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
The Warriors' True DNA Is On Full Display
May 13, 2021 08:31 - 15 minutes - 14.8 MBRic discusses why the current Golden State Warriors' stars, Steph Curry and Draymond Green, are uniquely suited to lead the band of unknown and unsung players around them. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Tom Thibodeau and Russell Westbrook: Stubbornness Can Be A Blessing And A Curse
May 12, 2021 08:26 - 21 minutes - 19.9 MBRic offers a few takeaways from the Lakers' overtime win against the Knicks and explains why Russell Westbrook surpassing Oscar Robertson's career record for triple-doubles hasn't garnered him more respect. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Load Management Isn't What You Think It Is
May 11, 2021 07:11 - 31 minutes - 29.1 MBRic fills in the details behind his recent social media post about a high school star sitting out a game and discusses the response, along with a look at what load management actually involves at the NBA level. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Profound Weakness That Doomed the New Orleans Pelicans
May 08, 2021 07:41 - 15 minutes - 15.2 MBRic examines why the Pelicans, despite two All-Star talents in Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, are headed to the lottery once again -- and the statistical category that has loomed large determining which teams have surprised (Utah Jazz) or disappointed (Lakers?) this season. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
How Much Is Covid Playing a Role in the Lakers Being Disconnected?
May 07, 2021 08:08 - 23 minutes - 21.9 MBWith Lakers guard Dennis Schröder under Covid-19 restrictions, and his earlier suggestion that he and LeBron James had not been vaccinated, Ric examines if differing opinions on the vaccine might be contributing to the defending champions' lack of chemistry. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Why Giannis Antetokounmpo Is More MVP-Worthy Than Ever
May 06, 2021 00:27 - 22 minutes - 20.3 MBRic discusses why he believes the two-time defending MVP, Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, is not receiving much attention for this year's award and why he should be. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Where Does The New York Knicks' Julius Randle Rank Among NBA Stars?
April 29, 2021 09:15 - 41 minutes - 37.1 MBRic examines the arguments made for Knicks power forward Julius Randle being one of the NBA's top 20 players. Also: how Dodgers pitcher Trevor Bauer touched on a baseball issue that also is a problem in the NBA. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Where Does The New York Knicks' Julius Randle Rank Among NBA Stars?
April 29, 2021 09:15 - 41 minutes - 37.1 MBRic examines the arguments made for Knicks power forward Julius Randle being one of the NBA's top 20 players. Also: how Dodgers pitcher Trevor Bauer touched on a baseball issue that also is a problem in the NBA. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Steph Curry is a One-Man Scoring Machine -- but not a One-Man Team
April 22, 2021 08:24 - 40 minutes - 37.4 MBRic examines the recent torrid scoring streak by Golden State Warriors guard Steph Curry, his MVP worthiness because of it and why it hasn't produced more wins for the team overall. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Let's Not Rewrite KD's History
April 15, 2021 09:20 - 34 minutes - 31.1 MBRic explains how Kevin Durant provided the Golden State Warriors a vital element in the two championships they won together -- and how he'll have to provide that same element if the Brooklyn Nets hope to win a championship as well. Also discussed: the injuries and absences that are making the regular season once again appear not all that important. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Let's Not Rewrite KD's History
April 15, 2021 09:20 - 34 minutes - 31.1 MBRic explains how Kevin Durant provided the Golden State Warriors a vital element in the two championships they won together -- and how he'll have to provide that same element if the Brooklyn Nets hope to win a championship as well. Also discussed: the injuries and absences that are making the regular season once again appear not all that important. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Why Lists Are A Sugar Rush And The Lakers Aren't The Same
April 08, 2021 07:18 - 37 minutes - 34.8 MBRic outlines why there's no reason to take sports lists or rankings seriously, including the recent one by ESPN naming the top 25 NBA players under the age of 25. Also: how the current circumstances for the Lakers are far different than the ones they faced making last year's title run. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Buyout Market Mess, A Foot On The Clippers' Bandwagon & Giannis' Free Throw Fandango
March 31, 2021 08:16 - 42 minutes - 38.8 MBRic examines if player empowerment has gone too far, discusses how he believes the Clippers are different from last year's disappointing version and the entertaining sight of the league's best players trying to solve the riddle of making free throws. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Why Does Magic Keep Messing With Lonzo & Why Giannis Might Finally Be An MVP
March 25, 2021 08:03 - 35 minutes - 31.9 MBRic examines the many failures surrounding Magic Johnson's claim that no point guard has a higher basketball IQ than the New Orleans Pelicans' Lonzo Ball and why Milwaukee Bucks' star Giannis Antetokounmpo could be at the top of his MVP ballot for the first time this season. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What the Brooklyn Nets Still Don't Have and The Move The Clippers Have To Make
March 18, 2021 07:49 - 44 minutes - 40.5 MBRic examines why he still isn't sold on the Brooklyn Nets as the best team in the Eastern Conference, the difference between Damian Lillard and Kyrie Irving and the player the Clippers have to move if they're serious about winning a championship. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Will This Be The Year The Three Decides The Title?
