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On The Ball with Ric Bucher
The Incredibly Shrinking NBA Competitive Spirit
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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.