On The Ball with Ric Bucher
514 episodes - English - Latest episode: 12 days ago - ★★★★★ - 200 ratingsA weekly sports podcast with inside information and perspective from veteran NBA insider and Fox Sports analyst Ric Bucher, along with NBA players, coaches, executives and media as occasional guests Support this show at http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends
Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Episodes
Nepotism, the NBA and LeBron
July 01, 2024 00:38 - 30 minutes - 28.2 MBRic discusses the Los Angeles Lakers drafting Bronny James, son of Lakers star LeBron James. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Making A Case For JJ Redick Being A Success
June 21, 2024 05:33 - 31 minutes - 28.8 MBRic discusses the qualities that could benefit JJ Redick in his role as the Los Angeles Lakers' new head coach. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Comeuppance of Luka Doncic
June 14, 2024 06:00 - 31 minutes - 28.9 MBRic discusses the performance of Dallas Mavericks' star Luka Doncic in the 2024 NBA Finals. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Unpacking Caitlin Clark, LeBron-Kyrie & Dan Hurley-Lakers
June 08, 2024 21:35 - 38 minutes - 34.6 MBRic discusses the ongoing drama surrounding Caitlin Clark's start in the WNBA, Kyrie Irving's reaction to LeBron James' latest remarks about their time together and the Los Angeles Lakers' interest in University of Connecticut head coach Dan Hurley. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Education of Anthony Edwards
May 28, 2024 22:40 - 28 minutes - 26.3 MBRic discusses the Western Conference finals' battle of stars between the Minnesota Timberwolves' Anthony Edwards and the Dallas Mavericks' Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Caitlin Clark Anxiety and Why the Nuggets Fell
May 25, 2024 05:36 - 34 minutes - 31.4 MBRic discusses the reaction to Caitlin Clark's rocky start in the WNBA and why the defending champion Denver Nuggets fell to the upstart Minnesota Timberwolves. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Unlucky Atlanta Hawks and the Unrepentant Tom Thibodeau
May 15, 2024 20:35 - 30 minutes - 28 MBRic discusses the Atlanta Hawks winning the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NBA draft lottery and the New York Knicks taking the series' lead against the Indiana Pacers despite a rash of injuries that forced coach Tom Thibodeau to utilize several reserve players. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Fixing the Phoenix Suns
May 02, 2024 02:32 - 27 minutes - 25.5 MBRic discusses how the Phoenix Suns can improve after being swept out of the playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
NBA Playoffs: How to Tell the Winners from the Losers
April 27, 2024 22:24 - 48 minutes - 44.5 MBRic discusses takeaways from post-game reactions by key players and coaches in the NBA playoffs. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
NBA Playoffs: Takeaways From Every Game One
April 23, 2024 00:09 - 38 minutes - 35.5 MBRic discusses the results of all eight Game Ones in the 2024 NBA playoffs. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Warriors: Where It Went Wrong, What To Expect Next
April 20, 2024 19:12 - 36 minutes - 33 MBRic discusses the state of the Golden State Warriors -- what led to their disappointing 2023-24 season, what to expect them to do next. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Explaining the 2024 NBA Draft's Bad Rap
April 17, 2024 03:27 - 34 minutes - 31 MBRic gives an update on Chicago Bulls' guard Lonzo Ball, a review of the new LeBron James-JJ Redick podcast and explains why GMs and scouts are not thrilled about the upcoming NBA Draft. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Women's College Basketball and the NBA Euro Takeover
April 08, 2024 01:54 - 39 minutes - 36.5 MBRic discusses the dynamics that have led to the rise in popularity of collegiate women's basketball and make it a matter of time before an foreign-born, foreign-developed player is the face of the NBA. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
De'Aaron Fox and the Media, Bucks and Crunchtime
April 01, 2024 04:54 - 36 minutes - 33.5 MBRic discusses Sacramento Kings guard D'Aaron Fox's recent exchange with a reporter and the Milwaukee Bucks' collapse against the Los Angeles Lakers playing without LeBron James. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Was Draymond Right About Kyrie and KD?