March 10, 2021 08:51 - 37 minutes - 35.3 MBRic examines how three-point shooting has defined which teams have both surprised and disappointed so far this season, the dramatic shift in the number of 3s being shot over the last 10 years, and why to believe, and not believe, that trend continues in the postseason. Also discussed: Kyrie Irving and his enablers. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
How Draymond Green Lost More Than A Game To The Charlotte Hornets
February 25, 2021 07:36 - 43 minutes - 38.7 MBRic examines Draymond Green's attempts to infuse the Warriors' championship habits and mentality in their new roster and how costing them a game they were in position to win against the Hornets does major damage to his locker room authority. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Clippers' Luke Kennard, Quite Possibly The Most Uniquely Gifted Athlete You'll Ever Meet
February 16, 2021 07:17 - 47 minutes - 38 MBRic discusses with Kennard his unusual talent as a left-handed shooter, right-handed quarterback, left-footed punter, right-handed golfer and left-handed batter. Kennard also shares what he has learned about his reticent teammate, Kawhi Leonard, and from spending most of his career with the high-strung point guard he followed from Detroit to Los Angeles, Reggie Jackson. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more informa...
The Portland TrailBlazers' Rodney Hood on Dealing With Pressure and Charles Barkley's 100K bet
February 09, 2021 09:12 - 52 minutes - 42.5 MBRic talks with Rodney about overcoming his early struggles in the playoffs, tearing his Achilles tendon as a pending free agent, being critiqued by his wife and the Blazers' chances of making Charles Barkley smart for betting $100,000 they'd win this year's title. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Toronto Raptors head coach Nick Nurse
February 02, 2021 05:18 - 52 minutes - 42.6 MBRic discusses with Nurse his response to those who discount the Raptors' 2019 title because of the Warriors' injuries, how to motivate a team after its championship window closes, Pascal Siakam's struggles, and how he set a three-point shooting record at Northern Iowa while shooting worse from the free-throw line. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Toronto Raptors head coach Nick Nurse
February 02, 2021 05:18 - 52 minutes - 42.6 MBRic discusses with Nurse his response to those who discount the Raptors' 2019 title because of the Warriors' injuries, how to motivate a team after its championship window closes, Pascal Siakam's struggles, and how he set a three-point shooting record at Northern Iowa while shooting worse from the free-throw line. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
A Hard Day Made Harder: Exploiting Kobe and Covid-19 Taking Sekou Smith
January 27, 2021 08:45 - 37 minutes - 33.1 MBRic examines the volume of stories produced in conjunction with the one-year anniversary of NBA legend Kobe Bryant's death and disheartening reactions to longtime NBA analyst Sekou Smith succumbing to the Coronavirus. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
A Hard Day Made Harder: Exploiting Kobe and Covid-19 Taking Sekou Smith
January 27, 2021 08:45 - 37 minutes - 33.1 MBRic examines the volume of stories produced in conjunction with the one-year anniversary of NBA legend Kobe Bryant's death and disheartening reactions to longtime NBA analyst Sekou Smith succumbing to the Coronavirus. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Takeaways from MLK Day Prime Time Matchups
January 20, 2021 10:03 - 49 minutes - 43.8 MBRic examines what we learned from Bulls-Rockets, Nets-Bucks and Warriors-Lakers, including Exhibit A on the superstar characteristic Steph Curry has over LeBron James. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Why We All Hate What James Harden Did and Why He Won't Be The Last To Do It
January 15, 2021 00:46 - 43 minutes - 38.4 MBRic examines why everyone universally dislikes when players do what James Harden did to force his way to Brooklyn and yet we historically forgive and forget -- thereby tacitly condoning the behavior we abhor. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Early MVPs and How Conspiracy Theories Get Started
January 12, 2021 09:37 - 39 minutes - 35.1 MBRic discusses the danger posed by flawed rankings, whether they be for MVPs or draft prospects, and who his top 10 NBA MVP candidates are -- and why -- at this point in the season. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Can We Stop Making Too Much of Too Little?
