Shows / On The Ball with Ric Bucher
On The Ball with Ric Bucher
On The Ball with Ric Bucher is a weekly NBA and sports podcast featuring inside information, behind-the-scenes stories, and one-of-a-kind perspective on the biggest topics in basketball and beyond. Ric Bucher is a veteran NBA insider, TV analyst, and author of Coachable, and each episode gives you the story behind the headlines. That includes trades, free agency, front-office moves, locker-room dynamics, and the people who shape the league.
Find all of Ric’s work at RicBucher.com and watch…
Episodes
On The Ball with Ric BucherHotel Hopping 101, NBA Load Management, and Should Steph Play
Today, Ric and Ryan discuss everything from the finer points of hotel hopping to the load management and injuries issues currently plaguing some of the NBA's…
On The Ball with Ric BucherSPECIAL GUEST: Detroit Pistons PG - Derrick Rose
Ric sits down with 3x NBA All-Star and NBA MVP point guard for the Detroit Pistons, Derrick Rose, for a candid discussion about his career, why he never…
On The Ball with Ric BucherDebating The Next Patriots vs Ravens Matchup + Analyzing Struggling NFL coaches
In this episode, Will and Ric debate whether the Patriots will fare any better the next time they face the Ravens. The fellas also play Survives-Thrives-Dives…
On The Ball with Ric BucherEmbiid-KAT Fight Was A Good-Natured Brawl + The Fall-out From Steph's Injury
On this episode, Ric and Ryan discuss the fall-out from Steph Curry's hand injury, and how the Embiid-KAT tussle was a good-natured brawl vs old school NBA…
On The Ball with Ric BucherWarriors & Lakers Problems, Revised List of Players To Watch, The New Klay Thompson
On today's episode, Ric shares why he believes the Warriors and Lakers have the same problem - and which of the two teams has the worst problem. Also, Bucher…
On The Ball with Ric BucherKawhi vs LeBron in LA, Zion Needs To Change, Brooklyn Kyrie vs Boston Kyrie
Today, Ric and Ryan discuss why Kawhi looked so much better than LeBron in the Lakers-Clippers season opener -- Ryan has a good explanation that should offer…
On The Ball with Ric BucherUK vs USA Football Fans, Week 7 NFL Analysis,
Will joins Ric for another round of in-depth discussion about the NFL. Today, the fellas offer their top picks and analysis of football players and teams as of…
On The Ball with Ric BucherThe 2 NBA Teams Not Worth Your Attention & Reasons To Watch The Other 28 Squads
Today, Ric Bucher shares why there's a reason to watch 28 of the 30 NBA teams, and which two do not deserve your attention. Also, Ric reveals the 5 teams you…
On The Ball with Ric BucherWhy The NBA Is Treading Lightly Over China + Zion Williamson
On this episode, Ric and Ryan focus in on China and what our hosts have both learned from their experiences overseas that makes it no surprise the NBA -- and…
On The Ball with Ric BucherWhat To Make of the Lakers-Warriors Preseason Game, and NBA-China Drama Over Daryl Morey's Comments
Today, Ric Bucher gives his take on the Warriors and Lakers after their first preseason games, the NBA-China drama over Rockets former GM Daryl Morey, Jimmy…
On The Ball with Ric BucherLeBron Says Lakers Offense Must Run Through Anthony Davis
On this episode, Ric and Ryan discuss the LeBron saying the Lakers offense has to run through Anthony Davis, the Warriors' new arena facility in San Francisco…
On The Ball with Ric BucherThe Verdict On James Harden's New Shot
Today, Ric Bucher discusses what a nothing burger James Harden's new shot is, and why 'Best of' lists are the bane of everyone's existence. Thanks for…
On The Ball with Ric BucherAre The Warriors A Playoff Team + Can Zion Carry NOLA
In their usual way, Ric and Ryan analyze the good, bad, and ugly of the upcoming 2019-20 NBA season and ask a number of thought-provoking questions, like: will…
On The Ball with Ric BucherEvaluating Young QB's and Their Future In The NFL
Today, Ric and Will evaluate young NFL QBs like Baker Mayfield and their future in the league, the limits placed on defensive players in relation to QB's, and…
On The Ball with Ric BucherOver & Underrated NBA Teams and The Players Who Lead Them
Today, Ric Bucher shares his thoughts on over/underrated NBA teams, the players who will either help or hinder them throughout the upcoming 2019-20 NBA season…
