On The Ball with Ric Bucher

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.