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 BucherWhat the Ballmer-Kawhi Bombshell Proves
Ric discusses the evidence tracked down by journalist and podcaster Pablo Torre that suggests the Los Angeles Clippers and owner Steve Ballmer may have…
On The Ball with Ric BucherLuka Doncic Vs. Random Guy In A Suit
Ric discusses the performance of Los Angeles Lakers' star Luka Doncic for the Slovenian National Team in EuroBasket competition vs. Poland and France, and what…
On The Ball with Ric BucherThe Kuminga Conundrum and Wemby Gets Ahead of the Game
In a double-shot episode, Ric discusses the stand-off between the Golden State Warriors and restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga and the dynamics that have…
On The Ball with Ric BucherOver-Under Win Total Locks, Clark-Bueckers Comp
Ric discusses the most obvious ways to play several preseason win total over-under lines for the upcoming NBA season and whether or not Dallas Wings' No. 1…
On The Ball with Ric BucherBlazers' Future, Lakers' Power Shift, Top 5 Offseason Moves
Ric discusses why it may be too early to assume prospective new owner Tom Dundon will not move the Portland Trail Blazers, a change in the power paradigm…
On The Ball with Ric BucherLeBron-Jokic-Euro Rumors and the NBA's Prop Bet Dilemma
Ric discusses the Instagram post that revealed a meeting between LeBron James, his business manager Maverick Carter and Misko Raznatovic, the agent for Denver…
On The Ball with Ric BucherFiguring Out What WNBA Players Are Worth
Ric discusses the recent WNBA All-Star Game protest that consisted of players wearing t-shirts that read "Pay Us What You Owe Us" as they collectively bargain…
On The Ball with Ric BucherThe Bar for Steph Curry and the Warriors, Mocking Jordan's Grief For Clout
In a two-part podcast, Ric discusses the complaint by some Golden State Warriors' fans that the franchise is doing a disservice to superstar Steph Curry with…
On The Ball with Ric BucherFinding The Right Comp For Cooper Flagg
Ric discusses the 2025 NBA Draft's No. 1 pick, Cooper Flagg, the long list of players to whom he has been compared, his strengths and weaknesses, and Ric's…
On The Ball with Ric BucherNBA Finals Game 7 Preview, Latest Caitlin Drama
Ric discusses the events leading up to Game 7 of the NBA Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers and what could determine who is the next…
On The Ball with Ric BucherNBA Finals 2025: What Happened In G4, What Has To Happen In G5
Ric discusses the factors that led to the Oklahoma City Thunder tying their best-of-seven NBA Finals series with the Indiana Pacers at two wins apiece and what…
On The Ball with Ric BucherThe Mastermind Behind The Pacers' Success
Ric discusses the moves that Indiana Pacers coach Rick Carlisle made to win Game 3 and shares how he came to know Carlisle both as a person (and pianist) and…
On The Ball with Ric BucherThe Beauty and Intrigue of the 2025 NBA Finals
Ric discusses why the NBA Finals could prove to be transformative for the league and the blueprint for building championship teams. Support this show…
On The Ball with Ric BucherWhy The Pacers' Game 1 Win Wasn't A Fluke, What It Means For The Series
Ric discusses the shocking last-second win by the Indiana Pacers in Game 1 of the 2025 NBA Finals over the heavily favored Oklahoma City Thunder -- why it…
On The Ball with Ric BucherTriple Shot: Why Pacers Have A Chance, SGA Is In Top 5 PG Convo, Bronny Has To Play Next Season
Ric discusses why the Indiana Pacers could make the NBA Finals vs. the heavily favored Oklahoma City Thunder more competitive than expected, why Thunder point…
On The Ball with Ric BucherAnt Edwards is Being Robbed of What He Needs Most
Ric discusses the danger of anointing young NBA stars as can't-miss future champions or league MVPs as illustrated by the current projections for, and analysis…
On The Ball with Ric BucherQuad Shot: New vs. Old Media, The Real Overrated Player, The Real Foul Merchant & Malone on the Mike
Ric discusses four topics: the differences between new and old media; what Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has that Anthony Edwards doesn't; Gilgeous-Alexander's label…
On The Ball with Ric BucherQuad Shot: The False Ant Narrative, Unfounded Jimmy Criticism, Caitlin-Angel Misappropriation, Crushed Conspiracy Theory
In this four-topic episode, Ric discusses a manufactured story line for Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards, the unrealistic expectations Warriors fans had for…
On The Ball with Ric BucherTriple Shot: Pop's Farewell, Giannis' Identity, Luka's Motivation
Ric dives into three current topics on the NBA landscape: remembrance of his personal experiences with Gregg Popovich, recently forced to step down after an…
On The Ball with Ric BucherQuad Shot: Why Jimmy is Indispensable, Paolo is Unappreciated, LeBron-Ant Laugh-fest was Confusing, Adam Silver Deserves Thanks
Ric discusses four hot topics involving the NBA playoffs: the many ways Jimmy Butler is indispensable for the Golden State Warriors, the overlooked excellence…
On The Ball with Ric BucherThe Latest Klutch Campaign and Assessing Nico's Press Conference
Ric discusses recent comments by members of LeBron James' circle that devalue his supporting casts and examines Dallas Mavericks GM Nico Harrison's responses…
On The Ball with Ric BucherThe Mike Malone Firing: Why and Why Now
Ric discusses the behind-the-scenes events that led to yet another NBA head coach, Mike Malone of the Denver Nuggets, unexpectedly being fired by a team on the…
On The Ball with Ric BucherQuad Shot: Jokic Deserves Better, Suns At Their Worst, Kerr The Maestro, Request for LeBron Fans
In this latest edition of the Quad Shot, Ric presents why Denver Nuggets' center Nikola Jokic has less talent around him than LeBron James or Steph Curry; the…
On The Ball with Ric BucherThe Man Behind The Shooting Prowess of Every Final Four Team
Ric interviews John Carter, CEO of Noah Basketball Technology, about the shooting technology used by 28 NBA teams and hundreds of college and university…
On The Ball with Ric BucherDigging Deeper into the AD-Doncic Trade and the SGA-Joker MVP Debate
Ric digs into the reports detailing the Los Angeles Lakers' disenchantment with, and willingness to trade, Anthony Davis, as well as the arguments being made…
On The Ball with Ric BucherResting Stars to Lose: Legit Concern or Crazed Conspiracy Talk?
