Ric discusses four hot NBA topics: LaMelo Ball's entertainment value vs. his effectiveness for an 8-28 Charlotte Hornets' team; what is behind the Sacramento Kings' 7-1 record since firing head coach Mike Brown; Cade Cunningham showing that he deserves to be in the conversation of top point guards in the league; and whether or not Victor Wembanyama is living up to being cast as a runaway favorite for Defensive Player of the Year since the start of the season. Support this show http://supporter.a...
Jan 14, 2025•33 min
Ric discusses four topics: Paul George's unfathomable explanation for a recent fourth-quarter meltdown; JJ Redick taking a novel approach to being a first-time NBA head coach; the source of the Sacramento Kings' 5-1 record since replacing head coach Mike Brown with Doug Christie; and takeaways from the recent battle between the conference-leading Oklahoma City Thunder and Cleveland Cavaliers. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy...
Jan 10, 2025•32 min
Ric discusses the circumstances that have driven a wedge between star forward Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat and why it signals NBA owners have achieved their goal of putting a crimp in, or even potential end to, the player empowerment era. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jan 07, 2025•31 min
Ric discusses the strengths and weaknesses of the Lakers' acquisition of Dorian Finney-Smith for D'Angelo Russell; the upcoming test the Orlando Magic are about to face; the Sacramento Kings' response to widespread criticism of how they handled the firing of head coach Mike Brown; and why he hopes the NBA does not feel threatened by the recent spate of physical altercations between players. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy f...
Jan 01, 2025•28 min
Ric discusses comments made by Mike Brown 10 days before he was fired as head coach of the Sacramento Kings and the suggestion that the up-and-coming Houston Rockets should pursue Kings star guard De'Aaron Fox. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dec 29, 2024•30 min
Ric discusses solutions to the NBA three-point glut, why BYU is about to become a college basketball powerhouse and the state of the Portland Trail Blazers with a special guest on location in Turks & Caicos. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dec 24, 2024•39 min
Ric discusses the ways in which the NBA can address the excessive launching of three-point shots and breaks down his favorite three rule changes that will be tested in the G League next season. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dec 21, 2024•30 min
Ric discusses what he learned from the NBA Cup about the Milwaukee Bucks' and Oklahoma City Thunder's playoff readiness; shares his exchange with Warriors coach Steve Kerr on the team's acquisition of Dennis Schröder and if the team is done making moves; and why Zion Williamson, despite his injury history, might have more trade value than Brandon Ingram, both of whom have been rumored to be on the trading block. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends . Hosted on Acast. S...
Dec 20, 2024•26 min
Ric discusses four topics in this Quad Shot episode: why Caitlin Clark was Time's Athlete of the Year and what we learned from the subsequent interview; a sobering look at the kind of talent the Golden State Warriors need next to Steph Curry at this stage of his career; why this year's trade market may not be as robust as NBA fans have become accustomed to; and rwhy the NBA Cup Final between the Milwaukee Bucks and Oklahoma City Thunder is worth watching. Support this show http://supporter.acast...
Dec 17, 2024•34 min
Ric discusses the decline in NBA viewership and why it isn't a reflection of the league's overall popularity or financial health but of its priorities. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dec 13, 2024•29 min
Ric discusses Atlanta Hawks' point guard Trae Young, whose pick-and-roll mastery and league-leading statistics has produced a meager win-loss record and does not appear to enthrall his teammates. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dec 13, 2024•22 min
Ric discusses the hope given to him by an NBA GM about the direction of the league; the change Ja Morant has made to his game; the story created out of thin air and presented as news by a major outlet; and the new skill Nikola Jokic has added since last season, no doubt inspired by how last season ended for him and the Denver Nuggets. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Dec 10, 2024•41 min
Ric discusses the recent struggles of the Golden State Warriors after a 12-3 start and offers a reasonable goal for both their fan base and that of the Los Angeles Lakers to expect. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dec 08, 2024•31 min
Ric discusses why the 2024 NBA Draft Class was projected to be a disappointing one, which players have helped defy that prediction and why grading rookies by comparing their statistics can be both unfair and misleading. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dec 05, 2024•27 min
Ric discusses four hot topics: Anthony Edwards calling out his team after a home loss that dropped the Minnesota Timberwolves below .500; LeBron James and his battle with Father Time; the work by Clippers coach Tyronn Lue that has a team, left for dead after the loss of Paul George and the continued absence of Kawhi Leonard, holding a playoff spot; and a recent lackluster performance by the Los Angeles Lakers and Phoenix Suns reminiscent of an All-Star Game for all the wrong reasons. Support thi...
