighth.
Dan Bernstein
Ben Wallace.
Jason Bernstein
Ben Wallace is sixth.
Dan Bernstein
I guess I just have to say chauncey billups then.
Jason Bernstein
4. Rasheed Wallace, 10.
Dan Bernstein
Drummond 9. Yes.
Jason Bernstein
You hate this guy. This is just annoying.
Dan Bernstein
Limbeer 5. Rodman.
Jason Bernstein
Nope. You only have two and three left.
Dan Bernstein
Are they like really old dudes?
Jason Bernstein
No, I mean, one is.
Dan Bernstein
I don't know if I'm thinking of the right guy, but. Dave DeBusher. Is he on?
Jason Bernstein
No, you're. I know who you're thinking of. Dave to Bush was a Nick.
Dan Bernstein
Yeah.
Jason Bernstein
You might be thinking of Dave Bing. Yeah. Yeah. No, Dave Bing is. I think he's in the next grouping. Okay. I can't believe you just rattled off eight of the 10 and now you've got two and three. Both hall of Famers.
Dan Bernstein
Both. Oh, hall of Famers. Hall of Famers. Like.
Jason Bernstein
Yeah, yeah. So they're top. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. Six of their top seven are hall of Famers. Lambert is not. Which is really interesting because he was a really good player.
Dan Bernstein
Title winners.
Jason Bernstein
Title winners. Not. No, no.
Dan Bernstein
Who am I.
Jason Bernstein
Although this guy might have. I just would have to see what year he.
Dan Bernstein
I'm just trying to think of, like, the best Pistons. Yeah.
Jason Bernstein
Well. Yeah.
Dan Bernstein
Best pistons.
Jason Bernstein
This guy. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. Time All Star with the Pistons.
Dan Bernstein
Played before I was born.
Jason Bernstein
He played before you ran. Yeah. Neither one has won a title.
Dan Bernstein
Should I know it?
Jason Bernstein
Yeah.
Dan Bernstein
White guy.
Jason Bernstein
No, no, no. Neither one.
Dan Bernstein
Neither one is a white guy.
Jason Bernstein
One is about my age, a little younger. One's a little young, and one is he.
Dan Bernstein
So if he's your age. So that's like 90s.
Jason Bernstein
Yeah.
Dan Bernstein
Like on. Like on those teams of Dumars and stuff? No, after. I'm trying to think of, like, draft picks for them. Very high.
Jason Bernstein
Very high draft pick. And actually both were. One of them was. One of them was first picked first overall.
Dan Bernstein
Oh, by the Pistons.
Jason Bernstein
By the Pistons. In 1970.
Dan Bernstein
It's a long time ago.
Jason Bernstein
And he was inducted into the hall of fame in 1992. Average in 959 games. Average 20 and 10.
Dan Bernstein
A big man.
Jason Bernstein
Very big. And known. How shall I say? Known for a long time. Before Shaquille o' Neal and Will Perdue, this man had the largest body part, famously. It's not the one you're thinking of. He was known for enormous shoes.
Dan Bernstein
I'm going to be pissed.
Jason Bernstein
You are.
Dan Bernstein
Go ahead.
Jason Bernstein
Bob Lanier.
Dan Bernstein
Oh, my God.
Jason Bernstein
So Bob Lanier is number three.
Dan Bernstein
Yeah. That's bad. Should have gotten that.
Jason Bernstein
Yeah, but. No, but you're redeemed.
Dan Bernstein
Yeah. I feel like I did pretty well.
Jason Bernstein
I'm immensely impressed that you just knocked off eight of the top 10 all time Pistons there. Yeah. This guy was the third overall pick in 1994 by the Pistons. And he played in 1026 career games, averaging 16.7 points, six rebounds and four assists. Also shot 31% from three. Did you just give it to him? No, I didn't. You did. I don't know anything about basketball. Yeah. Matty's looking at the clock.
Dan Bernstein
Go ahead. I should have.
Jason Bernstein
I. This is my guess. I have no idea.
Dan Bernstein
This is your buddy, Grant Hill.
Jason Bernstein
Yeah, it's Grant Hill. There you go. Well done. All right, your turn.
Dan Bernstein
All right, good job. Mine's also kind of not really an all time thing. A bit more recent because your memories fading.
Jason Bernstein
Yeah. But honestly, I do a better job with the older stuff perhaps than I do with the. With the newer stuff.
Dan Bernstein
All right, let me just count, because there are. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. 6, 7, 9. 10 players since 2015, I think since 2015 that have at least 30 triple doubles.
