On The Ball with Ric Bucher

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 for more information.

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 for more information.

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 for more information.

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 for more information.

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 for more information.

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 for more information.

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 for more informati...

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 for more information.

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 for more information.

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 for more information.

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 for more information.

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 for more information.

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 for more information.

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 for more information.

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 for more information.

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 for more information.

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 for more information.

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 for more information.

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 for more information.

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 for more information.

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 for more information.

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 for more information.

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 for more information.

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 for more information.

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 for more information.