Explore every episode of the podcast On The Ball with Ric Bucher
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| The New NBA Media: Player-on-Player Hate Crimes | 27 Aug 2024 | 00:37:20 | |
Ric discusses the recent and unprecedented surge of NBA players talking negatively about each other, particularly players discussing their counterparts from other generations. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| What Made This Team USA Different | 11 Aug 2024 | 00:28:55 | |
Ric discusses the U.S. national men's basketball team's gold medal-winning performance in the 2024 Paris Olympics. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| The Education of Anthony Edwards | 28 May 2024 | 00:28:37 | |
Ric discusses the Western Conference finals' battle of stars between the Minnesota Timberwolves' Anthony Edwards and the Dallas Mavericks' Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Why Kevin Durant Wants Out | 01 Jul 2022 | 00:21:28 | |
Ric discusses Kevin Durant's reported request that the Brooklyn Nets trade him. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Thoughts on Banchero Going No. 1 and Rookies Going at LeBron | 26 Jun 2022 | 00:22:03 | |
Ric discusses the Orlando Magic making Duke forward Paolo Banchero the No. 1 pick and two draft picks -- Jaden Ivey and Bennedict Mathurin -- challenging LeBron James. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Steph Curry: Overrated, Under-appreciated or ? | 17 Jun 2022 | 00:26:32 | |
Ric discusses the perception of Steph Curry before and after his performance in the 2022 NBA Finals. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| The Boston Celtics' Missing Piece | 15 Jun 2022 | 00:26:36 | |
Ric examines why the Boston Celtics find themselves on the brink of elimination from the NBA Finals. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| No Easy Answers for Steve Kerr and the Warriors | 10 Jun 2022 | 00:18:50 | |
Ric discusses the criticism of Coach Steve Kerr's player rotations in the NBA Finals. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| The Warriors Need to get Honest with Themselves | 04 Jun 2022 | 00:20:17 | |
Ric examines the Golden State Warriors' comments after their Game 1 loss in the NBA Finals to the Boston Celtics. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Preview and Predictions for Game 1 of the NBA Finals | 02 Jun 2022 | 00:18:57 | |
Ric shares his expectations for the NBA Finals between the Golden State Warriors and Boston Celtics. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Biggest Takeaways from Celtics-Heat Game 7 | 30 May 2022 | 00:24:16 | |
Ric discusses all that transpired as the Boston Celtics beat the Miami Heat for the Eastern Conference Finals' title. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Making Sense of the Celtics-Heat Series | 27 May 2022 | 00:20:52 | |
Ric examines the dramatic swings in the first five games of the Eastern Conference Finals and what they portend for who will face the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| The Mavericks Learned a Lesson | 25 May 2022 | 00:30:01 | |
Ric examines how the Dallas Mavericks avoided a sweep in the Western Conference Finals with a Game 4 win and a troubling trend extended by the Golden State Warriors in the loss. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Caitlin Clark Anxiety and Why the Nuggets Fell | 25 May 2024 | 00:34:45 | |
Ric discusses the reaction to Caitlin Clark's rocky start in the WNBA and why the defending champion Denver Nuggets fell to the upstart Minnesota Timberwolves. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Messages to Harden and Kyrie Are Far Different | 23 May 2022 | 00:20:48 | |
Ric discusses the offseason contract decisions faced by the 76ers and Nets about James Harden and Kyrie Irving. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Bucks and Suns: Why They Fell, Where They Go From Here | 16 May 2022 | 00:19:30 | |
Ric discusses the Game 7 results that saw the Boston Celtics defeat the Milwaukee Bucks and the Dallas Mavericks upset the Phoenix Suns. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| What Happened to the NBA's Anti-Flopping Crusade? | 11 May 2022 | 00:21:44 | |
Ric discusses how embellishing physical contact in the NBA, one something the league vowed to penalize, is now being rewarded. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Draymond & Dillon: Cut from the Same Cloth | 05 May 2022 | 00:23:13 | |
Ric examines the circumstances leading to the flagrant fouls and ejections of Draymond Green and Dillon Brooks in the first two games of the Warriors-Grizzlies second-round playoff series. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Doc Rivers: The Ultimate Survivor | 02 May 2022 | 00:20:54 | |
Ric examines the career of Philadelphia 76ers coach Doc Rivers and his relationship with the media. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Lessons Learned from the Nets' Early Exit | 29 Apr 2022 | 00:28:59 | |
Ric examines the dynamics that led to the Brooklyn Nets being swept out of the playoffs by the Boston Celtics. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| MJ-Pippen vs. LeBron-Wade vs. KD-Kyrie | 23 Apr 2022 | 00:20:08 | |
Ric reacts to recent remarks by Hall of Fame G-F Tracy McGrady about the most skilled pair of teammates in league history. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| One Last Look at You Know Who and the Scoring Title Race | 19 Apr 2022 | 00:19:06 | |
Ric examines, for the last time, whether or not LeBron James made scoring a priority this season at the expense of being his overall best for the Lakers. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| The Memphis Grizzlies are in Uncharted Territory | 18 Apr 2022 | 00:16:58 | |
Ric examines how and why the Minnesota Timberwolves upset the Memphis Grizzlies in Game 1 of their first-round series. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| The Russell Westbrook Destination That Makes Sense | 14 Apr 2022 | 00:20:23 | |
Ric discusses trade rumors involving Lakers guard Russell Westbrook. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| The Unlucky Atlanta Hawks and the Unrepentant Tom Thibodeau | 15 May 2024 | 00:30:47 | |
Ric discusses the Atlanta Hawks winning the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NBA draft lottery and the New York Knicks taking the series' lead against the Indiana Pacers despite a rash of injuries that forced coach Tom Thibodeau to utilize several reserve players. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| The Difference Between Joel and Giannis | 11 Apr 2022 | 00:24:59 | |
