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
Preview and Predictions for Game 1 of the NBA Finals
June 02, 2022 22:02 - 18 minutes - 17.8 MBRic shares his expectations for the NBA Finals between the Golden State Warriors and Boston Celtics. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Biggest Takeaways from Celtics-Heat Game 7
May 30, 2022 19:38 - 24 minutes - 22.5 MBRic discusses all that transpired as the Boston Celtics beat the Miami Heat for the Eastern Conference Finals' title. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Making Sense of the Celtics-Heat Series
May 27, 2022 22:30 - 20 minutes - 19.3 MBRic examines the dramatic swings in the first five games of the Eastern Conference Finals and what they portend for who will face the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Mavericks Learned a Lesson
May 25, 2022 22:23 - 30 minutes - 27.6 MBRic examines how the Dallas Mavericks avoided a sweep in the Western Conference Finals with a Game 4 win and a troubling trend extended by the Golden State Warriors in the loss. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Messages to Harden and Kyrie Are Far Different
May 23, 2022 06:23 - 20 minutes - 19.5 MBRic discusses the offseason contract decisions faced by the 76ers and Nets about James Harden and Kyrie Irving. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Bucks and Suns: Why They Fell, Where They Go From Here
May 16, 2022 06:15 - 19 minutes - 18.6 MBRic discusses the Game 7 results that saw the Boston Celtics defeat the Milwaukee Bucks and the Dallas Mavericks upset the Phoenix Suns. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What Happened to the NBA's Anti-Flopping Crusade?
May 11, 2022 20:04 - 21 minutes - 20.3 MBRic discusses how embellishing physical contact in the NBA, one something the league vowed to penalize, is now being rewarded. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Draymond & Dillon: Cut from the Same Cloth
May 05, 2022 22:40 - 23 minutes - 22.5 MBRic examines the circumstances leading to the flagrant fouls and ejections of Draymond Green and Dillon Brooks in the first two games of the Warriors-Grizzlies second-round playoff series. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Doc Rivers: The Ultimate Survivor
May 02, 2022 22:38 - 20 minutes - 19.3 MBRic examines the career of Philadelphia 76ers coach Doc Rivers and his relationship with the media. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Lessons Learned from the Nets' Early Exit
April 29, 2022 07:39 - 28 minutes - 26.8 MBRic examines the dynamics that led to the Brooklyn Nets being swept out of the playoffs by the Boston Celtics. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
MJ-Pippen vs. LeBron-Wade vs. KD-Kyrie
April 23, 2022 07:46 - 20 minutes - 19.2 MBRic reacts to recent remarks by Hall of Fame G-F Tracy McGrady about the most skilled pair of teammates in league history. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
One Last Look at You Know Who and the Scoring Title Race
April 19, 2022 20:05 - 19 minutes - 18.7 MBRic examines, for the last time, whether or not LeBron James made scoring a priority this season at the expense of being his overall best for the Lakers. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Memphis Grizzlies are in Uncharted Territory
April 18, 2022 06:38 - 16 minutes - 16.1 MBRic examines how and why the Minnesota Timberwolves upset the Memphis Grizzlies in Game 1 of their first-round series. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Russell Westbrook Destination That Makes Sense
April 14, 2022 08:21 - 20 minutes - 19.3 MBRic discusses trade rumors involving Lakers guard Russell Westbrook. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Difference Between Joel and Giannis
April 11, 2022 03:33 - 24 minutes - 23.2 MBRic discusses recent comments by two of the top MVP candidates, Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid and Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Takeaways from last week's KD-Giannis Battle
April 02, 2022 21:06 - 24 minutes - 23.2 MBRic discusses what we learned from watching Kevin Durant and Giannis Antetokounmpo battle in the Milwaukee Bucks' overtime win against the Brooklyn Nets. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ja Morant and the NBA MVP Race
April 01, 2022 21:22 - 20 minutes - 19.4 MBRic discusses whether or not Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant deserves consideration as the NBA's Most Valuable Player. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Latest Overblown Outrage: All-NBA Selection Process
March 30, 2022 00:59 - 25 minutes - 23.3 MBRic discusses complaints that Nikola Jokic or Joel Embiid, both MVP candidates, could potentially miss out on first-team All-NBA honors. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What Prompted the Miami Heat Squabble and What It Means
March 28, 2022 07:30 - 21 minutes - 20.3 MBRic discusses what caused the in-game shouting match between Heat coach Erik Spoelstra, star guard Jimmy Butler and veteran Udonis Haslem and the potential repercussions. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Is LeBron James Still a Top 10 Player?
