On The Ball with Ric Bucher

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. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 the Lakers' latest loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric discusses Ben Simmons' fractured relationship with the Philadelphia 76ers and reports that Simmons is being treated for mental health issues. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Brown "don't want to pass the ball," and what it all means for the Celtics' prospects this season. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric discusses Marcus Smart's comments after the Boston Celtics' meltdown in losing to the Chicago Bulls, specifically his assertion that team stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown "don't want to pass the ball," and what it all means for the Celtics' prospects this season. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 averaging fewer points -- while others are actually flourishing. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric examines the crisis averted and hope inspired by the Lakers' overtime win against the San Antonio Spurs without LeBron James. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Phoenix Suns repeating as Western Conference champions. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Ben Simmons' predicament in Philadelphia and potential solutions. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 for the Ben Simmons' predicament in Philadelphia and potential solutions. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 upgraded roster. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 open the 2021-22 NBA season. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 sense. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 his father has an ownership stake. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 why. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

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 fictitious medical and dental expenses. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric discusses the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Kyrie Irving's availability for the Brooklyn Nets this season and how that impacts their championship aspirations. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.