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 BucherNBA Season Preview: Every Team's Win Total Predicted
Ric 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…
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Zion Update + The Two Best NBA Win-Total Bets
Ric discusses the preseason performance of New Orleans Pelicans star Zion Williamson and the win-total predictions for the San Antonio Spurs and Portland…
On The Ball with Ric BucherFirst-Look Takeaways on Warriors and Lakers
Ric 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…
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Prime Time
Ric discusses the reaction to University of Colorado football coach Deion Sanders. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on…
On The Ball with Ric BucherWho Won The Lillard Trade And Why
Ric discusses the three-team trade that sent Portland Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard to the Milwaukee Bucks to play with Giannis Antetokounmpo. Support this…
On The Ball with Ric BucherWhat Team USA Told Us about the NBA
Ric 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…
On The Ball with Ric BucherThe Player Team USA Needs Most
Ric discusses the vast difference between NBA and FIBA competition, the challenge directors Grant Hill and Sean Ford faced building the current US team…
On The Ball with Ric BucherNoah Lyles Was Right
Ric 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…
On The Ball with Ric BucherJames Harden Should Be Mad
Ric 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…
- On The Ball with Ric Bucher
The Kumbaya of Draymond Green and Chris Paul
Ric 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…
- On The Ball with Ric Bucher
Joel Embiid: Troll or Champion?
Ric 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…
- On The Ball with Ric Bucher
Why the Warriors Chose Draymond Over Jordan
Draymond 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…
- On The Ball with Ric Bucher
Wemby Comes To America
Ric 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…
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The Clock is Now Ticking for Giannis
Ric discusses the state of American basketball development and the implications of Giannis Antetokounmpo's offseason knee surgery. Support this show…
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NBA Free Agency and Damian Lillard's Destination
Ric 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…
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The Phoenix Suns and the Mythical Big Three Model
Ric discusses the acquisition of Bradley Beal by the Phoenix Suns to pair him with stars Devin Booker and Kevin Durant. Support this show…
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Trade Market Buzz: Damian Lillard and Bradley Beal
Ric discusses teams possibly looking to acquire scoring stars Damian Lillard and Bradley Beal. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends…
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NBA Finals: The Series -- not the Teams -- Are Even
Ric discusses the Miami Heat's Game 2 win over the Denver Nuggets in the NBA Finals and previews Game 3. Support this show…
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NBA Finals Preview and a Kyrie Irving Trade Rumor
Ric previews the 2023 NBA Finals matchup between the Denver Nuggets and Miami Heat and explores a trade rumor involving Kyrie Irving. Support this show…
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Why LeBron Did What He Did and Said What He Said
Ric discusses how LeBron James performed in Game 4 of the Western Conference finals and his comments afterward about his future. Support this show…
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Nikola Jokic Is Stepping Up -- and Back
Ric discusses two-time MVP Nikola Jokic's performance in, and impact on, the Western Conference finals for the Denver Nuggets. Support this show…
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The Officiating in the Lakers-Warriors Series
Ric discusses the controversy over how the playoff series between the Lakers and Warriors is being officiated. Support this show…
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The Big Lie About Today's NBA
Ric discusses what the playoffs are telling us about the state of the NBA. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast…
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Why Giannis Is Treated Differently
Ric discusses Giannis Antetokounmpo's comments after the No. 1 Milwaukee Bucks were upset by the No. 8 Miami Heat, along with other playoff observations…
- On The Ball with Ric Bucher
The Two All-NBA Selections I Regret
Ric discusses who he selected for this year's All-NBA teams and why. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See…
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Choosing This Year's MVP
Ric discusses the challenge of filling out his NBA MVP ballot this year. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See…
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Reviewing the Ja Morant Crisis Management
Ric discusses how the Memphis Grizzlies handled recent incidents that led to the NBA suspending star guard Ja Morant for eight games due to conduct detrimental…
- On The Ball with Ric Bucher
Which Voters Actually Favored Nikola Jokic as MVP
Ric examines the recent question raised about whether or not racism exists in how NBA MVPs are selected. Support this show…
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Fixing Load Management & The Larry Bird 3-pt Shooting Argument
Ric offers more insight on why load management hasn't been effective in preventing injuries and addresses a recent debate on Larry Bird's worthiness as an…
- On The Ball with Ric Bucher
Impact of the Trade Deadline Moves by the Suns and Timberwolves
Ric discusses the impact of the Phoenix Suns' acquiring Kevin Durant vs. the Minnesota Timberwolves trading for point guard Mike Conley. Support this show…
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What We Learned From LeBron's Historic Night
Ric discusses LeBron James breaking Kareem Abdul Jabbar's NBA all-time scoring record in a 133-130 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Support this show…
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The Many Elements of an NBA Trade
Ric discusses the language used by GMs in trades, the people involved and what inspired the Dallas Mavericks to acquire the Brooklyn Nets' enigmatic guard…
- On The Ball with Ric Bucher
Hakeem and Embiid: Taking a Compliment as an Insult
Ric discusses a recent exchange between Hall of Fame center Hakeem Olajuwon and Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid. Support this show…
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Making NBA All-Star Voting Matter
Ric shares who he voted for as All-Star starters and how he would improve the voting process. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends…
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Are the Atlanta Hawks Still Working off the Warriors' Blueprint?
