Finding The Seams

All-Star voting exposed a truth fans don’t always want to hear: players judge stars differently—especially on defense. Ric Bucher and Brendan Haywood unpack why Jaylen Brown’s “best two-way player” self-proclamation isn’t just talk… and why Brendan says he’s buying the tickets.Then the conversation turns into a full-blown All-Star reserves draft, where “rewarding winning” collides with stats on bad teams, and the East gets weird—fast. Expect pushback, tone-policing (family-member status granted), and spicy calls like Josh Giddey as an All-Star, Jalen Duren getting love, and a Western debate that forces one name back onto the list: Devin Booker.And if you want the real tension point? The guys break down why players ranked Luka outside the top tier even when fans had him at the top—because in the NBA, two ends of the court still matter.Time Stamps00:00 — Welcome to Finding the Seams: the college-to-pro + roster-to-starter podcast00:42 — House cleaning: All-Star voting and why the 3 voting blocs disagree01:23 — Jaylen Brown: “best two-way in the league”? Ric asks Brendan to co-sign02:11 — Brendan: Brown is self-proclaimed… and he’s right02:38 — SGA vs Brown: better offense vs better defense (and why roles matter)05:16 — Celtics context: are we giving Brown too much credit?06:03 — “Revisionist history”: nobody saw Boston here—why that matters07:30 — Who else scores 25+ and locks up? The Kawhi comparison09:11 — “It’s not what you said… it’s how you said it” + honorary family member moment09:57 — All-Star starters recap: Steph over Ant, and what surprised them11:05 — The shocker: Players snub Luka (and the defense explanation)11:45 — Do players still resist international stars? (the old-school test)14:14 — KG vs young players, Draymond’s “selective” edge, and who you don’t talk to17:33 — EAST reserves draft: “casual fans are gonna say WHO?”18:21 — Picks and debates: Towns, Barnes, Mitchell, Duren, Jalen Johnson, more20:39 — “I’m getting GIDDY with it”: Josh Giddey All-Star case23:03 — KAT discourse: defense, inconsistency, and trade talk26:33 — WEST reserves: Ant, KD, Jamal, Kawhi, Sengun… and the Avdija curveball27:28 — Devin Booker omission… and the emergency correction29:00 — Kawhi: All-Star play vs games played30:23 — Nuggets without Jokic + Peyton Watson prediction32:17 — The Rosa Parks / “Ro Sparks” misunderstanding story35:09 — ChatGPT “got the call” joke + Lakers/LeBron tease46:01 — Avdija fan votes vs Ant: locker room All-Star debates + “pack a lunch” defense talk49:47 — Wrap-up + where to watch/listen and join live#FindingTheSeams #UnitedWeCast #RicBucher #BrendanHaywood #NBA #AllStar #AllStarVoting #JalenBrown #TwoWayPlayer #DefenseMatters #SGA #LukaDoncic #AnthonyEdwards #DevinBooker #JoshGiddey #JalenDuren #NBAPodcast #BasketballTalk #NBADebate

Is Ja Morant already gone—and the Grizzlies just haven’t said it yet? Are the Warriors actively damaging Jonathan Kuminga’s future by refusing to play him? And why does LeBron James still seem to need validation after 23 years of dominance?On this episode of Finding The Seams, NBA analyst Ric Bucher and NBA champion Brendan Haywood pull the curtain back on the real power dynamics shaping today’s NBA—from trade leaks and locker-room tension to All-Star politics and front-office agendas.🔥 Inside this episode:Why Ja Morant’s name has been circulating in trade talks for over a yearHow teams quietly prepare fan bases before blockbuster dealsJonathan Kuminga’s DNPs—and why this situation goes beyond basketballWhy Golden State’s split agenda has put Kuminga in NBA purgatoryThe All-Star starting fives that sparked debate—including Cade Cunningham’s ascensionWhy Tyrese Maxey is now Philadelphia’s true centerpieceThe Rich Paul–LeBron James situation—and why it’s creating unnecessary chaosThe LeBron “23-year patch” controversy—and why it feels forcedIs there a brewing Jayson Tatum–Jaylen Brown tension in Boston?This is the NBA conversation you don’t hear on highlight shows—raw, honest, and rooted in real locker-room experience.⏱️ TIME STAMPS00:00 – Welcome to Finding The Seams 01:10 – Housekeeping & setting the tone 03:15 – Ja Morant trade leaks: preparation or inevitability? 07:10 – Why teams leak trade info to condition fan bases 10:20 – Locker-room confrontations & “who really wants the smoke” 13:45 – James Johnson stories & NBA enforcers 16:40 – Julius Randle vs. Naz Reid: fit matters more than talent 20:30 – Timberwolves’ playmaking problem & Anthony Edwards’ role 23:40 – All-Star starters debate: West vs. East 26:30 – Cade Cunningham’s rise and franchise-player ceiling 30:10 – Tyrese Maxey and the Sixers’ quiet transition 32:45 – Jonathan Kuminga’s DNPs and the Warriors’ split agenda 36:40 – Why Kuminga needs a trade now 40:10 – Rich Paul, LeBron James & talking out of school 43:30 – The LeBron “23-year patch” debate 46:00 – Final thoughts, league direction & sign-off#FindingTheSeams #UnitedWeCast #NBATrades #JaMorant #JonathanKuminga #LeBronJames #NBAAllStar #CadeCunningham #TyreseMaxey #NBAAnalysis #NBAPodcast