On The Ball with Ric BucherOur Problem With Lavar Attacking Lonzo Publicly & NBA Anti-Tampering Rules
In another amazing episode, Ric and Ryan share why they take issue with Lavar Ball calling Lonzo "damaged goods". The guys also discuss NBA anti-tampering…
On The Ball with Ric BucherGiants Benching Eli Manning + The Moment Will Knew Jalen Ramsey Was NFL Bound
Broadcasting from London, Will joins Ric for an in-depth discussion about NY Giants benching Eli Manning, the time a 16 year old Jalen Ramsey handed Will his…
On The Ball with Ric BucherThe Value of Troubled NBA & NFL Players
Ric Bucher discusses troubled professional athletes in the NBA and NFL and their value - or lack thereof - to the teams who sign them. Ric focuses on two…
On The Ball with Ric BucherTeam USA Losing Games and LeBron Rejected By USPTO
Today, Ric and Ryan discuss Team USA playing for 5th place, the risk vs reward of top NBA players being on that team, Jerry Colangelo's plans for the future of…
On The Ball with Ric BucherNFL In London, Antonio Brown and the Patriots, & NFL Week 1
This episode, Will is broadcasting from London to join Ric for an in-depth discussion about the Antonio Brown - Patriots signing, football in London, the…
On The Ball with Ric BucherUrban Meyer, Elite Talent vs Mental Discipline, The Patriots Sign Antonio Brown
From Chicago, Ric discusses Urban Meyer's football prowess vs. his character. Bucher also offers his assessment of elite physical talent vs. mental toughness…
On The Ball with Ric BucherLeBron's Taco Tuesday Trademark and the latest Antonio Brown drama
Today on Bucher and Hollins, the fellas discuss everything from LeBron's "Taco Tuesday" trademark filing and his use of stereotypical Latinx sounds/accents, to…
On The Ball with Ric BucherBill O'Brien vs. Greats Like Greg Popovich & Bill Belichick
Kicking off this week, Ric offers his assessment of the Texans' Bill O'Brien versus greats like Greg Popovich and Bill Belichick. Thanks for listening! If you…
On The Ball with Ric BucherRyan's Rugless Return, Carmel Anthony, and Iso Joe's Big 3 Performance
Ryan tells Ric about his seasick trip to Istanbul, while Ric asks Ryan what to give his opinion of this year's Team USA squad. Also discussed this week -…
On The Ball with Ric BucherAndrew Luck's Retirement & Antonio Brown's Helmet Issues
Ric and Will discuss Doug Gottlieb's comments on Andrew Luck's decision to retire, and Antonio Brown's helmet drama. Will also shares why he believes he's not…
On The Ball with Ric BucherAssessing Team USA Basketball and Dwight Howard's Value
On today's show Ric shares his assessment of Team USA men's basketball team in light of their recent loss to Australia, why Mason Plumlee is important to the…
On The Ball with Ric BucherDe'Aaron Fox leaves Team USA; DeMarcus Cousins' ACL injury & impact on the Lakers
Ric gives updates on Team USA and his opinion on De'Aaron Fox's reason for leaving. Also, another devastating injury for DeMarcus Cousins and its impact on the…
On The Ball with Ric BucherSteve Kerr's politics; USA Basketball in Vegas; & Myles Turner on playing for Team USA
Ric has been in Las Vegas covering Team USA and catching up with the likes of Gregg Popovich and Steve Kerr. On today's show Ric discusses Kerr's gun control…
On The Ball with Ric BucherAntonio Brown drama & NFL Preseason takeaways
Ric and Will discuss the continuing Antonio Brown drama and NFL preseason takeaways for the Browns, Steelers, Ravens and more. Plus, Will's son's modelling…
On The Ball with Ric BucherStories from covering the Warriors Part 4: Nelly's return, We Believe, and the ousting of Mark Jackson
This is part 4 of Ric's stories from Oracle Arena and covering the Warriors. This time Ric covers Chris Mullin's tenture as the GM, the return of Don Nelson as…
On The Ball with Ric BucherBaker Mayfield; Carmelo Anthony; NFL position group rankings; & HOF inductions
Ric and Will tackle topics ranging from Baker Mayfield to Carmelo Anthony to the Pro football HOF induction ceremony, and debate NFL position group rankings…
On The Ball with Ric BucherDavid Griffin's LeBron comments; and LeBron's behavior at his son's AAU games
