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Joel Lorenzi

@jxlorenzi.bsky.social
5.4K followers 95 following 553 posts

Chicago-based NBA writer for The Athletic. Joe-L. Past: Thunder for The Oklahoman. Mizzou alum. Out West forever. www.nytimes.com/athletic/author/joe…

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Joel Lorenzi @jxlorenzi.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
Helloooooo What I’m keeping an eye on as the Bulls begin the preseason: www.nytimes.com/athletic/766...
nytimes.com
What I’m keeping an eye on as the Bulls begin preseason play (Gift Article)
Do these Bulls have the pieces to play the way new coach Tiago Splitter wants to play?
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Joel Lorenzi @jxlorenzi.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
Ok, apparently I’m now verified. What can I do now that I couldn’t before? I might start using this
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Joel Lorenzi @jxlorenzi.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Hey man. Bulls canceled it because the rain today would make the conditions in the park tomorrow less-than-ideal. But it’s my understanding that teams are mandated to do an open practice, so I think they’re considering doing it at the facility.
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Joel Lorenzi @jxlorenzi.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
I’m doing pull ups, gaining 10 pounds of muscle
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Joel Lorenzi @jxlorenzi.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
Of all places, Joakim Noah begrudgingly revisited Cleveland back in January. This was not vacation. It wasn’t even so much about the city. Or the Cavs, or LeBron. He needed to face his past, his old purpose, to grow. Noah wants to be comfortable again: www.nytimes.com/athletic/752...
nytimes.com
Joakim Noah is done fighting ghosts — LeBron, Cleveland, even his own last name (Gift Article)
For Noah, growth requires tracing his past. It leads the longtime Bulls enforcer back to a family legacy that forever echoes.
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Joel Lorenzi @jxlorenzi.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
I keep seeing responses like this to a story I thought was pretty fair and clear about how I viewed the context of SL. What “label” did I give Dailyn other than saying he wasn’t confident?
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Joel Lorenzi @jxlorenzi.bsky.social · 19/07/2026
Bulls fans: I’m doing an AMA on the Bulls subreddit (r/chicagobulls) on Tuesday, July 21, at 1 pm CT. Leave whatever questions y’all might have and I’ll answer all of them. Link here 👇🏼 www.reddit.com/r/chicagobul...
reddit.com
From the chicagobulls community on Reddit: Join The Athletic's Bulls beat writer, Joel Lorenzi, for an AMA chat this Tuesday!
Explore this post and more from the chicagobulls community
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Joel Lorenzi @jxlorenzi.bsky.social · 19/07/2026
Bulls fans: I’m doing an AMA on the Bulls subreddit (r/chicagobulls) on Tuesday, July 21, at 1 pm CT. Leave whatever questions y’all might have and I’ll answer all of them. Link here 👇🏼 www.reddit.com/r/chicagobul...
reddit.com
From the chicagobulls community on Reddit: Join The Athletic's Bulls beat writer, Joel Lorenzi, for an AMA chat this Tuesday!
Explore this post and more from the chicagobulls community
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Joel Lorenzi @jxlorenzi.bsky.social · 19/07/2026
Dailyn Swain has plenty of time to make forget about his Summer League performance. He’ll need to begin with his own confidence: www.nytimes.com/athletic/745...
nytimes.com
Dailyn Swain has time to bounce back — if he can get out of his head
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Joel Lorenzi @jxlorenzi.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
At @theathletic.com: Norman Powell is a Bull. The two-year deal uses basically the remainder of Chicago's cap space and puts it at 14 guaranteed deals. Bryson Graham finally has a shooter: www.nytimes.com/athletic/741...
nytimes.com
Norman Powell, Bulls agree to 2-year, $45 million contract: Sources
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Joel Lorenzi @jxlorenzi.bsky.social · 27/06/2026
Caleb Wilson’s introduction was more like a continuation of all the ambitious breadcrumbs he’s already dropped. He wants it all, for himself and for the Bulls: www.nytimes.com/athletic/740...
nytimes.com
Caleb Wilson stakes claim in Bulls rebuild, pledges to 'get this city back where it was'
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Joel Lorenzi @jxlorenzi.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
Wrote about what this draft signaled about Bryson Graham’s vision and what the new Bulls regime is after in the near future. Unlocked for all: www.nytimes.com/athletic/739...
nytimes.com
What drafting Caleb Wilson, Dailyn Swain says about new Bulls regime
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Joel Lorenzi @jxlorenzi.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
My guy @dustindopirak.bsky.social was first on Twitter, but can confirm that the Bulls received Kam Jones, cash and 2028 + 2030 2nd round swaps in the deal with Indiana for the 38th pick. Bulls traded out of the second round tonight entirely.
