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
Who Revolutionized the NBA Game -- MJ, Steph, or...?
Ric discusses the debate over who has had a bigger impact on how the NBA game is played, Michael Jordan or Steph Curry. Support this show…
- On The Ball with Ric Bucher
Are the 76ers' Title Hopes with Joel Embiid Salvageable?
Ric discusses the Philadelphia 76ers' prospects of building a championship team with All-Star center Joel Embiid as the cornerstone. Support this show…
- On The Ball with Ric Bucher
Fatherhood and Playing In The NBA
Ric discusses the effects of fatherhood on the Golden State Warriors' Draymond Green and the Los Angeles Lakers' LeBron James. Support this show…
- On The Ball with Ric Bucher
How Aggressive Should The Warriors Be To Add Another Piece?
Ric discusses trade rumors involving the Golden State Warriors and breaks down which ones make sense. Support this show…
- On The Ball with Ric Bucher
Time for the Portland Trail Blazers to Realize Who -- and Where -- They Are
Ric examines the current state of the Portland Trail Blazers with the ongoing investigation into basketball operations president Neil Olshey. Support this show…
- On The Ball with Ric Bucher
What We Learned About the Knicks and Nets From Harden and Randle
Ric discusses comments made by the Brooklyn Nets' James Harden and the New York Knicks' Julius Randle before and after the Nets' 112-110 win. Support this show…
- On The Ball with Ric Bucher
Which Western Team Can Crash The Suns-Warriors Party?
Ric shares thoughts from executives, coaches and scouts on which team in the Western Conference could rise up by season's end and upend the current expectation…
- On The Ball with Ric Bucher
Better Built For The Playoffs, Suns or Warriors?
Ric examines the two best teams in the NBA right now, the Golden State Warriors and Phoenix Suns, and which one is more likely to come out on top in the…
- On The Ball with Ric Bucher
A Wild Lakers' Coaching Change Rumor
Ric discusses a text he received that a revolutionary replacement for Lakers coach Frank Vogel has been proposed to owner Jeanie Buss. Support this show…
- On The Ball with Ric Bucher
Setting Straight The 'Who Fears LeBron' Debate
Ric discusses the recent debate over whether or not players in the NBA fear four-time champion LeBron James. Support this show…
- On The Ball with Ric Bucher
In Praise Of Ricky Rubio
Ric discusses the half-dozen players, unhappy for one reason or another, who have chosen not to play this season and recognizes the one who has decided to play…
- On The Ball with Ric Bucher
Did We Just Witness A Lakers' Awakening?
Ric discusses the Lakers' 121-116 comeback win over the Detroit Pistons following a skirmish that resulted in LeBron James being ejected from a game for only…
- On The Ball with Ric Bucher
What To Make Of The Milwaukee Bucks So Far
Ric examines the slow start by the defending champion Milwaukee Bucks and what it means for their chances of winning a second consecutive title. Support this…
- On The Ball with Ric Bucher
What To Make Of The Warriors So Far
Ric examines the Warriors' hot start, including their dominating win over the Brooklyn Nets and whether or not they have what it takes to return to title…
- On The Ball with Ric Bucher
Lonzo Is Ballin' On His Own Terms
Ric discusses the development of Chicago Bulls point guard Lonzo Ball after rough stops in LA and New Orleans on his NBA journey. Support this show…
- On The Ball with Ric Bucher
How Ben Simmons Can Get His Wish
Ric discusses Ben Simmons' desire to be traded by the Philadelphia 76ers and what he can do to help make that happen. Support this show…
- On The Ball with Ric Bucher
The Big Man Returneth?
Ric discusses a potential shift in the NBA small-ball revolution. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See…
- On The Ball with Ric Bucher
Why The Nikola Jokic-Markieff Morris Altercation Happened
Ric breaks down the circumstances that led to Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic and Miami Heat forward Markieff Morris exchanging blows in the Nuggets' 113-96…
- On The Ball with Ric Bucher
In Search Of The Brodie
Ric discusses the career and current state of the Lakers' struggling star point guard Russell Westbrook and the most shocking element missing from his game…
- On The Ball with Ric Bucher
The Challenge In Taking Down An NBA Owner
Ric discusses ESPN's investigative story accusing Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarver of misogyny and racism, the possible rise in the mid-range game's value and…
- On The Ball with Ric Bucher
Ben Simmons, The 76ers and Mental Health
Ric discusses Ben Simmons' fractured relationship with the Philadelphia 76ers and reports that Simmons is being treated for mental health issues. Support this…
- On The Ball with Ric Bucher
What Marcus Smart Said and What He Meant
Ric discusses Marcus Smart's comments after the Boston Celtics' meltdown loss to the Chicago Bulls, specifically his comment that stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen…
- On The Ball with Ric Bucher
Deciphering What Marcus Smart Said
Ric discusses Marcus Smart's comments after the Boston Celtics' meltdown in losing to the Chicago Bulls, specifically his assertion that team stars Jayson…
- On The Ball with Ric Bucher
The Referees Are Not The Ones Holding Back James Harden
Ric discusses the new rules interpretation by NBA referees this season that has resulted in some of the league's top scorers shooting fewer free throws and…
- On The Ball with Ric Bucher
Are The Warriors And Heat For Real?