January 05, 2021 08:28 - 38 minutes - 34 MBIn another coronavirus episode, Ric gives the result of his recent Covid test and examines why we can't resist anointing athletes as great before they've actually proved it. Also asked and answered: did Steph Curry really revolutionize the NBA all by himself? Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Why The Current Favorites to Win The 2020-21 NBA MVP Award are a Bad Bet
December 29, 2020 08:56 - 32 minutes - 29.4 MBRic discusses the curious emergence of Luka Doncic as an MVP favorite and the candidates down the board who are far more likely to win and offer a better payout. Also discussed: the latest on the James Harden trade front and why the Clippers' offseason, contrary to popular belief, actually may have been better than the Lakers'. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Why The Current Favorites to Win The 2020-21 NBA MVP Award are a Bad Bet
December 29, 2020 08:56 - 32 minutes - 29.4 MBRic discusses the curious emergence of Luka Doncic as an MVP favorite and the candidates down the board who are far more likely to win and offer a better payout. Also discussed: the latest on the James Harden trade front and why the Clippers' offseason, contrary to popular belief, actually may have been better than the Lakers'. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
NBA 2020-21 Preview: The Teams That Will Make The Playoffs and The One Great Team That Won't
December 22, 2020 07:41 - 37 minutes - 33.1 MBRic previews the 2020-21 NBA season, predicts the 16 teams that will make the playoffs, two that will get close and one title contender that won't be in the mix. Also discussed: Which teams will meet in the Finals and Jerry West's recruitment of Kawhi Leonard. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
NBA 2020-21 Preview: The Teams That Will Make The Playoffs and The One Great Team That Won't
December 22, 2020 07:41 - 37 minutes - 33.1 MBRic previews the 2020-21 NBA season, predicts the 16 teams that will make the playoffs, two that will get close and one title contender that won't be in the mix. Also discussed: Which teams will meet in the Finals and Jerry West's recruitment of Kawhi Leonard. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Why Giannis Was Never Going to Leave Milwaukee and Kyrie Irving's Search for Enlightenment
December 16, 2020 08:55 - 37 minutes - 33.6 MBRic explains why it would've defied NBA history if two-time MVP Giannis Antekounmpo had not signed his five-year, $228 million extension with the Milwaukee Bucks. Also: the flaw in LeBron James' claim he won the two hardest championships in NBA history and who is making it hard for Kyrie Irving to enjoy playing basketball. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
How Betting, Covid-19 & a Generation That Doesn't Watch TV Has Changed Sports Broadcasts
December 08, 2020 07:35 - 54 minutes - 43.3 MBRic talks with long-time ESPN live-event producer Mandy Cohen about how TV broadcasts have changed with the introduction of gambling, announcers calling games remotely due to the pandemic and Gen Zs who consume everything through their phones and haven't been conditioned to watch entire games on TV. Cohen started her career producing Bulls' games for all of Jordan's championship runs in Chicago and Cubs' games with the legendary broadcaster Harry Caray and gives her take on The Last Dance, w...
True Leaders in the NBA are Hard to Find
December 02, 2020 07:02 - 37 minutes - 33 MBRic shares insight from an NBA GM on how few players actually check all the leadership boxes and who the ones are that do. Also discussed: Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray's five favorite all-time players, his top five Canadian players and why his choices reflect how personality and style affect a player's popularity. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Truth about Klay Thompson's injury and the Trade Rumor that now makes sense
November 19, 2020 21:37 - 32 minutes - 29 MBRic discusses what he was hearing about Warriors guard Klay Thompson leading up to the draft before his heartbreaking injury, the harsh reality the Warriors and their fans need to accept, along with a look at why so many players selected in the NBA Draft were in tears. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Are politics a factor in James Harden and Russell Westbrook wanting out of Houston?
November 17, 2020 08:33 - 37 minutes - 34.8 MBRic discusses the renewed appreciation for, and interest in, point guard Rajon Rondo, the reason LaMelo Ball is the prohibitive favorite as the No. 1 pick and what the Milwaukee Bucks acquired in Jrue Holiday and Bogdan Bogdanovic. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
How Covid Could Impact Promises to Draft Picks and Positive Cases During the NBA season
November 10, 2020 09:36 - 40 minutes - 38.4 MBRic discusses what agents and NBA executives have told him about the practice of pre-determining where a player will be selected in the draft under the restraints of Covid-19 protocol. Also discussed is the approach to players and personnel testing positive in overseas leagues currently playing and whether the NBA could adopt the same approach. Last topic: NBA players' activism around the recent election -- how much credit they deserve for the outcome and whether or not the NBA should contin...
Are We Going to Have NBA Games on Christmas? Should We?
November 03, 2020 08:10 - 34 minutes - 32.4 MBRic examines the brewing battle between NBA players and team owners on when the next NBA season will start, how long it will last and whether or not the players will have say in the matter. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Are We Going to Have NBA Games on Christmas? Should We?
