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 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…
- On The Ball with Ric Bucher
What To Expect From James Wiseman
Ric discusses his and NBA scouts' assessment of Golden State Warriors' center James Wiseman's performance at the Las Vegas Summer League. Support this show…
- On The Ball with Ric Bucher
Why Rudy Gobert Got Traded, Why KD Hasn't
Ric discusses why former Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert was traded so quickly this summer to the Minnesota Timberwolves while the Brooklyn Nets are struggling to…
- On The Ball with Ric Bucher
First Impressions of Chet Holmgren as a Pro
Ric shares his observations watching No. 2 pick Chet Holmgren live in the Salt Lake City and Las Vegas NBA summer leagues. Support this show…
- On The Ball with Ric Bucher
Why Kevin Durant Wants Out
Ric discusses Kevin Durant's reported request that the Brooklyn Nets trade him. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on…
- On The Ball with Ric Bucher
Thoughts on Banchero Going No. 1 and Rookies Going at LeBron
Ric discusses the Orlando Magic making Duke forward Paolo Banchero the No. 1 pick and two draft picks -- Jaden Ivey and Bennedict Mathurin -- challenging…
- On The Ball with Ric Bucher
Steph Curry: Overrated, Under-appreciated or ?
Ric discusses the perception of Steph Curry before and after his performance in the 2022 NBA Finals. Support this show…
- On The Ball with Ric Bucher
The Boston Celtics' Missing Piece
Ric examines why the Boston Celtics find themselves on the brink of elimination from the NBA Finals. Support this show…
- On The Ball with Ric Bucher
No Easy Answers for Steve Kerr and the Warriors
Ric discusses the criticism of Coach Steve Kerr's player rotations in the NBA Finals. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted…
- On The Ball with Ric Bucher
The Warriors Need to get Honest with Themselves
Ric examines the Golden State Warriors' comments after their Game 1 loss in the NBA Finals to the Boston Celtics. Support this show…
- On The Ball with Ric Bucher
Preview and Predictions for Game 1 of the NBA Finals
Ric shares his expectations for the NBA Finals between the Golden State Warriors and Boston Celtics. Support this show…
- On The Ball with Ric Bucher
Biggest Takeaways from Celtics-Heat Game 7
Ric discusses all that transpired as the Boston Celtics beat the Miami Heat for the Eastern Conference Finals' title. Support this show…
- On The Ball with Ric Bucher
Making Sense of the Celtics-Heat Series
Ric 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…
- On The Ball with Ric Bucher
The Mavericks Learned a Lesson
Ric 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…
- On The Ball with Ric Bucher
Messages to Harden and Kyrie Are Far Different
Ric discusses the offseason contract decisions faced by the 76ers and Nets about James Harden and Kyrie Irving. Support this show…
- On The Ball with Ric Bucher
Bucks and Suns: Why They Fell, Where They Go From Here
Ric 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…
- On The Ball with Ric Bucher
What Happened to the NBA's Anti-Flopping Crusade?
Ric discusses how embellishing physical contact in the NBA, one something the league vowed to penalize, is now being rewarded. Support this show…
- On The Ball with Ric Bucher
Draymond & Dillon: Cut from the Same Cloth
Ric 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…
- On The Ball with Ric Bucher
Doc Rivers: The Ultimate Survivor
Ric examines the career of Philadelphia 76ers coach Doc Rivers and his relationship with the media. Support this show…
- On The Ball with Ric Bucher
Lessons Learned from the Nets' Early Exit
Ric examines the dynamics that led to the Brooklyn Nets being swept out of the playoffs by the Boston Celtics. Support this show…
- On The Ball with Ric Bucher
MJ-Pippen vs. LeBron-Wade vs. KD-Kyrie
Ric 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…
- On The Ball with Ric Bucher
One Last Look at You Know Who and the Scoring Title Race
Ric 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…
- On The Ball with Ric Bucher
The Memphis Grizzlies are in Uncharted Territory
Ric examines how and why the Minnesota Timberwolves upset the Memphis Grizzlies in Game 1 of their first-round series. Support this show…
- On The Ball with Ric Bucher
The Russell Westbrook Destination That Makes Sense
Ric discusses trade rumors involving Lakers guard Russell Westbrook. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See…
- On The Ball with Ric Bucher
The Difference Between Joel and Giannis
Ric discusses recent comments by two of the top MVP candidates, Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid and Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo…
- On The Ball with Ric Bucher
Takeaways from last week's KD-Giannis Battle
Ric discusses what we learned from watching Kevin Durant and Giannis Antetokounmpo battle in the Milwaukee Bucks' overtime win against the Brooklyn Nets…
- On The Ball with Ric Bucher
Ja Morant and the NBA MVP Race
Ric discusses whether or not Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant deserves consideration as the NBA's Most Valuable Player. Support this show…
- On The Ball with Ric Bucher
Latest Overblown Outrage: All-NBA Selection Process
Ric discusses complaints that Nikola Jokic or Joel Embiid, both MVP candidates, could potentially miss out on first-team All-NBA honors. Support this show…
- On The Ball with Ric Bucher
What Prompted the Miami Heat Squabble and What It Means
Ric discusses what caused the in-game shouting match between Heat coach Erik Spoelstra, star guard Jimmy Butler and veteran Udonis Haslem and the potential…
- On The Ball with Ric Bucher
Is LeBron James Still a Top 10 Player?