Ric discusses the heated reaction to NBA teams resting their star players against certain opponents and whether there is merit to believing teams are…
On The Ball with Ric BucherQuad Shot: Wobbly Celtics, Flat-lining Nuggets, Same Ol' Luka, Stubborn Thibs
Ric discusses the state of the defending champion Boston Celtics and the importance of Kristaps Porzingis, indications that Nikola Jokic's supporting cast with…
On The Ball with Ric BucherTakeaways from Lakers-Celtics Tilt and SAS-LeBron Squabble
Ric discusses what the recent battle between the Celtics and Lakers revealed about the two teams and weighs in on the soap opera involving ESPN host Stephen A…
On The Ball with Ric BucherWhy The NBA Inspires So Many Debates
Ric discusses the multitude of disagreements over the NBA currently in vogue: who the greatest player is, the quality of the league and the way in which the…
On The Ball with Ric BucherQuad Shot: Why Jimmy Buckets is a Great Fit, Nostalgia Catches a Stray, Lakers-Nuggets Takeaway, Knicks' Fatal Flaw
Ric covers four of the NBA's hottest current storylines: why Jimmy Butler has had such a profound effect on the Warriors since being acquired from the Miami…
On The Ball with Ric BucherA Much Bigger Concern than the NBA All-Star Game
Ric discusses -- and challenges -- the criticism heaped upon last week's NBA All-Star Game and points to a much more glaring issue the league faces. Support…
On The Ball with Ric BucherWhat the NBA and its Partners Say They Want (But Do They Really?)
Ric discusses what he learned about the focus and ambition of the NBA's newest media partners over All-Star Weekend and whether or not their actions reflect…
On The Ball with Ric BucherTheories On Why The Mark Williams Trade Failed
Ric shares with his son, Mat, what league sources are saying about the Lakers rescinding their trade for Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams after team…
On The Ball with Ric BucherThe Second-Most Shocking Trade at the NBA Deadline
Ric examines trades made at the NBA deadline that involved the Cavs, Bucks, Lakers, Clippers and Warriors and breaks down the one that was second only to the…
On The Ball with Ric BucherThe Luka-AD Trade: Why It Happened, What It Means
Ric discusses why the Dallas Mavericks traded their 25-year-old Slovenian superstar, Luka Doncic, to the Los Angeles Lakers for All-Star center, Anthony Davis…
On The Ball with Ric BucherWord to My Media Brethren: You Missed the Boat on Bronny
Ric discusses the backlash from the media after rookie guard Bronny James, son of Lakers' star LeBron James, had a poor performance in his most extended…
On The Ball with Ric BucherThe Biggest Fix Left for the NBA All-Star Game
Ric discusses the history of the NBA All-Star Game selection process, offers a way to ensure the most worthy players are chosen, gives the list of players he…
On The Ball with Ric BucherTime for the 76ers to Find an Embiid Exit Strategy
Ric discusses Lakers coach JJ Redick's heartfelt account of his family's ordeal with the wildfire that turned their home and all of the Pacific Palisades to…
On The Ball with Ric BucherWhy Steph and the Warriors Are Where They Are
Ric discusses the current state of the Golden State Warriors, his history with the franchise and the forces that have ended the Warriors', and their…
On The Ball with Ric BucherQuad Shot: Melo's Value, Kings' Surge, Wemby's Defense, Cade's Ascension
Ric discusses four hot NBA topics: LaMelo Ball's entertainment value vs. his effectiveness for an 8-28 Charlotte Hornets' team; what is behind the Sacramento…
On The Ball with Ric BucherQuad Shot: PG Exorcising, JJ-Barkley Beefing, Kings Surging, Cavs-Thunder Entertaining
Ric discusses four topics: Paul George's unfathomable explanation for a recent fourth-quarter meltdown; JJ Redick taking a novel approach to being a first-time…
On The Ball with Ric BucherJimmy Butler and the Heat: Why We're Here, What It Means
Ric discusses the circumstances that have driven a wedge between star forward Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat and why it signals NBA owners have achieved their…
On The Ball with Ric BucherQuad Shot: What Finney-Smith Brings, Must-See Magic Stretch, Spinning In Sac, Liking The Dust-ups
Ric discusses the strengths and weaknesses of the Lakers' acquisition of Dorian Finney-Smith for D'Angelo Russell; the upcoming test the Orlando Magic are…
On The Ball with Ric BucherMike Brown Pulled the Pin, Should the Rockets for De'Aaron Fox?