Ric discusses the hot starts by both the Golden State Warriors and Miami Heat and which is better equipped to continue their early winning ways. Support this…
- On The Ball with Ric Bucher
Why Getting The No. 1 Pick Isn't All That It's Cracked Up To Be
Ric discusses the recent history of the NBA No. 1 pick and how the influences on who a team selects goes far beyond who the best player may be. Support this…
- On The Ball with Ric Bucher
The Lakers, Knicks and Bulls Just Showed Us Who They Are
Ric discusses what we learned from the Lakers' most recent performance, as well as the Eastern Conference battle between the Knicks and Bulls. Support this…
- On The Ball with Ric Bucher
Exactly The Kind Of Win The Lakers Needed
Ric examines the crisis averted and hope inspired by the Lakers' overtime win against the San Antonio Spurs without LeBron James. Support this show…
- On The Ball with Ric Bucher
What To Make Of The Chicago Bulls' Hot Start
Ric examines the Chicago Bulls' first 4-0 start since the days of Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen and what it means for the Bulls' prospects this season…
- On The Ball with Ric Bucher
Dwight Howard Has Every Reason To Be Salty
Ric discusses the source of the blow-up between Lakers' big men Dwight Howard and Anthony Davis, as well as the one potential flaw he sees in his choice of the…
- On The Ball with Ric Bucher
The Tragic Connection Between Kobe and Vince Carter's Documentary
Ric discusses with Burton Chawla, NBA "connector" and head of sports for Lineage Digital, the making of Vince Carter's documentary, "Legacy," as well as the…
- On The Ball with Ric Bucher
The Tragic Connection Between Kobe Bryant and the Vince Carter Documentary
Ric discusses the making of Vince Carter's documentary, "Legacy," with NBA connector and Lineage Digital executive Burton Chawla, along with who is to blame…
- On The Ball with Ric Bucher
New Pieces, Same Old Ways For The Knicks
Ric discusses the Knicks' season-opening double-overtime win against the Boston Celtics and what it revealed about how Coach Tom Thibodeau plans to use his…
- On The Ball with Ric Bucher
What We Learned On Opening Night
Ric examines the performances in the Milwaukee Bucks' decisive win over the Brooklyn Nets and the Golden State Warriors out-dueling the Los Angeles Lakers to…
- On The Ball with Ric Bucher
Best and Worst Bets For The 2022 NBA Awards
Ric examines the oddsmakers' picks for this season's individual NBA awards -- MVP, Most Improved, etc. -- and analyzes which ones make the most and least…
- On The Ball with Ric Bucher
The Two Teams That Will Meet In The 2022 NBA Finals
On the eve of the 2021-22 NBA regular season, Ric discusses who his favorites are to meet next June in the Finals. Support this show…
- On The Ball with Ric Bucher
Nepotism In The NBA -- It's Everywhere But Is It Wrong?
Ric discusses Zaire Wade, son of former NBA star Dwyane Wade, signing with the Salt Lake City Stars, the G League affiliate for the Utah Jazz, a team in which…
- On The Ball with Ric Bucher
Deciphering The Latest Kyrie Irving Machinations
Ric discusses the reported moves by the Brooklyn Nets involving Kyrie Irving, as well as Irving's latest statements on social media about where he stands and…
- On The Ball with Ric Bucher
On The Ball PSA
Ric explains why he's taking a brief hiatus and will resume recording in a couple of days. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends…
- On The Ball with Ric Bucher
Why NBA Players Would Risk Jail For A Few Thousand In Insurance Money
Ric discusses the New York Times' report that 18 former NBA players have been charged with bilking the NBA's health and welfare program for $2.5 million in…
- On The Ball with Ric Bucher
Being The Best Player On A Bad Team Has Been Good To Bradley Beal
Ric discusses the validity of Bradley Beal's ranking as the second-best shooting guard in the NBA entering the 2021-22 season. Support this show…
On The Ball with Ric BucherIt's Past Time For The Nets To Move On
Ric discusses the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Kyrie Irving's availability for the Brooklyn Nets this season and how that impacts their championship…
On The Ball with Ric BucherThings I Love About The NBA Right Now
Accused by a listener of being too negative, Ric offers a random, off-the-cuff list of things he loves about the NBA. Support this show…
On The Ball with Ric BucherPlayer Empowerment: Is It Making The NBA Better or Worse?
