The Chicago Bulls were competitive in two home losses to the 76ers and Spurs to drop to 1-9 on the season, but Caleb Wilson's hand injury hovers over everything. And while the Bulls only lost by five to the Spurs, it was a frustrating loss because they were up by 22 points and then threw the game away, with Josh Giddey and Matas Buzelis' turnovers taking center stage during the collapse.

(11:46) - If Caleb Wilson misses time, what will be the Bulls' starting lineup? Ricky starts with two main options, one with Isaac Okoro in Wilson's place and another featuring a bigger lineup with both Jalen Smith and Nic Claxton.

(19:25) - There have been some recent silver linings despite the Bulls' record, including Wilson's play before the injury. Claxton has also looked good in his two games after his debut against the Sixers, including a big game off the bench against the Spurs. Noa Essengue has shown flashes as well in his rotation minutes.

(23:05) - Ricky goes deeper into Essengue's improved play of late, highlighting his important role as a point-of-attack defender. Could we eventually see Essengue in the starting lineup if Wilson misses time?

(31:57) - Even Patrick Williams has looked playable of late, showing more bounce and juice since returning to the rotation and getting time over Leonard Miller. Will Miller return to the rotation if Wilson is out?

(34:10) - There are still some tough games ahead before the schedule eases up a bit next week. How long will this losing streak go and how much heat will be on Tiago Splitter if things continue to go poorly? Just how much is he really to blame for this? The Blazers looking great with Micah Nori isn't a point in his favor, but it's still so early.

(43:03) - Caleb Wilson missing time would put a huge damper on the Bulls' season, but this would increase the urgency for Matas Buzelis and Josh Giddey to step up. They simply have to play much better.

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The Bulls dropped to 1-7 with a 30-point loss to the Knicks in a game that wasn't competitive from the start, which has become too much of a habit even against the brutal schedule to start the season. The Bulls are the worst team in the NBA statistically right now, but are they actually this bad? While the schedule and several other factors are making things look worse, the nature of these losses is unacceptable and a lot needs to be fixed to simply be more respectable.

(11:15) - Ricky unloads a "nuclear take" that the Bulls need four new long-term starters around Caleb Wilson. Yes, that includes Matas Buzelis, whose struggles continue to be alarming on every level. Meanwhile, Josh Giddey is proving over and over again that an upgrade is needed at point guard for the Bulls to become a real contender in the future. There's a bit more grace given to Buzelis for his age and penchant for slow starts to seasons, but the concerns are only getting louder.

(31:18) - While Caleb Wilson suffered through a clunker at MSG, he has clearly been the Bulls' best player to start the year. Ricky has been super impressed by his defensive playmaking and 3-point shooting potential, but he also wants the rookie to do more damage inside the arc. Wilson needs to avoid falling into bad habits, but he's saying all the right things about dealing with losing.

(38:25) - The Norman Powell Experience hasn't been all that entertaining given his free throw grifting, questionable shot selection and poor defense, but the hope is the Bulls will get some juicy trade offers at the deadline. The veteran should still have plenty of value even though he's not shooting well yet in Chicago.

(42:28) - Jalen Smith left Wednesday's game early with an apparent hand injury, and it initially looked bad given how quickly he was ruled out. Smith has been one of the few bright spots to start the season and should have a lot of value on the trade market if the Bulls want to look to deal him, with the Warriors a rumored suitor given the Kristaps Porzingis situation. What could Smith actually fetch in a trade and would it be worth giving him up? (Post-pod note: After recording, K.C. Johnson said he talked to Smith and reported the injury isn't believed to be serious.)

(56:46) - While the numbers are ugly, Ricky is happy with what Noa Essengue has shown so far, especially on defense and the glass. Essengue still has so much to work on offensively, but there's the outline of an effective player in there.

(59:55) - Dailyn Swain didn't play until garbage time, even after Jaylin Sellers. What's going on with Swain? The G League will hopefully do him well. Plus some leftover thoughts on the rest of the roster.

(1:03:18) - Bonus Bears thoughts after beating the Seahawks.

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Ricky and Jason recap the Bulls' three games after their disastrous 43-point season-opening loss to the Raptors. The Bulls got their first win under Tiago Splitter by beating the Bucks in a comeback victory after an ugly start, with Splitter benching Matas Buzelis and Josh Giddey in crunch time to help secure the win. Then came a close loss to the Wizards that saw a furious fourth-quarter comeback fall just short. The Celtics game was somewhat competitive for about two and a half quarters before Boston unleashed an avalanche on Chicago.

(16:23) - While it has been a struggle for the Bulls, Caleb Wilson has been a clear bright spot. Wilson's game against the Wizards with 30 and 14 is the headliner so far, but Ricky thinks the Celtics game was actually his best performance. Wilson showed off his versatility on both ends of the court with multiple splash plays, showing why he's arguably the Bulls' best player already. It has been interesting to see Splitter play Wilson deep into blowout games, as the head coach clearly feels the rookie needs the reps regardless of game situation.

(25:38) - While Wilson has been terrific, Buzelis and Giddey have really struggled. Giddey is apparently dealing with a left wrist injury, but that's no excuse for just how poorly he has been playing and how low the effort has been. Although he's clearly making it more of a point to be a facilitator, he needs to be more aggressive looking for his shot. The numbers across the board are ugly, and while he'll undoubtedly hit a hot streak at some point like he has in the past, it's becoming more and more clear that this roller coaster is just who Giddey is. Wilson will almost certainly need a higher level point guard next to him for the Bulls to reach the next level.

(34:44) - Buzelis' struggles have also been disappointing and rather mystifying, especially after he talked a big game in the offseason. Buzelis admitted to Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times that he's still struggling to find his place in Splitter's offense alongside Wilson and Norman Powell, and there's obviously just something off right now. There's still plenty of time for him to figure things out, but is it time to smash that panic button when it comes to Buzelis' fit next to Wilson and any star equity he may have?

(45:18) - Final quick-hitter thoughts, including the pleasant surprise of Noa Essengue minutes and Dailyn Swain finally making his debut.

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