Ric examines where LeBron James stands currently among the NBA's best all-around players. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends…
- On The Ball with Ric Bucher
Paralysis By Analysis
Ric examines commentary on the reason for Golden State Warriors' Steph Curry's injury involving Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart. Support this show…
- On The Ball with Ric Bucher
Player-hatin' Players
Ric discusses recent disparaging comments by Los Angeles Lakers big man Anthony Davis about the Phoenix Suns and by former Boston Celtics forward Paul Pierce…
- On The Ball with Ric Bucher
What We've Learned about the 76ers So Far
Ric examines the Philadelphia 76ers' eight games since acquiring star guard James Harden, including the root of their disappointing performance against…
- On The Ball with Ric Bucher
Being Sensitive Is Completely Off-Brand for Russell Westbrook
Ric 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…
- On The Ball with Ric Bucher
Can Ja Morant Be The Next Face of the NBA?
Ric discusses Memphis Grizzlies' star point guard Ja Morant's path to becoming the next face of the NBA. Support this show…
- On The Ball with Ric Bucher
Why Steph Curry is Not the Face of the NBA (Which Is Too Bad)
Ric 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…
- On The Ball with Ric Bucher
Zion is Latest Proof that Being a No. 1 Pick Requires More Than Talent
Ric 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…
- On The Ball with Ric Bucher
The LeBron-Bronny Package Deal
Ric discusses LeBron James' announcement that he will sign with whichever NBA team acquires his son, Bronny. Support this show…
- On The Ball with Ric Bucher
Deciphering the Harden and Simmons Press Conferences
Ric 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…
- On The Ball with Ric Bucher
The Difference Between Ben Simmons and James Harden
Ric 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…
- On The Ball with Ric Bucher
Discovering the Joy and Sorrow of Being a Fan
Ric discusses what he discovered about being a fan rooting for his hometown Cincinnati Bengals in Super Bowl LVI. Support this show…
- On The Ball with Ric Bucher
A Better Time and Deal for the 76ers to get James Harden
Ric examines the blockbuster Ben Simmons-James Harden trade between the Philadelphia 76ers and Brooklyn Nets. Support this show…
- On The Ball with Ric Bucher
The Lakers and Nets Have Killed The Big Three Myth
Ric 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…
- On The Ball with Ric Bucher
Clippers and Blazers Headed In Opposite Directions
Ric 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…
- On The Ball with Ric Bucher
Making Sense of Trade Rumors and No Suns All-Star Starters
Ric 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…
- On The Ball with Ric Bucher
The Otherness Of Giannis Antetokounmpo
Ric 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…
- On The Ball with Ric Bucher
How Tom Brady's Retirement Decision Impacts LeBron James
Ric 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…
- On The Ball with Ric Bucher
Good Vs. Evil: The Grayson Allen-Alex Caruso Story
Ric 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…
- On The Ball with Ric Bucher
LeBron and His Non-Pursuit of the All-Time Scoring Record
Ric discusses comments made by Steph Curry about his recent shooting struggles and LeBron James on his recent shooting excellence. Support this show…
- On The Ball with Ric Bucher
A Tale of Two Coaches
Ric 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…
- On The Ball with Ric Bucher
The Challenge -- and Solution -- to Ranking Kyrie Irving as a Point Guard
Ric 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…
- On The Ball with Ric Bucher
A Shortage of All Stars
Ric 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…
- On The Ball with Ric Bucher
Is There Reason To Worry About Steph Curry?
Ric discusses superstar guard Steph Curry's recent shooting slump and what it means for the Golden State Warriors. Support this show…
- On The Ball with Ric Bucher
Kyrie Irving Returns
Ric discusses Kyrie Irving's first game this season and what it means for the Brooklyn Nets going forward. Support this show…
- On The Ball with Ric Bucher
There's Something Special Going On In Chicago
Ric 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…
- On The Ball with Ric Bucher
Stop Blaming Russell Westbrook For Being Russell Westbrook
Ric examines the performance by Russell Westbrook for the Los Angeles Lakers. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast…
- On The Ball with Ric Bucher
Why Some NBA Vets Are Getting Signed And Others Aren't
Ric 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…
- On The Ball with Ric Bucher
Why Lebron Wanted Russ Westbrook over Buddy Hield
Ric 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…
- On The Ball with Ric Bucher
Why LeBron Wanted Russ Westbrook over DeMar DeRozan
Ric 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'…
- On The Ball with Ric Bucher
Feeling Dell Curry's Joy and Michael Jordan's Pain At The Same Time
Ric 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…