On The Ball with Ric Bucher

Ric Bucher, NBA insider and Fox Sports NBA analyst

About

A weekly sports podcast with inside information and perspective from veteran NBA insider and Fox Sports analyst Ric Bucher, along with NBA players, coaches, executives and media as occasional guests Support this show at http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends.


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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461 episodes

De'Aaron Fox and the Media, Bucks and Crunchtime

Ric discusses Sacramento Kings guard D'Aaron Fox's recent exchange with a reporter and the Milwaukee Bucks' collapse against the Los Angeles Lakers playing without LeBron James. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

36m
Apr 01, 2024
Was Draymond Right About Kyrie and KD?

Ric discusses the recent assertion by Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green that Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving "is the scorer that everyone, the world, thinks" Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant is, along with the differences between "new" media and "old" media. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

39m
Mar 24, 2024
Dissecting A Star Three-Pack: PG, Kawhi and Zion

Ric discusses the mercurial performances of Los Angeles Clippers' forwards Kawhi Leonard and Paul George and an exchange with New Orleans Pelicans' fans about forward Zion Williamson. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

32m
Mar 18, 2024
Understanding the Value of Steve Kerr

Ric discusses why some fans were calling for Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr to be fired and the team responded by giving him a two-year, $35 million extension. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

36m
Mar 11, 2024
KD's Olympic Dreaming

Ric discusses Phoenix Suns' forward Kevin Durant's recent comments about Team USA dominating the basketball competition at this summer's Olympics in Paris, France. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

30m
Mar 03, 2024
Forecast: How The NBA Regular Season Ends

Ric breaks down which teams will have homecourt advantage in the first-round of the NBA playoffs, which ones will earn guaranteed spots in the postseason and which ones will have to qualify through the play-in tournament. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

36m
Feb 25, 2024
The True Value of Being An All-Star

Ric discusses the various ways NBA All-Stars have been selected over the years and how much value fans and media should give the award. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

38m
Feb 18, 2024
Why The Lakers, Warriors and 76ers Are Where They Are

Ric discusses why the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors failed to make any significant moves at the NBA trade deadline and the injury that is jeopardizing Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid's season. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

32m
Feb 09, 2024
Defining Greatness: Re-raising the Bar

Ric discusses the recent spate of outstanding individual scoring performances by NBA stars and what we measure to identify great players. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

31m
Feb 02, 2024
Everything that was Right and Wrong about the Jokic-Embiid Battle

Ric discusses the epic showdown between the reigning NBA champion center, Nikola Jokic, and the reigning NBA MVP, Joel Embiid. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

38m
Jan 20, 2024
What Do Franchises Owe Their Superstars?

Ric discusses the public pressure on teams to make moves to improve a team to accommodate their superstar. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

37m
Jan 17, 2024
The What-If Game and Steve Kerr's Complaint

Ric chooses from a list of five injury-derailed stars -- Yao Ming, Tracy McGrady, Brandon Roy, Grant Hill and Derrick Rose -- the one who would've been the best and discusses Golden State Warriors' coach Steve Kerr's contention that defense has been legislated out of the NBA. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

23m
Jan 04, 2024
Ja's Return, Steph's GOAT Qualifications, Draymond's State of Mind

Ric discusses the return of Memphis Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant, Steph Curry's place among all-time greats and questions about Draymond Green's psyche. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

31m
Dec 23, 2023
Why Victor Said What He Said About LeBron

Ric discusses No. 1 pick Victor Wembanyama's remarks after facing LeBron James for the first time. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

28m
Dec 20, 2023
Can Devin Booker Lead The Suns To A Title?

Ric discusses the potential of Phoenix Suns All-Star guard Devin Booker leading the franchise to its first championship, as well as why he believes Super teams constructed by the superstars themselves may be a thing of the past. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

25m
Dec 11, 2023
The Incredibly Shrinking NBA Competitive Spirit

Ric discusses what is fueling complaints about in-season tournament rules and examines the Houston Rockets' renaissance under head coach Ime Udoka. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

37m
Dec 01, 2023
Recipe For Disaster: Making Your Star the GM

Ric examines the result of recent NBA teams who catered to the personnel demands of a star player in order to acquire or retain them. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

31m
Nov 17, 2023
The DNA of the Dallas Mavericks' Transformation

Ric discusses the surprising start by the Dallas Mavericks this season. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

30m
Nov 09, 2023
NBA 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 http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

25m
Oct 24, 2023
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 Blazers. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

29m
Oct 18, 2023
First-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 among title-contending teams this season. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

31m
Oct 11, 2023
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 Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

30m
Oct 06, 2023
Who 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 show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

30m
Sep 29, 2023
What 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 show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

28m
Sep 20, 2023
The 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 competing in the 2023 FIBA World Cup and the one player he'd like to see on the 2024 Olympic squad. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

30m
Sep 07, 2023
Noah 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 champions. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

31m
Sep 01, 2023
James 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 49ers' quarterback situation. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

34m
Aug 22, 2023
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 New York Jet and the real reason behind the US women's national team failed to win a third World Cup. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

32m
Aug 11, 2023
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. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

22m
Jul 28, 2023
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 explains why. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

25m
Jul 21, 2023