March 24, 2024 21:28 - 39 minutes - 30.1 MBRic discusses the recent assertion by Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green that Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving "is the scorer that everyone, the world, thinks" Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant is, along with the differences between "new" media and "old" media. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dissecting A Star Three-Pack: PG, Kawhi and Zion
March 18, 2024 06:06 - 32 minutes - 28.6 MBRic discusses the mercurial performances of Los Angeles Clippers' forwards Kawhi Leonard and Paul George and an exchange with New Orleans Pelicans' fans about forward Zion Williamson. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Understanding the Value of Steve Kerr
March 11, 2024 06:09 - 36 minutes - 32.8 MBRic discusses why some fans were calling for Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr to be fired and the team responded by giving him a two-year, $35 million extension. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
KD's Olympic Dreaming
March 03, 2024 00:45 - 30 minutes - 28.1 MBRic discusses Phoenix Suns' forward Kevin Durant's recent comments about Team USA dominating the basketball competition at this summer's Olympics in Paris, France. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Forecast: How The NBA Regular Season Ends
February 25, 2024 04:38 - 36 minutes - 33.5 MBRic breaks down which teams will have homecourt advantage in the first-round of the NBA playoffs, which ones will earn guaranteed spots in the postseason and which ones will have to qualify through the play-in tournament. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The True Value of Being An All-Star
February 18, 2024 07:11 - 38 minutes - 35.4 MBRic discusses the various ways NBA All-Stars have been selected over the years and how much value fans and media should give the award. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Why The Lakers, Warriors and 76ers Are Where They Are
February 09, 2024 20:38 - 32 minutes - 30.5 MBRic discusses why the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors failed to make any significant moves at the NBA trade deadline and the injury that is jeopardizing Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid's season. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Defining Greatness: Re-raising the Bar
February 02, 2024 04:45 - 31 minutes - 28.6 MBRic discusses the recent spate of outstanding individual scoring performances by NBA stars and what we measure to identify great players. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Everything that was Right and Wrong about the Jokic-Embiid Battle
January 20, 2024 01:57 - 38 minutes - 35.1 MBRic discusses the epic showdown between the reigning NBA champion center, Nikola Jokic, and the reigning NBA MVP, Joel Embiid. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What Do Franchises Owe Their Superstars?
January 17, 2024 06:51 - 37 minutes - 34.2 MBRic discusses the public pressure on teams to make moves to improve a team to accommodate their superstar. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The What-If Game and Steve Kerr's Complaint
January 04, 2024 07:46 - 23 minutes - 21.6 MBRic chooses from a list of five injury-derailed stars -- Yao Ming, Tracy McGrady, Brandon Roy, Grant Hill and Derrick Rose -- the one who would've been the best and discusses Golden State Warriors' coach Steve Kerr's contention that defense has been legislated out of the NBA. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ja's Return, Steph's GOAT Qualifications, Draymond's State of Mind
December 23, 2023 04:55 - 31 minutes - 29.2 MBRic discusses the return of Memphis Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant, Steph Curry's place among all-time greats and questions about Draymond Green's psyche. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Why Victor Said What He Said About LeBron
December 20, 2023 01:06 - 28 minutes - 26 MBRic discusses No. 1 pick Victor Wembanyama's remarks after facing LeBron James for the first time. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Can Devin Booker Lead The Suns To A Title?