Ric discusses recent front-office changes by the Atlanta Hawks and what inspired them. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted…
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LeBron and the Lakers: Who is Underserving Whom?
Ric discusses the state of the Los Angeles Lakers and their relationship with star forward LeBron James. Support this show…
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Why the Brooklyn Nets Should Scare Everyone -- Including Themselves
Ric discusses the Brooklyn Nets' surge in the Eastern Conference and the components that make them dangerous in more ways than one. Support this show…
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The NBA -- What to Cheer, What to Fear
Ric takes stock of the NBA entering the New Year -- what is working, what isn't and how the league could make load management more palatable for fans. Support…
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LeBron, Jerry Jones and The Photo
Ric discusses Lakers star LeBron James' reaction to the media not asking him about a photo that shows Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones as a 14-year-old boy in…
- On The Ball with Ric Bucher
Steph and Distorting Reality
Ric discusses the public reaction to a digitally edited video that shows the Golden State Warriors' Steph Curry making five consecutive full-court shots…
- On The Ball with Ric Bucher
Has the Warriors' Fence Been Mended?
Ric discusses recent events and inside information about the Golden State Warriors as they attempt to move past internal strife to defend their NBA title…
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Giannis, Montrezl and the Ladder
Ric discusses the incident involving Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo, Philadelphia 76ers forward Montrezl Harrell and a work crew ladder. Support…
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The Two Sides of Zion Williamson
Ric assesses the strengths and weaknesses of New Orleans Pelicans power forward Zion Williamson. Support this show…
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Why You Should and Shouldn't Believe in the Clippers
Ric discusses the reasons to believe in, and question, the Los Angeles Clippers' championship hopes. Support this show…
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Last Word on Kyrie -- After Watching the Movie
Ric discusses Kyrie Irving's suspension by both the Brooklyn Nets and Nike after watching the movie that prompted it, "Hebrews to Negroes: Wake Up, Black…
- On The Ball with Ric Bucher
Don't Put It All On Kyrie
Ric discusses the circumstances that led to the Brooklyn Nets suspending Kyrie Irving for a minimum of five games. Support this show…
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Why the Lakers Are Where They Are
Ric discusses who and what are to blame for the Los Angeles Lakers' 1-5 start, as well as the latest controversy involving Brooklyn Nets' guard Kyrie Irving…
- On The Ball with Ric Bucher
What Prompted the Devin Booker-Klay Thompson Fracas
Ric examines the heated exchange between Phoenix Suns' shooting guard Devin Booker and the Golden State Warriors' Klay Thompson that resulted in Thompson being…
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The Moments That Mattered Monday Night
Ric examines several moments from the Nets-Grizzlies, Blazers-Nuggets and Raptors-Heat games that spoke volumes about the players and teams involved. Support…
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LeBron James and Tom Brady Diverge
Ric discusses how two all-time great athletes Tom Brady and LeBron James are pursuing their competitive goals at advanced ages and as their careers draw to a…
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The Lakers' Many Conundrums
Ric discusses expectations for LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers as they begin the 2022-23 season by facing the defending champion Golden State Warriors…
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The Warriors' Draymond Green-Jordan Poole Dilemma
Ric examines the challenge facing the defending champion Warriors after video leaked of Draymond Green cold-cocking teammate Jordan Poole in practice. Support…
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What Ime Udoka Did and Ben Simmons Said
Ric discusses the circumstances and reporting of head coach Ime Udoka's year-long suspension by the Boston Celtics and Ben Simmons' explanation of what did and…
- On The Ball with Ric Bucher
What Inspired Sarver To Sell & Defending Seahawks Fans For Booing Wilson
Ric discusses why Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarver announced he is selling the team, NBA win-total lines worth playing and explaining why Seahawks fans felt…
- On The Ball with Ric Bucher
Why You Should Be Betting on the Raptors & Against the Nets
Ric discusses the over-under win total lines set by oddsmakers going into this NBA season and why those for the Nets and Raptors are ripe to be exploited…
- On The Ball with Ric Bucher
Why the Lakers Need Russ Westbrook -- and he Needs Them
Ric discusses the relationship between the Los Angeles Lakers and point guard Russell Westbrook. Support this show…
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Why Donovan Mitchell Wound Up In Cleveland
Ric discusses why the Utah Jazz traded star guard Donovan Mitchell to the Cleveland Cavaliers rather than the New York Knicks. Support this show…
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How The Game (And I) Have Changed
Ric discusses the back story and reaction to recent information he shared about the Brooklyn Nets' Kyrie Irving and Ben Simmons. Support this show…
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The KD Saga Continues
Ric discusses the latest events concerning Kevin Durant and the Brooklyn Nets and the prospects of KD having his trade request fulfilled by owner Joe Tsai…
- On The Ball with Ric Bucher
Cousy, The Logo, JJ, Draymond, Plumbers and Firemen
Ric discusses former NBA player JJ Redick disparaging legendary point guard Bob Cousy and Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green denigrating the 1998…