Ric discusses recent comments by two of the top MVP candidates, Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid and Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Takeaways from last week's KD-Giannis Battle | 02 Apr 2022 | 00:24:47 | |
Ric discusses what we learned from watching Kevin Durant and Giannis Antetokounmpo battle in the Milwaukee Bucks' overtime win against the Brooklyn Nets. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Ja Morant and the NBA MVP Race | 01 Apr 2022 | 00:20:52 | |
Ric discusses whether or not Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant deserves consideration as the NBA's Most Valuable Player. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Latest Overblown Outrage: All-NBA Selection Process | 30 Mar 2022 | 00:25:01 | |
Ric discusses complaints that Nikola Jokic or Joel Embiid, both MVP candidates, could potentially miss out on first-team All-NBA honors. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| What Prompted the Miami Heat Squabble and What It Means | 28 Mar 2022 | 00:21:38 | |
Ric discusses what caused the in-game shouting match between Heat coach Erik Spoelstra, star guard Jimmy Butler and veteran Udonis Haslem and the potential repercussions. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Is LeBron James Still a Top 10 Player? | 25 Mar 2022 | 00:16:32 | |
Ric examines where LeBron James stands currently among the NBA's best all-around players. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Paralysis By Analysis | 22 Mar 2022 | 00:21:11 | |
Ric examines commentary on the reason for Golden State Warriors' Steph Curry's injury involving Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Player-hatin' Players | 16 Mar 2022 | 00:23:08 | |
Ric discusses recent disparaging comments by Los Angeles Lakers big man Anthony Davis about the Phoenix Suns and by former Boston Celtics forward Paul Pierce about Philadelphia 76ers guard James Harden. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| What We've Learned about the 76ers So Far | 14 Mar 2022 | 00:16:40 | |
Ric examines the Philadelphia 76ers' eight games since acquiring star guard James Harden, including the root of their disappointing performance against Harden's former team, the Brooklyn Nets. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Being Sensitive Is Completely Off-Brand for Russell Westbrook | 10 Mar 2022 | 00:25:35 | |
Ric discusses complaints by Lakers point guard Russell Westbrook and his wife Nina that being taunted by fans and media for his struggles on the court are affecting their family off of it. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Fixing the Phoenix Suns | 02 May 2024 | 00:27:49 | |
Ric discusses how the Phoenix Suns can improve after being swept out of the playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Can Ja Morant Be The Next Face of the NBA? | 07 Mar 2022 | 00:18:19 | |
Ric discusses Memphis Grizzlies' star point guard Ja Morant's path to becoming the next face of the NBA. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Why Steph Curry is Not the Face of the NBA (Which Is Too Bad) | 01 Mar 2022 | 00:21:35 | |
Ric discusses who is and has been -- and maybe will be -- the face of the NBA. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Zion is Latest Proof that Being a No. 1 Pick Requires More Than Talent | 24 Feb 2022 | 00:21:47 | |
Ric examines the last decade of NBA drafts, the No. 1 picks in each and their readiness to handle all that comes with being taken first. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| The LeBron-Bronny Package Deal | 21 Feb 2022 | 00:19:29 | |
Ric discusses LeBron James' announcement that he will sign with whichever NBA team acquires his son, Bronny. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Deciphering the Harden and Simmons Press Conferences | 18 Feb 2022 | 00:23:17 | |
Ric examines what James Harden and Ben Simmons said at their first press conferences since being traded for each other by the Philadelphia 76ers and Brooklyn Nets. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| The Difference Between Ben Simmons and James Harden | 15 Feb 2022 | 00:19:41 | |
Ric discusses the events that led to the James Harden-Ben Simmons trade. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Discovering the Joy and Sorrow of Being a Fan | 14 Feb 2022 | 00:17:57 | |
Ric discusses what he discovered about being a fan rooting for his hometown Cincinnati Bengals in Super Bowl LVI. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| A Better Time and Deal for the 76ers to get James Harden | 11 Feb 2022 | 00:19:06 | |
Ric examines the blockbuster Ben Simmons-James Harden trade between the Philadelphia 76ers and Brooklyn Nets. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| The Lakers and Nets Have Killed The Big Three Myth | 10 Feb 2022 | 00:17:10 | |
Ric examines the state of the Lakers and Nets with their trios of stars and why they don't compare to previous star-laden championship teams. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Clippers and Blazers Headed In Opposite Directions | 08 Feb 2022 | 00:22:16 | |
Ric examines the five-player trade between the Los Angeles Clippers and Portland Trail Blazers last week that not only reflects where they are this season but where they are as organizations. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| NBA Playoffs: How to Tell the Winners from the Losers | 27 Apr 2024 | 00:48:53 | |
Ric discusses takeaways from post-game reactions by key players and coaches in the NBA playoffs. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Making Sense of Trade Rumors and No Suns All-Star Starters | 04 Feb 2022 | 00:18:10 | |
Ric sorts through the latest trade deadline rumors and complaints that the Phoenix Suns do not have a starter in the upcoming All-Star Game despite having the league's best record. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| The Otherness Of Giannis Antetokounmpo | 02 Feb 2022 | 00:22:50 | |
Ric examines what makes Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo an atypical superstar and how that may be why fans and his peers don't appreciate him as much as they should. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| How Tom Brady's Retirement Decision Impacts LeBron James | 31 Jan 2022 | 00:20:18 | |
Ric examines the longevity goals of quarterback Tom Brady and the NBA's LeBron James and how Brady's reported retirement exposes the dilemma James will soon face -- if he isn't facing it already. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||