Dec 03, 2024•33 min
Ric proposes that the Philadelphia 76ers' issues, which have led to a 3-13 start and several incidents beyond the court, go beyond injuries that have limited the availability of its two biggest stars, Joel Embiid and Paul George. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Nov 26, 2024•25 min
Ric does his weekly four-topic episode, explaining the realization that has led to Jayson Tatum playing like an MVP; the challenge posed by Victor Wembanyama's unique versatility; Charlotte Hornets first-year coach Charles Lee appearing to change his approach with LaMelo Ball; and the wisdom of Caitlin Clark opting not to participate in the fledgling 3-on-3 league, Unrivaled. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more informa...
Nov 22, 2024•31 min
Ric discusses the Cleveland Cavaliers' historic 15-0 start that ended with their narrow loss to the Boston Celtics, examining the ingredients that produced it and what it means as far as the Cavaliers' playoff potential. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Nov 20, 2024•24 min
Ric discusses three Western Conference teams he has heard are interested in solidifying their playoff chances with roster upgrades -- the Golden State Warriors, Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Lakers -- and their respective chances of landing Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo should he become available. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Nov 16, 2024•30 min
Ric breaks down the surprisingly heated battle between former teammates Steph Curry and Klay Thompson; the mixed-bag of story lines currently driving the Memphis Grizzlies; the continued presentation of LeBron James as defying Father Time; and the player who is making the Detroit Pistons worth watching. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Nov 14, 2024•28 min
Ric discusses the 4-5 start by the New York Knicks, who were expected to be title contenders after making several high-profile offseason moves to upgrade a team that won 50 games last season and narrowly missed reaching the Eastern Conference finals. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Nov 12, 2024•38 min
Ric discusses the hot start by the Golden State Warriors, the likely blueprint for how coach Steve Kerr is utilizing his roster and what their prospects are for winning the franchise's sixth championship. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Nov 09, 2024•24 min
Ric introduces a new format, diving into four topics or events that caught his attention on a single night's slate of games. In this one: Nikola Jokic laying waste to suggestions Karl-Anthony Towns is more skilled in defeating the OKC Thunder; Lakers coach JJ Redick coming to grips with the challenges of his roster; Warriors' coach Steve Kerr showing his versatility in achieving a 7-1 record playing a 12-man rotation; and the questionable wisdom of not making Bronny James a fixture with the Sout...
Nov 07, 2024•33 min
Ric discusses the early struggles of two teams projected as title contenders this season, the Denver Nuggets and Milwaukee Bucks. Also: a look at LeBron James' bucket list and what might be motivating him at this stage of his career. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Nov 05, 2024•38 min
Ric discusses the return of Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball thanks to the latest innovative surgery to replace damaged knee cartilage and what it would mean if the rumors that superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo is on his way out of Milwaukee are true. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Nov 02, 2024•21 min
Ric discusses the emphasis by the New Orleans Pelicans and Los Angeles Lakers on increasing their volume of three-point shooting and the questionable wisdom of that strategy based on their personnel. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Oct 31, 2024•24 min
Ric discusses the impact first-year coach JJ Redick has had on the Los Angeles Lakers through the first four games of the season and if he has erased any doubts he's capable of coaching them to a championship. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Oct 29, 2024•28 min
Ric discusses the Los Angeles Lakers' latest comeback upset victory over the Phoenix Suns and sheds light on a few early conspiracy theories that have cropped the first week of the NBA season. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Oct 26, 2024•28 min
Ric discusses the Boston Celtics' dominant win over the New York Knicks, the Los Angeles Lakers' upset of the Minnesota Timberwolves and how we will look back at LeBron and Bronny James getting their historic moment as the first father-son duo in NBA history. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Oct 24, 2024•27 min
Ric discusses the New York Liberty's Game 5 victory over the Minnesota Lynx to clinch the 2024 WNBA title and the elements that reminded him of the NBA's more innocent, and authentic, times. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Oct 22, 2024•33 min