Ric and Ryan react to the recent SI story with David Griffin's LeBron comments, and give thoughts on LeBron's behavior at his son's AAU games and the ensuing…
On The Ball with Ric BucherStories from the early days Part 3: Barkley & C Webb, Run TMC, PJ & Sprewell
This is part 3 of Ric's stories from the early days of covering the Warriors, including stories about Charles Barkley and Chris Webber, Run TMC, and PJ…
On The Ball with Ric BucherStart of NFL Training camps
Ric and Will dive into the start of NFL training camps and much more on today's show. Thanks for listening! If you enjoy the show, please rate and review us on…
On The Ball with Ric BucherKawhi Leonard press conference; Media coverage; & Sam Presti urges patience
Ric and Ryan break down some of the latest NBA intrigue including Kawhi Leonard's introduction in LA and the open letter Sam Presti penned to OKC fans Thanks…
On The Ball with Ric BucherPart 2 of stories from Oracle Arena: the Don Nelson / Chris Webber saga
This is part 2 of Ric's stories from the early days of covering the Warriors, focusing on the infamous relationship between Don Nelson and Chris Webber. Thanks…
On The Ball with Ric BucherStories from Oracle Arena and the early days of covering the Golden State Warriors
With the Warriors moving to San Francisco and leaving Oracle Arena behind, Ric takes a nostalgic moment to reminisce on the Warriors now former home and the…
On The Ball with Ric BucherHow many NBA players are truly worth max contracts?; And why players aren't all about the money
Ric discusses his latest Bleacher Report piece "Maxed Out," about how many NBA players are truly worth a maximum contact. But first, Ric explains why NBA…
On The Ball with Ric BucherKawhi Leonard's power moves & the NBA's age of player empowerment; Plus, should Will play in the XFL?
Ric and Will are back to give their thoughts on a lot that's gone down in the NBA over the last week plus. Thoughts on Kawhi's power moves and Paul George's…
On The Ball with Ric BucherDoes Westbrook move the needle for the Rockets? And who has the better roster, Lakers or Clippers?
Ric and Ryan are back to break down some takeaways from NBA Summer League including a Zion Williamson hype update. The guys also discuss whether the Westbrook…
On The Ball with Ric BucherWestbrook-CP3 trade breakdown; NBA Summer League takeaways; & NBA media coverage
Ric is back after his trip to Las Vegas for the NBA Summer League. He breaks down the blockbuster Westbrook-CP3 trade (14:32) and gives his biggest takeaways…
On The Ball with Ric BucherBucher and Bucher from NBA Summer League in Las Vegas
Ric is in Las Vegas for the NBA Summer League and he's joined by his son Mat to discuss their takeaways from games they've watched so far and more. Thanks for…
On The Ball with Ric BucherHappy 4th of July! Kawhi Watch continues; Magic Johnson impact; & Are Lakers favorites even w/o Kawhi?
Happy 4th of July! @RicBucher & @TheRyanHollins have you covered as #KawhiWatch continues; plus, what is Magic Johnson's impact on the process?; & are the…
On The Ball with Ric Bucher14-year NBA Vet Jim Jackson on NBA medical staffs, Iguodala's comments, why KD left GSW & more
14 year NBA vet and Fox Sports 1 NBA analyst Jim Jackson joins Ric to discuss a number of NBA topics, including what type of player Jackson would be in today's…
On The Ball with Ric BucherWarriors "retiring" KD's #35; Kawhi to Lakers getting closer? & Potential impact on Leonard & LeBron legacies
Ric and Will discuss the Warriors announcement that they're "retiring" KD's #35. Isaiah Thomas signs with the Wiz. Plus, Kawhi Leonard to the Lakers is getting…
On The Ball with Ric BucherA WILD Day 1 of NBA Free Agency; KD & Kyrie to BKN; Warriors surprise re-tool; Why Ric's NOT killing the Knicks & more
A WILD Day 1 of NBA Free agency is over and Ric & Will broke it all down. KD & Kyrie to Brooklyn, and why Ric is not killing the Knicks. Why the Celtics fell…
On The Ball with Ric BucherFinal NBA Free Agency Primer; Nets & D'Angelo Russell; The allure of NYK & MSG; KD, Kawhi, & more
Ric is flying solo for a final NBA free agency primer before the FA period officially begins Sunday. The Nets & D'Angelo Russell, the allure of the Knicks &…
On The Ball with Ric BucherNBA Free Agency starts Sunday; KD struggling w/ decision; Kawhi's landing spot?; & Kemba to BOS?