March 25, 2022 07:47 - 16 minutes - 15.9 MBRic examines where LeBron James stands currently among the NBA's best all-around players. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Paralysis By Analysis
March 22, 2022 21:47 - 21 minutes - 19.9 MBRic examines commentary on the reason for Golden State Warriors' Steph Curry's injury involving Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Player-hatin' Players
March 16, 2022 22:52 - 23 minutes - 21.3 MBRic discusses recent disparaging comments by Los Angeles Lakers big man Anthony Davis about the Phoenix Suns and by former Boston Celtics forward Paul Pierce about Philadelphia 76ers guard James Harden. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What We've Learned about the 76ers So Far
March 14, 2022 17:54 - 16 minutes - 15.8 MBRic examines the Philadelphia 76ers' eight games since acquiring star guard James Harden, including the root of their disappointing performance against Harden's former team, the Brooklyn Nets. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Being Sensitive Is Completely Off-Brand for Russell Westbrook
March 10, 2022 20:34 - 25 minutes - 24.2 MBRic discusses complaints by Lakers point guard Russell Westbrook and his wife Nina that being taunted by fans and media for his struggles on the court are affecting their family off of it. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Can Ja Morant Be The Next Face of the NBA?
March 07, 2022 07:41 - 18 minutes - 17.4 MBRic discusses Memphis Grizzlies' star point guard Ja Morant's path to becoming the next face of the NBA. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Why Steph Curry is Not the Face of the NBA (Which Is Too Bad)
March 01, 2022 23:19 - 21 minutes - 20.1 MBRic discusses who is and has been -- and maybe will be -- 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.
Zion is Latest Proof that Being a No. 1 Pick Requires More Than Talent
February 24, 2022 09:32 - 21 minutes - 20.6 MBRic examines the last decade of NBA drafts, the No. 1 picks in each and their readiness to handle all that comes with being taken first. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The LeBron-Bronny Package Deal
February 21, 2022 07:47 - 19 minutes - 18.5 MBRic discusses LeBron James' announcement that he will sign with whichever NBA team acquires his son, Bronny. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Deciphering the Harden and Simmons Press Conferences
February 18, 2022 20:23 - 23 minutes - 22.1 MBRic examines what James Harden and Ben Simmons said at their first press conferences since being traded for each other by the Philadelphia 76ers and Brooklyn Nets. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Difference Between Ben Simmons and James Harden
February 15, 2022 07:19 - 19 minutes - 18.7 MBRic discusses the events that led to the James Harden-Ben Simmons trade. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Discovering the Joy and Sorrow of Being a Fan
February 14, 2022 08:40 - 17 minutes - 17.3 MBRic discusses what he discovered about being a fan rooting for his hometown Cincinnati Bengals in Super Bowl LVI. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
A Better Time and Deal for the 76ers to get James Harden
February 11, 2022 19:57 - 19 minutes - 18.3 MBRic examines the blockbuster Ben Simmons-James Harden trade between the Philadelphia 76ers and Brooklyn Nets. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Lakers and Nets Have Killed The Big Three Myth
February 10, 2022 08:24 - 17 minutes - 16.2 MBRic examines the state of the Lakers and Nets with their trios of stars and why they don't compare to previous star-laden championship teams. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Clippers and Blazers Headed In Opposite Directions
February 08, 2022 07:57 - 22 minutes - 20.8 MBRic examines the five-player trade between the Los Angeles Clippers and Portland Trail Blazers last week that not only reflects where they are this season but where they are as organizations. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Making Sense of Trade Rumors and No Suns All-Star Starters
February 04, 2022 07:47 - 18 minutes - 17.3 MBRic sorts through the latest trade deadline rumors and complaints that the Phoenix Suns do not have a starter in the upcoming All-Star Game despite having the league's best record. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Otherness Of Giannis Antetokounmpo