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Joel Lorenzi @jxlorenzi.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
I’m never on this app because stretching my digital footprint is truly exhausting, but hey — the Bulls drafted Caleb Wilson, y’all
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Joel Lorenzi @jxlorenzi.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
Yep. I imagine staff will lean, at least a little bit, into Wilson’s post stuff and even use him some as a DHO guy. IJoe connection would do wonders to usher Wilson along. But also, Joe and Claxton enable concepts and playstyles no one on this roster has extensive experience with in the NBA
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The Athletic @theathletic.com · 23/06/2026
NEWS: The Timberwolves are trading Julius Randle to the Nets in a deal that also includes Nic Claxton being sent to the Bulls, sources tell @jonkrawczynski.bsky.social and @jxlorenzi.bsky.social.
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Eric Koreen @ekoreen.bsky.social · 23/05/2026
Awesome mix of feature reporting and game reporting in @jxlorenzi.bsky.social's piece on Jared McCain (free to read)
nytimes.com
Jared McCain, fueled by tattered passage, stars in Thunder role with unflappable confidence (Gift Article)
“It’s never about proving anybody wrong for me,” McCain said after Game 3. “It’s always proving the people who believe in me right.”
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Joel Lorenzi @jxlorenzi.bsky.social · 10/05/2026
“It felt like (Ajay) had 100.” Oklahoma City’s depth allowed Ajay Mitchell to be a sponge in a title season. Now the team’s depth, and the call for it, might be unveiling a potential star. Free to read: www.nytimes.com/athletic/726...
nytimes.com
Ajay Mitchell’s breakout was another sign of the Thunder’s impressive depth (Gift Article)
Mitchell's star performance again underscored the Thunder's biggest advantage — the immense depth of talent on their roster.
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Joel Lorenzi @jxlorenzi.bsky.social · 08/05/2026
(free to read) If the evidence did not feel overwhelming, take last night’s third quarter. These Thunder seem inevitable: www.nytimes.com/athletic/726...
nytimes.com
Thunder proved their inevitability extends beyond SGA: ‘They know how to win’ (Gift Article)
In nearly 33 minutes with Gilgeous-Alexander off the floor in this series, the Thunder are a plus-21.
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Law Murray 📘 @lawmurraythenu.bsky.social · 08/05/2026
🆕 @theathletic.com GAME TWO TAEKS feat @jxlorenzi.bsky.social @danwoikesports.bsky.social @bydcp.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/athletic/726...
nytimes.com
The Thunder got contributions from everywhere — and now lead Lakers 2-0
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Joel Lorenzi @jxlorenzi.bsky.social · 07/05/2026
On Ajay Mitchell’s story, which is also Barry Mitchell’s story:
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The Athletic @theathletic.com · 07/05/2026
“It was a dream of his to be an NBA player for as long as I could remember. Just trying to honor him in that way. I’m living this dream for me, obviously, but also for him.” @jxlorenzi.bsky.social on how Ajay Mitchell is carrying the dreams of his late father: www.nytimes.com/athletic/725...
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Joel Lorenzi @jxlorenzi.bsky.social · 07/05/2026
To sense where Ajay Mitchell is headed, to understand the composure he plays with, you need to know who he plays for. A look at the love and loss behind Oklahoma City’s breakout guard (free for all to read):  www.nytimes.com/athletic/725...
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Law Murray 📘 @lawmurraythenu.bsky.social · 06/05/2026
🆕 @theathletic.com Game 1 TAEKS from Oklahoma City with @danwoikesports.bsky.social @jxlorenzi.bsky.social @darnellmayberry.bsky.social I wrote about JJ Redick's aggressive timeout usage www.nytimes.com/athletic/725...
nytimes.com
Thunder run away with Game 1, but Lakers show some fight: Takeaways
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Joel Lorenzi @jxlorenzi.bsky.social · 02/05/2026
Tip times for Thunder-Lakers thru Game 4. Game 1 is a 7:30 CT tip on NBC/Peacock.