NBA Free Agency starts Sunday; KD is struggling w/ his decision; What's Kawhi's likely landing spot?; Celtics are new favorites for Kemba, and much more with…
On The Ball with Ric BucherRic & Ryan getting heat; Andre Iguodala's comments; Kevin Durant update
Will has to point out that he's now stuck in the middle of two guys (Ric and Ryan) who are getting a ton of heat lately on social media. The guys also discuss…
On The Ball with Ric BucherParents at the NBA Draft; Will's draft experience; & life as a rookie in pro sports
Ric & Will discuss the NBA Draft and the uptick in the parental presence at the draft. Will also shares his NFL draft experience and what it was like to come…
On The Ball with Ric BucherNBA Draft takeaways; LaVar Ball banned from ESPN; Kyrie Irving risk/reward
Ric and Ryan are back for a (belated) NBA Draft recap pod. The biggest takeaways from draft night, plus the guys discuss LaVar Ball getting himself banned from…
On The Ball with Ric BucherTonight's NBA Draft; How veteran NBA players view the draft; & Ryan's D-League experience
Ric and Ryan discuss tonight's NBA Draft. Ryan shares how veteran NBA players view the draft and the incoming rookies. Ryan also has a great story about the…
On The Ball with Ric Bucher10-year NBA Vet Jason Maxiell on the changing NBA game, his draft night experience, & The Big 3
10-year NBA Vet Jason Maxiell joins Ric to discuss the changing NBA game, his draft night experience, & the upcoming season of The Big 3 Thanks for listening!…
On The Ball with Ric BucherAnthony Davis trade; Will the Lakers add a 3rd star? & upcoming NBA draft
Ric and Will discuss the Anthony Davis trade to the Lakers, and what the Lakers will try to do next to supplement AD & LeBron. Plus the upcoming NBA draft and…
On The Ball with Ric BucherRajon Rondo Part 2: On playing with LeBron, "Playoff Rondo" nickname, & what he wants for his next chapter
Part 2 of Ric's sit-down conversation with Rajon Rondo. Rondo discusses playing with LeBron James, what he thinks of the "Playoff Rondo" nickname, whether…
On The Ball with Ric BucherThe Raptors are NBA Champions; Finals Game 6 recap; Klay's injury; & future of the NBA is wide open
Ric and Ryan have a ton to discuss after last night's wild NBA Finals Game 6 that saw the Raptors de-throne the Warriors. Klay Thompson tore his ACL and the…
On The Ball with Ric BucherNBA Champion Rajon Rondo on the 2018-19 Lakers season, the Baxter Holmes story, veteran leadership & much more
Ric had lunch with Rajon Rondo for a story you can read on Bleacher Report, and we also decided to play the raw audio for you here. Rondo candidly discusses a…
On The Ball with Ric BucherEpic NBA Finals Game 5 w/ historic implications; KD's injury & should he have been playing?
Ric and Will discuss last night's epic Game 5 with a gutsy Warriors victory that also came with the huge loss of Kevin Durant to an achilles injury. Should…
On The Ball with Ric BucherNBA Finals Game 5: Will KD play? Plus the debut of Ask Will Blackmon
Ric and Will each answer the question of will Kevin Durant play in tonight's Game 5? And if he does play will it change the outcome? What is KD risking if he…
On The Ball with Ric BucherKlay returns for Finals Game 4; Mark Stevens controversy; & Nets clearing cap space...
Ric and Ryan cover all the latest news from around the NBA including the Beyhive coming after Joe Lacob's wife, the Mark Stevens controversy, the Brooklyn Nets…