Jason Bernstein
30 triple doubles since 2015?
Dan Bernstein
Yeah, 10 of them.
Jason Bernstein
Is there a reason why you thought of this?
Dan Bernstein
No.
Jason Bernstein
All right, Westbrook.
Dan Bernstein
Yep. Number one, obviously. 202.
Jason Bernstein
Sabonis.
Dan Bernstein
Sabonis has 68. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. He's sixth.
Jason Bernstein
Okay, so I got one and six. Harden.
Dan Bernstein
Yep. Harden has 80. What was that?
Jason Bernstein
What was that? Where that came from? All right, so I got Harden, LeBron, number three.
Dan Bernstein
98. Jokic, number two. 164.
Jason Bernstein
All right, so Westbrook, Sabonis, you got.
Dan Bernstein
1, 2, 3, 5, 6 right now.
Jason Bernstein
1, 2, 3, 5. Because there's going to be some weird ones on here.
Dan Bernstein
There are a couple of weird ones. Few weird ones, but there's still a couple of.
Jason Bernstein
Couple of big names.
Dan Bernstein
Yeah.
Jason Bernstein
How about Giannis?
Dan Bernstein
Yep. 56, so that's seventh.
Jason Bernstein
Okay, so 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. So I need four more.
Dan Bernstein
And you're missing 3, 8, 9, and 10.
Jason Bernstein
3, 8, 9, 10. And this is 30.
Dan Bernstein
30 or more.
Jason Bernstein
Yeah. And so Giddy's not there yet.
Dan Bernstein
No, but he.
Jason Bernstein
Giddy will be on these lists.
Dan Bernstein
There's no question. This was released, like, before the season.
Jason Bernstein
Okay.
Dan Bernstein
List.
Jason Bernstein
Did Chris Paul do it?
Dan Bernstein
No.
Jason Bernstein
With something.
Dan Bernstein
Nope. There's one big name that you should get.
Jason Bernstein
Okay. So I would think Chris Paul would run into a couple.
Dan Bernstein
No. Although some people could say this is a very niche reference. I don't think you know it, but some people could say that Chris Paul actually did do it. Don't you? Some people will get it, especially when they. When they hear the name. You won't, but.
Jason Bernstein
All right, now I'm confused.
Dan Bernstein
Don't even. Don't even. Don't even think about it.
Jason Bernstein
I'm going to delete that.
Dan Bernstein
Yeah, you delete that from memory. But the people will know. Some people will know what I mean by that.
Jason Bernstein
What about Bama, the bio?
Dan Bernstein
Nope. You should get. You should focus on the guy who's third with 80, with 82 and probably more since the season started. Definitely.
Jason Bernstein
Oh, that's a lot. Has Durant. No, he hasn't.
Dan Bernstein
No.
Jason Bernstein
He's too busy scoring. What about Jason Tatum?
Dan Bernstein
No, better.
Jason Bernstein
Better than Jason Tatum, I think. And still better.
Dan Bernstein
Yeah.
Jason Bernstein
Luca.
Dan Bernstein
Oh, yeah.
Jason Bernstein
Okay, 82.
Dan Bernstein
Come on, Luca. Yes. You should have gotten that. That would have been one of the first names.
Jason Bernstein
Okay, so I need. I need 8, 9, and 10.
Dan Bernstein
This is where it gets a little dicey.
Jason Bernstein
This is going to be hard because there's going to be some. Some weird name like Siakam. No, I'm trying to think of guys who can do enough of.
Dan Bernstein
Because it's only 10. 10 and 10. It's not like they have to score 30. Right.
Jason Bernstein
Like, what did Scotty Barnes do the other night of that? Ridiculous.
Dan Bernstein
I'll say this. These three guys are not known as.
Jason Bernstein
Scores, not known as scorers, like, at all. Okay? So it's probably somebody who got 10 points, 10 blocks and 10 rebounds.
Dan Bernstein
No, not necessarily blocks. Like assists and rebound points, assist rebounds, but. And every once in a while, they could, you know, drop 18, but more so. More so.
Jason Bernstein
I'm gonna be. Yeah, this is.
Dan Bernstein
I'm probably gonna be all notoriously bad shooters.
Jason Bernstein
Clint Capella.
Dan Bernstein
No, Notoriously bad one recently has been one person shooting. Has declined over time, but the other two guys have just always been terrible at shooting.
Jason Bernstein
Wow. I'm trying to.
Dan Bernstein
Terrible.