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Joel Lorenzi @jxlorenzi.bsky.social · 29/04/2026
This is also free to read! No paywall! Virtually any story I share from our site (particularly my stories) will not feature a paywall.
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Howard Beck @howardbeck.bsky.social · 29/04/2026
No better authority on the Thunder than my guy @jxlorenzi.bsky.social. Give him a follow, if you aren't already, #NBASky.
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Joel Lorenzi @jxlorenzi.bsky.social · 29/04/2026
(Apologies for neglecting my followers here, but my latest here as I cover this Thunder playoff run for @theathletic.com) Forgive the Thunder if they seemed Monday night like a team that might savor this sweep. They’ve learned to: www.nytimes.com/athletic/723...
nytimes.com
Thunder are still ‘evolving,’ and a recent sweep showed how far they’ve come (Gift Article)
"There’s still areas to improve. Greatness is always chasing something," Alex Caruso said after the Thunder eliminated the Suns in a sweep.
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The Athletic @theathletic.com · 19/04/2026
SGA and the Oklahoma City Thunder won three out of five regular-season games against the Phoenix Suns this season. @jxlorenzi.bsky.social and @doughaller.bsky.social preview their series ⤵️ www.nytimes.com/athletic/720...
nytimes.com
Thunder vs. Suns NBA playoffs preview: The race for a repeat — or a far-fetched upset
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Joel Lorenzi @jxlorenzi.bsky.social · 06/04/2026
Bulls fire GM Marc Eversley, executive Artūras Karnišovas in front-office shakeup www.nytimes.com/athletic/717...
nytimes.com
Bulls fire Artūras Karnišovas, Marc Eversley in front-office shakeup
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Joel Lorenzi @jxlorenzi.bsky.social · 30/03/2026
The Bulls officially announce the release of Jaden Ivey. He’s delivered some controversial comments across several Instagram livestreams over the past week, capped this morning by his anti-LGBTQ remarks.
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Joel Lorenzi @jxlorenzi.bsky.social · 28/03/2026
Chicago's play-in streak is severed. The timer to the end of a turbulent season began Friday night. These Bulls will need to find something new to play for: www.nytimes.com/athletic/art...
nytimes.com
Bulls knocked out of postseason contention for first time since 2021. What now?
After a trade deadline fire sale and a winless February, the Bulls will go without a Play-In or playoff berth for the first time since 2021.
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Joel Lorenzi @jxlorenzi.bsky.social · 28/03/2026
Can just start with a screener, too. Thunder never had a real screening threat with him either.
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Joel Lorenzi @jxlorenzi.bsky.social · 24/03/2026
Jalen Williams is back. And he’s brought lessons with him from a peculiar season. This season gave him patience, perspective, and a surrounding group he’s relieved to rejoin. Their ceiling could be decided by him: www.nytimes.com/athletic/714...
nytimes.com
As if the Thunder needed more help, now Jalen Williams is back and ready to roll
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Joel Lorenzi @jxlorenzi.bsky.social · 20/03/2026
“We have been in touch with the White House and we are appreciative and grateful for the communication we have had, but the timing just didn’t work out,” the Thunder said in a statement shared with @theathletic.com
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Joel Lorenzi @jxlorenzi.bsky.social · 20/03/2026
The Oklahoma City Thunder, the NBA’s reigning champion, will not make the customary visit to the White House while in Washington due to a “timing issue,” a team spokesperson told @theathletic.com More here: www.nytimes.com/athletic/713...
nytimes.com
NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder won’t make White House visit due to timing issue (Gift Article)
The Thunder and the White House had conversations about a celebration of the team's 2025 title, but "the timing just didn’t work out."