The NBA trade market has officially flipped: even “untouchable” superstars are suddenly available — and sometimes for shockingly low prices. Ric Bucher and NBA champion Brendan Haywood react to reports that the Memphis Grizzlies are entertaining a Ja Morant trade, then connect it to a larger league-wide trend: teams are backing away from max and supermax commitments if they don’t trust a star’s daily habits, durability, or cultural fit.From Trae Young being moved for a “discount” package to the idea that today’s billionaire owners treat roster-building like a portfolio (cheap labor, draft-pick “hope,” and controlled overhead), Ric and Brendan break down what this means for the next wave of stars — and which teams should buy low if Ja really is available.Then the conversation pivots to the court: OKC’s midseason slide and why physicality + scouting adjustments are catching up with the Thunder. Finally, Brendan drops his top three college prospects right now (with a loaded draft in view), explains why Cam Boozer is the player he’s most cautious about translating to the NBA, and sets the record straight on Cooper Flagg’s athleticism and offensive development. Watch the full episode: https://www.youtube.com/@UnitedWeCastTimestamps00:00 Finding The Seams intro: the jump from college → pros and roster spot → starter00:44 “Breaking news”: Grizzlies entertaining a Ja Morant trade02:35 Trial balloons, fan noise, and owners reacting to social media pressure03:25 “If we don’t like you, we’re not doing business with you” — new superstar reality05:21 Why max/supermax + stricter cap rules make teams pickier than ever06:58 How much do players know before trades? Extensions, options, and “we know how it works”09:28 Trae Young trade shock: “Luxury goods don’t go on sale… I was wrong.”14:49 If Ja’s price is low… Minnesota as the swing-for-the-fences fit17:23 Ja’s contract value vs “reasonable” NBA money now18:26 Players vs owners: why stars are still “underpaid” in NBA economics20:12 Mark Cuban & Lamar Odom story: “I pay quadruple that in taxes”23:31 Another Ja destination: Houston (Ime + a scary lineup vision)26:00 New equity owners, draft picks as cheap labor, and selling hope30:02 OKC’s slide: human nature, scouting adjustments, and matching physicality34:25 Passing on LeBron/Rich Paul — pivot to college hoops35:10 Brendan’s top 3 college players right now (and why)36:59 The prospect who makes him nervous: Cam Boozer translation concerns39:00 Carlos Boozer’s “AAAH!” layup-line trick to sell contact to refs40:01 Cooper Flagg: athleticism debate + developing go-to moves42:25 Wrap-up + “chef” banter#FindingTheSeams #RicBucher #BrendanHaywood #NBA #JaMorant #MemphisGrizzlies #NBATrades #TraeYoung #Supermax #NBASalaryCap #NBAOwners #OKCThunder #SGA #CollegeBasketball #NBADraft #CooperFlagg #CamBoozer #CalebWilson #DarrenPeterson #AJDevasta #UnitedWeCastNetwork

