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On The Ball with Ric Bucher

The Incredibly Shrinking NBA Competitive Spirit

Ric discusses what is fueling complaints about in-season tournament rules and examines the Houston Rockets' renaissance under head coach Ime Udoka.

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  • What Warriors' and Lakers' Fans Should Be Rooting For

    30:39|
    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.
  • What We've Learned (So Far) About The 2024 NBA Draft Class

    26:59|
    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.
  • Quad Shot: Ant's Rant, LeBron Breaking Even, Lue's Mastery, All-Star Game Preview

    32:42|
    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.
  • The 76ers' Problems Go Well Beyond Injuries

    24:56|
    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.
  • Quad Shot: Tatum's Realization, Wemby Timeline, Lee-LaMelo, Latest Caitlin Controversy

    30:36|
    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.
  • What to Make of the Cavs' Historic Start

    23:37|
    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.
  • Sizing Up A Potential Battle For Giannis

    30:08|
    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.
  • Quad Shot: Splash Brothers Collide, Grizzly Feel-Goods, LeBron Hype, Motor City Secret

    27:58|
    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.
  • The Knicks: What is Wrong and Is It Fixable

    37:41|
    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.