Ric discusses the seeming uselessness of NBA preseason games and Warriors forward Draymond Green's defense of teammate Andrew Wiggins' short-lived…
On The Ball with Ric BucherWhat the Embiid-Simmons Muddle Tells Us About The 76ers
Ric discusses the discovery by Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid that his fellow All-Star and teammate, Ben Simmons, no longer wants to play with him…
On The Ball with Ric BucherThe Lakers Are Painting The Most Perfect Picture
Ric discusses comments by Russell Westbrook, Anthony Davis, LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony about how they see their respective talents fitting together in…
On The Ball with Ric BucherThe Truth Just Set Jonathan Isaac and Jason Kidd Free
Ric finds commonality in Orlando Magic forward Jonathan Isaac's explanation as to why he has declined getting vaccinated and Dallas Mavericks coach Jason…
On The Ball with Ric BucherNBA Media Day: Equal Parts Promising and Depressing
Ric breaks down what he took from comments made on the start of NBA training camp by a variety of stars, including Kawhi Leonard, Zion Williamson, Kyrie…
On The Ball with Ric BucherWhat Do NBA Players Want And How Do They Plan To Get It?
Ric discusses the issue of unvaccinated NBA players on the eve of the 2021-22 season. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted…
On The Ball with Ric BucherHow The NBA Plans To Eliminate Non-Basketball Moves
Ric discusses what he learned in a call and video session with Monty McCutcheon, the NBA head of referee development and training, about how the league hopes…
On The Ball with Ric BucherDiving Into The Minnesota Timberwolves' Mess & Fighting Revisionist History
Ric details the dysfunction laid bare by the the Minnesota Timberwolves firing team president Gersson Rosas and balks at revisionist history with both Warriors…
On The Ball with Ric BucherWhy Comparing Draymond Green to Ben Simmons Is An Insult
Ric discusses comments made by Warriors owner Joe Lacob about the team's interest in Philadelphia 76ers guard Ben Simmons, comparing him to his incumbent…
On The Ball with Ric BucherA Dose Of Reality For Both Ted Lasso And The Warriors
Ric discusses his disappointment in Season 2 of the comedy series, "Ted Lasso," and the sobering announcement from the Warriors on the status of Klay Thompson…
On The Ball with Ric BucherWhy Moving Ben Simmons May Take Longer Than Expected
Ric examines the dynamics facing the Philadelphia 76ers in moving disgruntled point guard Ben Simmons, along with the video clip of star Kawhi Leonard looking…
On The Ball with Ric BucherLeBron James Is Not Moving To Power Forward -- Nor Should He
Ric examines a variety of curious social media posts and reports by or about Kyrie Irving, Russ Westbrook, LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Support this show…
On The Ball with Ric BucherWhy Dennis Schröder Might Still Find That Bag And Zion Could Be Packing His
Ric discusses Dennis Schröder's chance of landing a big-money deal next summer and the odds of Pelicans star Zion Williamson staying in New Orleans. Support…
On The Ball with Ric BucherAnother Ben Simmons Trade That Makes Sense And The Vaccine Mandate Stand-off
Ric offers another sensible trade for disgruntled 76ers guard Ben Simmons and discusses the potential source and fallout of the players union's refusal to…
On The Ball with Ric BucherA Proposed Ben Simmons' Trade Sixers' Fans Will Hate -- But Makes Sense
With training camp less than two weeks away, Ric offers his assistance to the 76ers in moving their unhappy star point guard, Ben Simmons, for the aggressive…
On The Ball with Ric BucherTop 75 NBA All-Time Greats List Completed
Ric fills the final seven spots in his list of 75 all-time NBA greats in its first 75 seasons by selecting the last seven additions to the 2006-07 to 2020-21…
On The Ball with Ric BucherSelecting the NBA's Greatest Players From 2006-07 to 20-21
Ric nears completion of his list of the 75 all-time greatest players in NBA history, naming 8 of the 15 in the final era from the '06-07 to '20-21 seasons…