Ric discusses comments made by Mike Brown 10 days before he was fired as head coach of the Sacramento Kings and the suggestion that the up-and-coming Houston…
On The Ball with Ric BucherHoliday Episode with a Special Guest
Ric discusses solutions to the NBA three-point glut, why BYU is about to become a college basketball powerhouse and the state of the Portland Trail Blazers…
On The Ball with Ric BucherSolving The NBA Three-Point Shot Obsession
Ric discusses the ways in which the NBA can address the excessive launching of three-point shots and breaks down his favorite three rule changes that will be…
On The Ball with Ric BucherWhy Zion May Be A Better Bargain Than BI
Ric discusses what he learned from the NBA Cup about the Milwaukee Bucks' and Oklahoma City Thunder's playoff readiness; shares his exchange with Warriors…
On The Ball with Ric BucherQuad Shot: Caitlin Clark Dances, Steph Struggles, NBA Inertia, NBA Cup Value
Ric discusses four topics in this Quad Shot episode: why Caitlin Clark was Time's Athlete of the Year and what we learned from the subsequent interview; a…
On The Ball with Ric BucherThe Biggest Reason NBA Ratings Are Down
Ric discusses the decline in NBA viewership and why it isn't a reflection of the league's overall popularity or financial health but of its priorities. Support…
On The Ball with Ric BucherThe Conundrum That Is Trae Young
Ric discusses Atlanta Hawks' point guard Trae Young, whose pick-and-roll mastery and league-leading statistics has produced a meager win-loss record and does…
On The Ball with Ric BucherQuad Shot: Hope for an NBA Reversion, Ja Pivots, Four-Letter Fabrication, Jokic's New Weapon
Ric discusses the hope given to him by an NBA GM about the direction of the league; the change Ja Morant has made to his game; the story created out of thin…
On The Ball with Ric BucherWhat Warriors' and Lakers' Fans Should Be Rooting For
Ric discusses the recent struggles of the Golden State Warriors after a 12-3 start and offers a reasonable goal for both their fan base and that of the Los…
On The Ball with Ric BucherWhat We've Learned (So Far) About The 2024 NBA Draft Class
Ric discusses why the 2024 NBA Draft Class was projected to be a disappointing one, which players have helped defy that prediction and why grading rookies by…
On The Ball with Ric BucherQuad Shot: Ant's Rant, LeBron Breaking Even, Lue's Mastery, All-Star Game Preview
Ric discusses four hot topics: Anthony Edwards calling out his team after a home loss that dropped the Minnesota Timberwolves below .500; LeBron James and his…
On The Ball with Ric BucherThe 76ers' Problems Go Well Beyond Injuries
Ric proposes that the Philadelphia 76ers' issues, which have led to a 3-13 start and several incidents beyond the court, go beyond injuries that have limited…
On The Ball with Ric BucherQuad Shot: Tatum's Realization, Wemby Timeline, Lee-LaMelo, Latest Caitlin Controversy
Ric does his weekly four-topic episode, explaining the realization that has led to Jayson Tatum playing like an MVP; the challenge posed by Victor Wembanyama's…
On The Ball with Ric BucherWhat to Make of the Cavs' Historic Start
Ric discusses the Cleveland Cavaliers' historic 15-0 start that ended with their narrow loss to the Boston Celtics, examining the ingredients that produced it…
On The Ball with Ric BucherSizing Up A Potential Battle For Giannis
Ric discusses three Western Conference teams he has heard are interested in solidifying their playoff chances with roster upgrades -- the Golden State…
On The Ball with Ric BucherQuad Shot: Splash Brothers Collide, Grizzly Feel-Goods, LeBron Hype, Motor City Secret
Ric breaks down the surprisingly heated battle between former teammates Steph Curry and Klay Thompson; the mixed-bag of story lines currently driving the…
On The Ball with Ric BucherThe Knicks: What is Wrong and Is It Fixable
Ric discusses the 4-5 start by the New York Knicks, who were expected to be title contenders after making several high-profile offseason moves to upgrade a…