On this episode of Finding The Seams, Ric Bucher and NBA champion Brendan Haywood cover everything from failed 72-hour fasts to the most important debates shaping today’s NBA.Brendan explains why his first-ever fast ended after 36 hours, why retired big men fight to keep weight off, and why seven-footers have the gnarliest feet in professional sports. Then the conversation turns serious with the impact of Nikola Jokić’s injury, how it could reshape the Western Conference, and why teams like the San Antonio Spurs may suddenly become nightmare playoff matchups.The duo break down why Victor Wembanyama is already changing offensive behavior across the league, debate the controversial 65-game minimum for NBA awards, and argue why “availability is part of ability.”Brendan also shares unforgettable stories from playing alongside Michael Jordan, including what MJ put his body through at age 40 just to give fans “the Michael Jordan experience.” The episode closes with a heated discussion on whether LeBron James deserves an automatic All-Star spot—and wild behind-the-scenes stories about David Stern that prove the NBA used to operate very differently.0:00 – Welcome to Finding The Seams1:40 – Brendan’s 36-hour fast (and why he folded)4:30 – Why NBA big men have destroyed feet6:00 – Nikola Jokic injury & West playoff chaos9:15 – Why Wembanyama already warps defenses12:40 – The 65-game rule explained17:30 – Michael Jordan’s “play no matter what” mentality20:15 – Should LeBron be an automatic All-Star?25:20 – David Stern’s ruthless commissioner stories36:00 – Rookie class standouts & surprises43:00 – Fast talk, family hierarchy & closing laughs#FindingTheSeams #NBATalk #NBAPodcast #MichaelJordan #LeBronJames #VictorWembanyama #NikolaJokic #NBAAllStar #65GameRule #UnitedWeCast

The very hydrated Brendan Haywood returns with Ric Bucher for another wild episode of Finding The Seams—starting with a new invention request: a hydration button (because Brendan’s mic is picking up everything). From there, it’s a hoops-to-life rollercoaster: Brendan gets rerouted to Champaign, Illinois and is forced to fly coach for the first time in forever—and he reacts like a 7-footer trapped in a sardine can.Then the guys break down the NBA Cup Final: why the New York Knicks flipped the game late, what it says about their title contender status in a shaky East, and what Victor Wembanyama still needs late in games (mid-post “meat and potatoes,” not tween-tween step-backs).They also dive into the growing OKC vs Spurs tension and why that matchup could turn into a long-term rivalry—plus a spicy conversation about generational talent (Wemby vs SGA) and what championship bigs usually need: elite guard play.Finally, the Lakers soap opera returns: LeBron vs Luka dynamics, the “who takes the technical FT?” moment, Luka gifting teammates e-bikes, and Brendan’s brutally funny take on LeBron as the cheapest billionaire (with a twist: sponsorship gifting). And yes—there’s also the legendary story of Brendan selling jersey numbers for real money.#FindingTheSeams #RicBucher #BrendanHaywood #NBA #NBACup #NewYorkKnicks #SanAntonioSpurs #VictorWembanyama #Wemby #ShaiGilgeousAlexander #SGA #OKCThunder #Lakers #LeBronJames #LukaDoncic #NBAAnalysis #BasketballPodcast #NBAStories #SportsPodcast

Rich Paul and Max Kellerman launched a new podcast — and Rich came out swinging. Ric Bucher and NBA champ Brendan Haywood react to Rich Paul questioning the Lakers’ ceiling, whether LeBron can adjust to the Luka Doncic show, and why some of Rich’s “solutions” don’t actually solve anything.Then the guys pivot to the Oklahoma City Thunder’s ruthless, no-days-off mindset — and why Brendan believes this OKC group is more locked in than recent champions who coasted after winning it all. Plus: a freshman you need to know in college hoops, Illinois guard Keaton Wagler, and a hilarious debate on what $500K really means to an NBA vet.00:00 Intro + “bald head life chooses you” 03:10 Rich Paul goes public: “Why say this now?” 06:35 Lakers ceiling + “easy to guard” debate 10:20 LeBron’s new reality: “It’s the Luka show” 14:40 Why LeBron-as-screener doesn’t create an advantage 18:10 Locker-room fallout: Austin Reaves / JJ Redick / Luka perspective 22:30 Spurs game as a playoff warning sign 25:40 What the Lakers actually need (elite 3-and-D wing) 28:40 OKC is DIFFERENT: hunger, defense, and culture 33:15 SGA mindset story: choosing Kentucky to compete, not cruise 36:40 College scouting spotlight: Illinois freshman Keaton Wagler 40:10 NBA Cup Vegas + “putting 500K on black?!” 43:10 Wrap + where to catch the show liveHashtags: #FindingTheSeams #NBA #Lakers #LeBronJames #LukaDoncic #RichPaul #ClutchSports #AustinReaves #JJRedick #OKCThunder #ShaiGilgeousAlexander #CollegeBasketball #IllinoisBasketball #UnitedWecast