February 02, 2022 07:31 - 22 minutes - 21.2 MBRic examines what makes Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo an atypical superstar and how that may be why fans and his peers don't appreciate him as much as they should. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
How Tom Brady's Retirement Decision Impacts LeBron James
January 31, 2022 08:15 - 20 minutes - 19 MBRic examines the longevity goals of quarterback Tom Brady and the NBA's LeBron James and how Brady's reported retirement exposes the dilemma James will soon face -- if he isn't facing it already. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Good Vs. Evil: The Grayson Allen-Alex Caruso Story
January 28, 2022 09:21 - 25 minutes - 24 MBRic examines Bucks guard Grayson Allen's flagrant foul on Bulls guard Alex Caruso and how their images and reputations informed the public and media reaction to it. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
LeBron and His Non-Pursuit of the All-Time Scoring Record
January 25, 2022 08:38 - 17 minutes - 16.6 MBRic discusses comments made by Steph Curry about his recent shooting struggles and LeBron James on his recent shooting excellence. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
A Tale of Two Coaches
January 24, 2022 08:44 - 24 minutes - 23.3 MBRic discusses back-to-back losses by the Lakers and Warriors to the Indiana Pacers and how their treatment points up the impossible position Lakers coach Frank Vogel finds himself. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Challenge -- and Solution -- to Ranking Kyrie Irving as a Point Guard
January 19, 2022 09:23 - 25 minutes - 23.2 MBRic discusses recent comments by several notable NBA players touting Kyrie Irving as one of the all-time great point guards in the history of the league. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
A Shortage of All Stars
January 18, 2022 08:14 - 23 minutes - 22.2 MBRic reveals his 10 All-Star starters and discusses the challenge facing NBA coaches in filling out the remaining 14 roster spots this season. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Is There Reason To Worry About Steph Curry?
January 07, 2022 17:49 - 22 minutes - 21.5 MBRic discusses superstar guard Steph Curry's recent shooting slump and what it means for the Golden State Warriors. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Kyrie Irving Returns
January 06, 2022 09:36 - 26 minutes - 24.3 MBRic discusses Kyrie Irving's first game this season and what it means for the Brooklyn Nets going forward. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
There's Something Special Going On In Chicago
January 04, 2022 04:31 - 28 minutes - 26.8 MBRic discusses the Chicago Bulls' rise to the top of the Eastern Conference. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Stop Blaming Russell Westbrook For Being Russell Westbrook
December 31, 2021 04:05 - 16 minutes - 15.1 MBRic examines the performance by Russell Westbrook for the Los Angeles Lakers. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Why Some NBA Vets Are Getting Signed And Others Aren't
December 28, 2021 20:51 - 22 minutes - 20.8 MBRic discusses why, with NBA teams scrambling to replace Covid-positive players, certain NBA vets are landing 10-day contracts and others are not getting a call. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Why Lebron Wanted Russ Westbrook over Buddy Hield
December 24, 2021 02:09 - 23 minutes - 22.2 MBRic discusses the reason why the Los Angeles Lakers traded with the Washington Wizards for Russ Westbrook rather than with the Sacramento Kings for Buddy Hield to help LeBron James pursue another championship ring. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Why LeBron Wanted Russ Westbrook over DeMar DeRozan
December 22, 2021 09:17 - 18 minutes - 17.2 MBRic discusses what we learned from the Suns' latest dismantling of the Lakers, along with the beef between Mo Harkless and Buddy Hield in the Sacramento Kings' loss to the Golden State Warriors. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feeling Dell Curry's Joy and Michael Jordan's Pain At The Same Time
December 17, 2021 09:33 - 19 minutes - 17.7 MBRic discusses simultaneously losing his dad -- and former coach -- while seeing his son flourish as an athlete and the deeper understanding all of it gave him on the many ways losing a parent can impact an athlete's approach to their sport. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.