Ric discusses the results of all eight Game Ones in the 2024 NBA playoffs. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric discusses the state of the Golden State Warriors -- what led to their disappointing 2023-24 season, what to expect them to do next. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric gives an update on Chicago Bulls' guard Lonzo Ball, a review of the new LeBron James-JJ Redick podcast and explains why GMs and scouts are not thrilled about the upcoming NBA Draft. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric discusses the dynamics that have led to the rise in popularity of collegiate women's basketball and make it a matter of time before an foreign-born, foreign-developed player is the face of the NBA. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric discusses Sacramento Kings guard D'Aaron Fox's recent exchange with a reporter and the Milwaukee Bucks' collapse against the Los Angeles Lakers playing without LeBron James. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric discusses the recent assertion by Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green that Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving "is the scorer that everyone, the world, thinks" Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant is, along with the differences between "new" media and "old" media. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric discusses the mercurial performances of Los Angeles Clippers' forwards Kawhi Leonard and Paul George and an exchange with New Orleans Pelicans' fans about forward Zion Williamson. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric discusses why some fans were calling for Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr to be fired and the team responded by giving him a two-year, $35 million extension. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric discusses Phoenix Suns' forward Kevin Durant's recent comments about Team USA dominating the basketball competition at this summer's Olympics in Paris, France. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric breaks down which teams will have homecourt advantage in the first-round of the NBA playoffs, which ones will earn guaranteed spots in the postseason and which ones will have to qualify through the play-in tournament. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric discusses the various ways NBA All-Stars have been selected over the years and how much value fans and media should give the award. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric discusses why the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors failed to make any significant moves at the NBA trade deadline and the injury that is jeopardizing Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid's season. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric discusses the recent spate of outstanding individual scoring performances by NBA stars and what we measure to identify great players. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric discusses the epic showdown between the reigning NBA champion center, Nikola Jokic, and the reigning NBA MVP, Joel Embiid. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric discusses the public pressure on teams to make moves to improve a team to accommodate their superstar. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric chooses from a list of five injury-derailed stars -- Yao Ming, Tracy McGrady, Brandon Roy, Grant Hill and Derrick Rose -- the one who would've been the best and discusses Golden State Warriors' coach Steve Kerr's contention that defense has been legislated out of the NBA. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric discusses the return of Memphis Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant, Steph Curry's place among all-time greats and questions about Draymond Green's psyche. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric discusses No. 1 pick Victor Wembanyama's remarks after facing LeBron James for the first time. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric discusses the potential of Phoenix Suns All-Star guard Devin Booker leading the franchise to its first championship, as well as why he believes Super teams constructed by the superstars themselves may be a thing of the past. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric discusses what is fueling complaints about in-season tournament rules and examines the Houston Rockets' renaissance under head coach Ime Udoka. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric examines the result of recent NBA teams who catered to the personnel demands of a star player in order to acquire or retain them. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric discusses the surprising start by the Dallas Mavericks this season. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric discusses the oddsmakers' win total line for all 30 NBA teams and whether to expect them to go over or under their respective lines. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric discusses the preseason performance of New Orleans Pelicans star Zion Williamson and the win-total predictions for the San Antonio Spurs and Portland Blazers. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.