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On The Ball with Ric Bucher
Everything that was Right and Wrong about the Jokic-Embiid Battle
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Ric discusses the epic showdown between the reigning NBA champion center, Nikola Jokic, and the reigning NBA MVP, Joel Embiid.
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Quad Shot: Melo's Value, Kings' Surge, Wemby's Defense, Cade's Ascension
33:22|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.Quad Shot: PG Exorcising, JJ-Barkley Beefing, Kings Surging, Cavs-Thunder Entertaining
32:24|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.Jimmy Butler and the Heat: Why We're Here, What It Means
31:24|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.Quad Shot: What Finney-Smith Brings, Must-See Magic Stretch, Spinning In Sac, Liking The Dust-ups
27:50|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.Mike Brown Pulled the Pin, Should the Rockets for De'Aaron Fox?
29:48|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.Holiday Episode with a Special Guest
38:56|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.Solving The NBA Three-Point Shot Obsession
30:20|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.Why Zion May Be A Better Bargain Than BI
26:05|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.Quad Shot: Caitlin Clark Dances, Steph Struggles, NBA Inertia, NBA Cup Value
33:57|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.