On The Ball with Ric Bucher

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.

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 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.

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.