December 11, 2023 06:02 - 25 minutes - 23.2 MBRic discusses the potential of Phoenix Suns All-Star guard Devin Booker leading the franchise to its first championship, as well as why he believes Super teams constructed by the superstars themselves may be a thing of the past. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Incredibly Shrinking NBA Competitive Spirit
December 01, 2023 07:43 - 37 minutes - 33.6 MBRic discusses what is fueling complaints about in-season tournament rules and examines the Houston Rockets' renaissance under head coach Ime Udoka. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Recipe For Disaster: Making Your Star the GM
November 17, 2023 21:30 - 31 minutes - 28.9 MBRic examines the result of recent NBA teams who catered to the personnel demands of a star player in order to acquire or retain them. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The DNA of the Dallas Mavericks' Transformation
November 09, 2023 21:43 - 30 minutes - 55.3 MBRic discusses the surprising start by the Dallas Mavericks this season. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
NBA Season Preview: Every Team's Win Total Predicted
October 24, 2023 21:05 - 25 minutes - 24.3 MBRic discusses the oddsmakers' win total line for all 30 NBA teams and whether to expect them to go over or under their respective lines. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Zion Update + The Two Best NBA Win-Total Bets
October 18, 2023 21:53 - 29 minutes - 27.3 MBRic discusses the preseason performance of New Orleans Pelicans star Zion Williamson and the win-total predictions for the San Antonio Spurs and Portland Blazers. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
First-Look Takeaways on Warriors and Lakers
October 11, 2023 00:15 - 31 minutes - 28.2 MBRic shares what he saw from the new and old editions of the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers in their first preseason game and where they stand among title-contending teams this season. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Prime Time
October 06, 2023 08:09 - 30 minutes - 27 MBRic discusses the reaction to University of Colorado football coach Deion Sanders. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Who Won The Lillard Trade And Why
September 29, 2023 06:20 - 30 minutes - 27.5 MBRic discusses the three-team trade that sent Portland Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard to the Milwaukee Bucks to play with Giannis Antetokounmpo. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What Team USA Told Us about the NBA
September 20, 2023 17:12 - 28 minutes - 26.1 MBRic discusses why Team USA finished fourth in the recent FIBA World Cup and the ongoing campaign to elevate LeBron James above Michael Jordan. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Player Team USA Needs Most
September 07, 2023 20:06 - 30 minutes - 28.5 MBRic discusses the vast difference between NBA and FIBA competition, the challenge directors Grant Hill and Sean Ford faced building the current US team competing in the 2023 FIBA World Cup and the one player he'd like to see on the 2024 Olympic squad. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Noah Lyles Was Right
September 01, 2023 00:09 - 31 minutes - 29.3 MBRic discusses the performance of Team USA in the FIBA World Cup and US sprinter Noah Lyles questioning the validity of NBA champions being referred to as world champions. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
James Harden Should Be Mad
August 22, 2023 19:20 - 34 minutes - 32.3 MBRic discusses why James Harden called Philadelphia 76ers president Daryl Morey a liar and has demanded a trade, as well as perspective on the San Francisco 49ers' quarterback situation. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Kumbaya of Draymond Green and Chris Paul
August 11, 2023 20:20 - 32 minutes - 29.5 MBRic explains why Draymond Green and Chris Paul will be successful as teammates for the Golden State Warriors, why he's not impressed with Aaron Rodgers as a New York Jet and the real reason behind the US women's national team failed to win a third World Cup. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Joel Embiid: Troll or Champion?
July 28, 2023 04:10 - 22 minutes - 20.9 MBRic discusses recent comments by reigning MVP Joel Embiid on where he hopes to win a championship and Tracy McGrady comparing himself to the late Kobe Bryant. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Why the Warriors Chose Draymond Over Jordan
July 21, 2023 06:45 - 25 minutes - 24.1 MBDraymond Green punched teammate Jordan Poole in a practice last October. The Golden State Warriors decided this summer to re-sign Green and trade Poole. Ric explains why. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Wemby Comes To America
July 14, 2023 19:31 - 25 minutes - 23.7 MBRic discusses the NBA summer-league debut of No. 1 pick Victor Wembanyama. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Clock is Now Ticking for Giannis
July 10, 2023 06:12 - 29 minutes - 27.2 MBRic discusses the state of American basketball development and the implications of Giannis Antetokounmpo's offseason knee surgery. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
NBA Free Agency and Damian Lillard's Destination
July 01, 2023 22:57 - 29 minutes - 27.6 MBRic discusses NBA free agency and Damian Lillard's request to be traded. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Phoenix Suns and the Mythical Big Three Model
June 19, 2023 05:54 - 31 minutes - 28.4 MBRic discusses the acquisition of Bradley Beal by the Phoenix Suns to pair him with stars Devin Booker and Kevin Durant. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Trade Market Buzz: Damian Lillard and Bradley Beal
June 16, 2023 05:42 - 31 minutes - 28.3 MBRic discusses teams possibly looking to acquire scoring stars Damian Lillard and Bradley Beal. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
NBA Finals: The Series -- not the Teams -- Are Even
June 07, 2023 06:18 - 28 minutes - 26.1 MBRic discusses the Miami Heat's Game 2 win over the Denver Nuggets in the NBA Finals and previews Game 3. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
NBA Finals Preview and a Kyrie Irving Trade Rumor
June 02, 2023 00:24 - 25 minutes - 23.9 MBRic previews the 2023 NBA Finals matchup between the Denver Nuggets and Miami Heat and explores a trade rumor involving Kyrie Irving. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.