On this episode of Finding The Seams, Ric Bucher and NBA champion Brendan Haywood break down a wild week around the league, starting with the Chris Paul–Los Angeles Clippers breakup and what really went down behind the scenes. From CP3’s “you are the load” jab at Kawhi Leonard to getting cut in the middle of the night, Brendan explains why aging stars have to read their new script and adjust their tone when they’re no longer All-Stars.The guys then pivot to LeBron James, Luka Dončić, and the Lakers, and why LeBron’s body language, effort and on-court “silent protest” could become a real chemistry problem in L.A. Is this actually Luka and Austin Reaves’ team now, and does LeBron even fit with this roster?Next up: Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future in Milwaukee. Should he stay loyal and try to win another ring with the Bucks, or treat his career like a business and chase the best championship situation elsewhere after the Damian Lillard saga?Ric and Brendan also dive into the report that Ja Morant, LaMelo Ball, Trae Young and Zion Williamson are all potentially gettable — but only as “distressed assets.” Who would you trade for? Who has the most value? Why do some stars insist on adopting a fake “hood” persona once they make the league?Along the way you’ll hear:Why CP3’s reputation means his Clippers exit won’t scare free agents from L.A.Why Trae Young still has the highest trade value of the “problem” starsHow Pat Riley once found out exactly how much Eddy Curry spent at Taco BellWhy Luka in shape is terrifying, even if his habits haven’t totally changedIf you care about superstar ego, aging curves, trade value and real locker room dynamics, this is a must-listen.#FindingTheSeams #RicBucher #BrendanHaywood #NBA #ChrisPaul #Clippers #KawhiLeonard #Lakers #LeBronJames #LukaDoncic #Giannis #JaMorant #TraeYoung #LaMeloBall #ZionWilliamson #NBAPodcast

In this episode of Finding The Seams, longtime analyst Ric Bucher and NBA champion Brendan Haywood celebrate Brendan’s Thanksgiving birthday before diving into the surging heat around Draymond Green and Klay Thompson, why former players are suddenly tearing them down, and whether this era is uniquely toxic—or whether microphones just got louder. Brendan reveals how older players used to talk, how locker-room hierarchy works, why respect matters, and what really defines a great defender in today’s NBA.They also break down: • Reed Sheppard’s breakout week and whether his shooting is enough for Houston’s playoff hopes • Why effort and angles matter more than athleticism on defense • Why Toronto’s new lineup and chemistry are quietly legitimate • How hierarchy, sacrifice, and coaching actually separate contenders from pretenders🔥 FULL EPISODE TIMESTAMPS 01:28 – Brendan’s Thanksgiving birthday & family traditions 06:40 – Why Draymond & Klay are getting attacked 11:55 – The myth of Draymond “not surviving in other eras” 17:20 – Why comparing NBA eras is pointless 23:18 – Draymond’s real Hall of Fame case 29:44 – Klay Thompson vs. the Miami Heat bench 34:00 – The importance of veteran respect 40:15 – Brendan’s Antoine Walker story 47:10 – Reed Sheppard’s rise & Houston’s point guard question 55:05 – What makes a defender “bad”? 1:01:18 – Toronto Raptors: real or early-season mirage? 1:12:30 – Why hierarchy & sacrifice make teams winners 1:18:55 – Brendan’s birthday “daddy” moment (must-hear) 1:22:40 – Closing & how to join the live show#FindingTheSeams #RicBucher #BrendanHaywood #NBA #NBAPodcast #DraymondGreen #KlayThompson #Warriors #NBALegends #BasketballCulture #NBAEras #HoustonRockets #ReedSheppard #TorontoRaptors #NBAAnalysis #BasketballPodcast