On The Ball with Ric Bucher

Ric examines Draymond Green's attempts to infuse the Warriors' championship habits and mentality in their new roster and how costing them a game they were in position to win against the Hornets does …

Ric discusses with Kennard his unusual talent as a left-handed shooter, right-handed quarterback, left-footed punter, right-handed golfer and left-handed batter. Kennard also shares what he has learn…

Ric talks with Rodney about overcoming his early struggles in the playoffs, tearing his Achilles tendon as a pending free agent, being critiqued by his wife and the Blazers' chances of making Charles…

Ric discusses with Nurse his response to those who discount the Raptors' 2019 title because of the Warriors' injuries, how to motivate a team after its championship window closes, Pascal Siakam's str…

Ric examines the volume of stories produced in conjunction with the one-year anniversary of NBA legend Kobe Bryant's death and disheartening reactions to longtime NBA analyst Sekou Smith succumbing t…

Ric examines what we learned from Bulls-Rockets, Nets-Bucks and Warriors-Lakers, including Exhibit A on the superstar characteristic Steph Curry has over LeBron James.

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Ric examines why everyone universally dislikes when players do what James Harden did to force his way to Brooklyn and yet we historically forgive and forget -- thereby tacitly condoning the behavior …

Ric discusses the danger posed by flawed rankings, whether they be for MVPs or draft prospects, and who his top 10 NBA MVP candidates are -- and why -- at this point in the season.

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In another coronavirus episode, Ric gives the result of his recent Covid test and examines why we can't resist anointing athletes as great before they've actually proved it. Also asked and answered: …

Ric discusses the curious emergence of Luka Doncic as an MVP favorite and the candidates down the board who are far more likely to win and offer a better payout. Also discussed: the latest on the Jam…

Ric previews the 2020-21 NBA season, predicts the 16 teams that will make the playoffs, two that will get close and one title contender that won't be in the mix. Also discussed: Which teams will meet…

Ric explains why it would've defied NBA history if two-time MVP Giannis Antekounmpo had not signed his five-year, $228 million extension with the Milwaukee Bucks. Also: the flaw in LeBron James' clai…

Ric talks with long-time ESPN live-event producer Mandy Cohen about how TV broadcasts have changed with the introduction of gambling, announcers calling games remotely due to the pandemic and Gen Zs …

Ric shares insight from an NBA GM on how few players actually check all the leadership boxes and who the ones are that do. Also discussed: Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray's five favorite all-time p…

Ric discusses what he was hearing about Warriors guard Klay Thompson leading up to the draft before his heartbreaking injury, the harsh reality the Warriors and their fans need to accept, along with …

Ric discusses the renewed appreciation for, and interest in, point guard Rajon Rondo, the reason LaMelo Ball is the prohibitive favorite as the No. 1 pick and what the Milwaukee Bucks acquired in Jru…

Ric discusses what agents and NBA executives have told him about the practice of pre-determining where a player will be selected in the draft under the restraints of Covid-19 protocol. Also discussed…

Ric examines the brewing battle between NBA players and team owners on when the next NBA season will start, how long it will last and whether or not the players will have say in the matter.

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Ric talks with Hall of Fame big man Spencer Haywood, the Forrest Gump of basketball for having been part of so many historic moments and crossed paths with so many historic figures -- from being at t…

Ric is joined by Brian Berger, host of the award-winning Sports Business Radio podcast based in Portland, Oregon, with plenty of insider knowledge on the shoe business in general and Nike in particul…