Jason Bernstein
I'm trying to think of guys who are still considered, like, who are in the league but considered bad since 2015.
Dan Bernstein
Remember that?
Jason Bernstein
Yeah, there's no.
Dan Bernstein
Since 2015. Right now. Chris Dudley is only one of these guys is currently on a team.
Jason Bernstein
Oh, I'm not going to be able to get it.
Dan Bernstein
You should.
Jason Bernstein
No, I'm not going to.
Dan Bernstein
Go ahead. Ben Simmons. Ah, 33. Draymond Green with 33.
Jason Bernstein
He's not a bad shooter.
Dan Bernstein
Oh, yeah, he is. Oh, yeah.
Jason Bernstein
Okay.
Dan Bernstein
And Raja. People did, like, in Rajan Rondo.
Jason Bernstein
Good one.
Dan Bernstein
And so the thing is that one time, the reference is that there's a video that went viral a while ago. This guy is in some shoe store, and he sees Rajan Rondo, and he goes up to him, he's like, oh, man, it's Chris Paul. It's Chris Paul. And Rondo looks at him like, what the hell are you talking about? So that's when I made the Chris Paul recipe.
Jason Bernstein
Okay, thank you. Yeah, that'll do it. That was. That was a good one.
Dan Bernstein
That was actually a really good trivia session.
Jason Bernstein
It was. I hope next time we convene, when you'll be back in school, that we'll have some sense further of where this Bulls team might be headed as we get closer to the trade line.
Dan Bernstein
The only thing is that on Tuesday, we might be very upset about the results of Saturday night's game.
Jason Bernstein
I'll be over it. You won't be over it by now.
Dan Bernstein
If they lose. Hell, no.
Jason Bernstein
You're going to be moping.
Dan Bernstein
Yes.
Jason Bernstein
You've already been such a basket case about this game. Yes. Literally wandering around the house muttering the word bears to yourself and getting nervous.
Dan Bernstein
Because I'm nervous.
Jason Bernstein
Because you're a meatball.
Dan Bernstein
I can be a meatball if I want to.
Jason Bernstein
You can.
Dan Bernstein
You've had a Bear super bowl in your life. I have not.
Jason Bernstein
I've had two Bear Super Bowls in my life. One. They won. Yes.
Dan Bernstein
How do you deal with. I know I live with them, but how do you deal with this? Maddie. What?
Jason Bernstein
I had two Bear Super Bowls in my life. I got one just like that. Actually, I do.
Dan Bernstein
Bear Super Bowls.
Jason Bernstein
Shut up.
Dan Bernstein
Yeah, that'll do it.
Jason Bernstein
Organizations win championships. A Chicago Bulls podcast with Jason and dan Bernstein on 312 Sports.
Date: January 6, 2026
Podcast: Dan Bernstein Unfiltered
Hosts: Dan Bernstein & Jason Bernstein (312 Sports)
In this episode, Dan and Jason dive into the highs and lows of the current Chicago Bulls season, focusing on the team's recent struggles with injuries, standout individual performances, and in particular, the jaw-dropping dunk by Bulls rookie Matas Buzelis that's already generating buzz as one of the best in franchise history. They analyze the Bulls' performance, depth issues, and compare their current net ratings. There's also plenty of sharp, unfiltered debate on the state of the Eastern Conference, player development, and memorable basketball trivia. The duo keep their signature blend of sarcasm, honesty, and inside references front and center throughout.
Standings & Performance:
Bulls' Resilience Amid Injuries:
Need for Bench Heroics:
Chronology of Recent Games:
Dunk Hype:
Breakdown of Buzelis’s Growth:
Caveats:
Impact of Injuries:
Vucevic’s Struggles & Veteran Enforcer Role:
Patrick Williams’s Improvement & Perception:
Trade Deadline Outlook & Organizational Frustration:
Softness of the East:
LaMelo Ball Praise and Charlotte’s Role Players:
Pistons All-Time VORP Leaders:
Triple-Double Leaders Since 2015:
Outlook on Upcoming Games & Trade Deadline:
Fan Emotional Rollercoaster:
On the Buzelis Dunk:
On Bulls' Place in the East:
On Injuries and Depth:
On Bulls Fan Cynicism:
On LaMelo Ball:
Conversational, sharp, deeply knowledgeable, and heavy on in-jokes and unvarnished opinions—classic Dan Bernstein. The banter is peppered with sarcasm and real Chicago sports fan energy; the chemistry between Dan and Jason is evident, making this a rewarding listen or read for Bulls loyalists and hoops nerds alike.