On The Ball with Ric Bucher

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 champion…

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 i…

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 motivatin…

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 Antet…

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.

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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 cha…

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.

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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…

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.

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Ric discusses what he has seen of Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo this preseason and what it foreshadows for the Bucks' chance of competing for another NBA title.

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Ric discusses what he's heard about the recent fracas between former Knicks guard Donte DiVincenzo and assistant coach Rick Brunson, and examines what the possible return of Lonzo Ball after a two-ye…

Ric discusses the early showing of the most intriguing rookie in the NBA, Zach Edey, at 7-foot-4 and 300 pounds the biggest player in the NBA, taken ninth in the 2024 Draft by the Memphis Grizzlies

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Ric discusses the first glimpse of veteran point guard Chris Paul and sensational second-year center Victor Wembanyama playing together for the San Antonio Spurs and whether or not he feels a need to…

Ric discusses the Golden State Warriors' performance through two preseason games, the answers given and questions raised, and what realistic expectations for the season should be.

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Ric discusses LeBron James and his son, Bronny James, becoming the first father-son duo to play in an NBA game together this past weekend, how it compares to father-son duos in other sports and Los A…

Ric shares what he has learned about the recent conflict between USA Today columnist Christine Brennan and WNBA players union executive director Terri Jackson and discusses how the league must evolve…

Ric discusses an exchange between San Francisco Chronicle columnist Scott Ostler and Warriors forward Draymond Green concerning Green's expected availability this season after missing 21 games last s…

Ric discusses the WNBPA's social-media attack of journalist Christine Brennan and explains why the New York Knicks and Minnesota Timberwolves will benefit equally from the trade expected to send All-…

Ric completes his review of the oddsmakers' win-total lines for all 30 NBA teams, sharing whether each team will go over or under their lines, and why.

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Ric discusses WNBA Rookie of the Year Caitlin Clark's first playoff performance, the source of her popularity and why she has emerged as a polarizing figure in women's basketball.

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