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Grant @gr8ball83.bsky.social · 16/03/2026
Joel writing Thunder words again 🥺
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Joel Lorenzi @jxlorenzi.bsky.social · 16/03/2026
Isaiah Hartenstein, the nerdiest of screeners, has been enabled: www.nytimes.com/athletic/712...
nytimes.com
Thunder triad of Isaiah Hartenstein, Jared McCain and Isaiah Joe fueling wins
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Joel Lorenzi @jxlorenzi.bsky.social · 13/03/2026
Words from last night on the moment SGA’s consistency became history, and the pride you could feel in the building from a crowd seeing its franchise face’s all-time rise legitimized with another milestone. Wilt’s record is now Shai’s: www.nytimes.com/athletic/711...
nytimes.com
How it felt as Thunder fans processed SGA breaking Wilt's record
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Joel Lorenzi @jxlorenzi.bsky.social · 13/03/2026
Here’s SGA crossing the 20-point threshold. 127 straight. Crowd let him know he was on the verge, if he somehow didn’t know already. Wilt’s record is now Shai’s.
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davidaldridgedc.bsky.social @davidaldridgedc.bsky.social · 12/03/2026
A terrifically written piece by the young gun @jxlorenzi.bsky.social on SGA’s imminent breaking of Wilt Chamberlain’s record of 126 straight 20-point games. With insight both from Shai’s teammates and those who played with/against the Dipper. In @theathletic.com: www.nytimes.com/athletic/710...
nytimes.com
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's chase for Wilt's record: How absurdity can become reality
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Joel Lorenzi @jxlorenzi.bsky.social · 12/03/2026
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander can break a 63-year-old Wilt Chamberlain record tonight. What’s one more night of consistency? Unpacking the absurdity of this run with help from those who’ve witnessed both SGA and Wilt: www.nytimes.com/athletic/710...
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Joel Lorenzi @jxlorenzi.bsky.social · 11/03/2026
Do we recognize any of these officials tonight? @juliapoe.bsky.social
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Joel Lorenzi @jxlorenzi.bsky.social · 10/03/2026
I miss y’all reading my Thunder writing
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Joel Lorenzi @jxlorenzi.bsky.social · 10/03/2026
SGA has too many performances in the past few years to sift through. After tying a Wilt record and answering every call last night, he had to consider where Monday ranked. Denver demands greatness. Last night might’ve been SGA’s regular season magnum opus: www.nytimes.com/athletic/710...
nytimes.com
Was SGA's record-tying game against the Nuggets also his best performance ever?
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Joel Lorenzi @jxlorenzi.bsky.social · 04/03/2026
Lu Dort to @theathletic.com on the play that got him ejected in Friday’s game vs Denver: “That’s a physical game and there’s limits to it. And I went over the limit.” More here: www.nytimes.com/athletic/708...
nytimes.com
'I went over the limit': Lu Dort regrets flagrant foul on Nikola Jokić
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Joel Lorenzi @jxlorenzi.bsky.social · 26/02/2026
Matas: “I don’t really like that word. And people might think that (we’re tanking), but I’m going out and trying to win every night. All these guys are, too.” This skid from the rebuilding Bulls is wearing thin on their 21-year-old bundle of hope (🎁🔗): www.nytimes.com/athletic/707...
nytimes.com
Matas Buzelis distraught over Bulls’ longest losing streak since 2019 (Gift Article)
The second-year forward's normally unwavering confidence has been shaken by Chicago's roster overhaul and 10-game skid.
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Joel Lorenzi @jxlorenzi.bsky.social · 19/02/2026
www.nytimes.com/athletic/705...
nytimes.com
The Bulls after franchise-altering trade-deadline moves: 3 burning questions
What questions will this new-look Bulls team have to answer? What’s left to look forward to in the second half of this season?
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Joel Lorenzi @jxlorenzi.bsky.social · 13/02/2026
Salute to the Point God for putting on for small guards everywhere. I was a shorty when that teal No. 3 was hot. A polarizing career, but I think his defining trait shines thru in his farewell: he just gave a shit about basketball. I now hate his unceremonious ending in LA even more.
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Joel Lorenzi @jxlorenzi.bsky.social · 13/02/2026
Seeing Vooch in Celtics green was worth a double-take. But Wednesday felt indicative that this role, this situation, should've happened a long time ago: www.nytimes.com/athletic/704...
nytimes.com
Nikola Vučević, from Bulls to Celtics, adjusting to new roles and new environment
For some time, Vučević manifested an opportunity to aid a contender. He's now with a Celtics team considered an Eastern Conference threat.
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