November 03, 2020 08:10 - 34 minutes - 32.4 MBRic examines the brewing battle between NBA players and team owners on when the next NBA season will start, how long it will last and whether or not the players will have say in the matter. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
The Man Hated and Spurned for Paving the Way for Every Early Entry NBA Star: A Conversation with Spencer Haywood
October 26, 2020 06:38 - 1 hour - 48.1 MBRic talks with Hall of Fame big man Spencer Haywood, the Forrest Gump of basketball for having been part of so many historic moments and crossed paths with so many historic figures -- from being at the Olympics with John Carlos and Tommie Smith when they made their black power salute, to being coached by legends Bill Russell and Hank Iba, to playing with Magic and Kareem and, of course, opening the door for every early-entry star in NBA history. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com...
How and Why Signature Shoes for NBA Stars May Soon Be a Thing of the Past
October 18, 2020 03:14 - 43 minutes - 36.1 MBRic is joined by Brian Berger, host of the award-winning Sports Business Radio podcast based in Portland, Oregon, with plenty of insider knowledge on the shoe business in general and Nike in particular. The two discuss Nike not renewing nearly half of its promotional deals with NBA players that signals a dramatic shift in Nike's business model and its impact on future NBA stars and their agents. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.co...
Who Gains The Most From the Lakers' Championship and exploring why LeBron wasn't Must-See TV
October 12, 2020 07:26 - 39 minutes - 36.7 MBRic examines how the Miami Heat fell short to the Los Angeles Lakers, the biggest beneficiaries of the Lakers winning the 2020 and a possible reason why LeBron James rewriting the NBA record books hasn't captured the public's interest or imagination. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Switching Ships, Resurfaced Hips and Players Stealing Quips
October 06, 2020 07:57 - 43 minutes - 39.2 MBIn a Bucher, Friendless episode, Ric talks about what it feels like to watch the NBA Finals from afar for the first time in 20-plus years, Doc Rivers' smooth move to Philly, his firsthand experience with the surgery Isaiah Thomas' underwent and players stealing material and not giving proper credit. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
NBA Finals Preview -- who is going to win, why (and possibly why not)
September 30, 2020 08:10 - 41 minutes - 37.4 MBRic explains what will decide the battle between LeBron James' and the Lakers and Pat Riley's Miami Heat. Also discussed: whether or not the bubble was as mentally tough as advertised LeBron's insatiable appetite for the spotlight. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Is LeBron a Hot Topic Among High School Athletes and Are the Lakers an Outlier In the Bubble?
September 21, 2020 22:03 - 33 minutes - 24.7 MBRic explores who high school athletes today are most interested in with his 16-year-old son, Mat, examine why young teams and stars have fared so well in the NBA's Orlando Bubble and Mat explains why his pick to win it all is the Miami Heat. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Guests former NFL WR TJ Houshmanzadeh & comedian/actor Gary Owen talk NFL Preview & Performing with No Fans
September 13, 2020 07:14 - 48 minutes - 37.5 MBRic is joined by former NFL WR and FS1 analyst TJ Houshmanzadeh and comedian/actor Gary Owen to discuss TJ's former team and Gary's hometown favorite, the Cincinnati Bengals, the AFC North, Super Bowl picks, performing in empty stadiums and sparse night clubs and if they'd be willing to switch careers. Gary also shares how his troubled relationship with the Bengals was repaired by HC Zac Taylor and TJ explains why it's boom or bust for the Dallas Cowboys. Support this show http://supporter....
LeBron James, Russell Westbrook and the gift/curse of being über athletic
September 09, 2020 08:11 - 36 minutes - 32.5 MBRic discusses how, why and when LeBron and Russell's careers diverged, the shift in the game that has helped both (but LeBron more and longer) and how the perception of players is being skewed inside the Orlando bubble. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The power of Athletes and Social Media -- How Much Influence Do They Really Have?
August 30, 2020 22:08 - 44 minutes - 39.2 MBRic examines what impact, if any, the NBA players' social activism has had, why they're pressuring NBA team owners to join their cause, and why we have a misconception of social media's influence and power to effect change. Also, why Kyrie Irving was not vindicated by the players' two-day refusal to play games in the Orlando bubble. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Getting to know breakout Bubble star T.J. Warren
August 18, 2020 04:08 - 37 minutes - 43 MBRic explains why he refers to the Indiana Pacers' new star forward T.J. Warren as a "scorer with a conscience" and shares the conversation they had that contributed to Ric's piece on Warren for Bleacher Report. Warren also provides details on his relentless search for pick-up games -- including hours before he faced North Carolina as a freshman at North Carolina State. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more informat...
Reggie Miller's Calls, Kyrie's Curious Handout and the Lakers' Achilles Heels
July 31, 2020 07:18 - 43 minutes - 37.3 MBIn the wake of the NBA's re-opening night, Ric discusses why TNT broadcaster Reggie Miller catches so much grief from viewers, making sense of Kyrie Irving subsidizing WNBA players and why the Clippers should (and shouldn't) believe they will handle the Lakers if and when they meet in the playoffs. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.