On The Ball with Ric Bucher

Ric takes stock of the NBA entering the New Year -- what is working, what isn't and how the league could make load management more palatable for fans. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric discusses Lakers star LeBron James' reaction to the media not asking him about a photo that shows Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones as a 14-year-old boy in a crowd that prevented his school being integrated in 1957 in Little Rock, Arkansas. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric discusses the public reaction to a digitally edited video that shows the Golden State Warriors' Steph Curry making five consecutive full-court shots. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric discusses recent events and inside information about the Golden State Warriors as they attempt to move past internal strife to defend their NBA title. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric discusses the incident involving Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo, Philadelphia 76ers forward Montrezl Harrell and a work crew ladder. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric assesses the strengths and weaknesses of New Orleans Pelicans power forward Zion Williamson. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric discusses the reasons to believe in, and question, the Los Angeles Clippers' championship hopes. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric discusses Kyrie Irving's suspension by both the Brooklyn Nets and Nike after watching the movie that prompted it, "Hebrews to Negroes: Wake Up, Black America." Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric discusses the circumstances that led to the Brooklyn Nets suspending Kyrie Irving for a minimum of five games. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric discusses who and what are to blame for the Los Angeles Lakers' 1-5 start, as well as the latest controversy involving Brooklyn Nets' guard Kyrie Irving. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric examines the heated exchange between Phoenix Suns' shooting guard Devin Booker and the Golden State Warriors' Klay Thompson that resulted in Thompson being ejected for the first time in his 796-game career midway through the Suns' resounding victory. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric examines several moments from the Nets-Grizzlies, Blazers-Nuggets and Raptors-Heat games that spoke volumes about the players and teams involved. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric discusses how two all-time great athletes Tom Brady and LeBron James are pursuing their competitive goals at advanced ages and as their careers draw to a close. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric discusses expectations for LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers as they begin the 2022-23 season by facing the defending champion Golden State Warriors. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric examines the challenge facing the defending champion Warriors after video leaked of Draymond Green cold-cocking teammate Jordan Poole in practice. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric discusses the circumstances and reporting of head coach Ime Udoka's year-long suspension by the Boston Celtics and Ben Simmons' explanation of what did and didn't happen before and after he was traded to the Brooklyn Nets. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric discusses why Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarver announced he is selling the team, NBA win-total lines worth playing and explaining why Seahawks fans felt betrayed by former quarterback Russell Wilson. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric discusses the over-under win total lines set by oddsmakers going into this NBA season and why those for the Nets and Raptors are ripe to be exploited. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric discusses the relationship between the Los Angeles Lakers and point guard Russell Westbrook. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric discusses why the Utah Jazz traded star guard Donovan Mitchell to the Cleveland Cavaliers rather than the New York Knicks. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric discusses the back story and reaction to recent information he shared about the Brooklyn Nets' Kyrie Irving and Ben Simmons. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric discusses the latest events concerning Kevin Durant and the Brooklyn Nets and the prospects of KD having his trade request fulfilled by owner Joe Tsai. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric discusses former NBA player JJ Redick disparaging legendary point guard Bob Cousy and Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green denigrating the 1998 Utah Jazz and Chicago Bulls. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

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 find a deal for disgruntled star Kevin Durant. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.