Ric introduces a new format, diving into four topics or events that caught his attention on a single night's slate of games. In this one: Nikola Jokic laying waste to suggestions Karl-Anthony Towns is more skilled in defeating the OKC Thunder; Lakers coach JJ Redick coming to grips with the challenges of his roster; Warriors' coach Steve Kerr showing his versatility in achieving a 7-1 record playing a 12-man rotation; and the questionable wisdom of not making Bronny James a fixture with the...

Ric discusses the early struggles of two teams projected as title contenders this season, the Denver Nuggets and Milwaukee Bucks. Also: a look at LeBron James' bucket list and what might be motivating him at this stage of his career. 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 Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball thanks to the latest innovative surgery to replace damaged knee cartilage and what it would mean if the rumors that superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo is on his way out of Milwaukee are true. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric discusses the emphasis by the New Orleans Pelicans and Los Angeles Lakers on increasing their volume of three-point shooting and the questionable wisdom of that strategy based on their personnel. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric discusses the impact first-year coach JJ Redick has had on the Los Angeles Lakers through the first four games of the season and if he has erased any doubts he's capable of coaching them to a championship. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric discusses the Los Angeles Lakers' latest comeback upset victory over the Phoenix Suns and sheds light on a few early conspiracy theories that have cropped the first week of the NBA season. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric discusses the Boston Celtics' dominant win over the New York Knicks, the Los Angeles Lakers' upset of the Minnesota Timberwolves and how we will look back at LeBron and Bronny James getting their historic moment as the first father-son duo in NBA history. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric discusses the New York Liberty's Game 5 victory over the Minnesota Lynx to clinch the 2024 WNBA title and the elements that reminded him of the NBA's more innocent, and authentic, times. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric discusses what he has seen of Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo this preseason and what it foreshadows for the Bucks' chance of competing for another NBA title. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric discusses what he's heard about the recent fracas between former Knicks guard Donte DiVincenzo and assistant coach Rick Brunson, and examines what the possible return of Lonzo Ball after a two-year absence means for the Chicago Bulls. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric discusses the early showing of the most intriguing rookie in the NBA, Zach Edey, at 7-foot-4 and 300 pounds the biggest player in the NBA, taken ninth in the 2024 Draft by the Memphis Grizzlies Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric discusses the first glimpse of veteran point guard Chris Paul and sensational second-year center Victor Wembanyama playing together for the San Antonio Spurs and whether or not he feels a need to revise his earlier prediction on how the team will fare 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 Golden State Warriors' performance through two preseason games, the answers given and questions raised, and what realistic expectations for the season should be. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric discusses LeBron James and his son, Bronny James, becoming the first father-son duo to play in an NBA game together this past weekend, how it compares to father-son duos in other sports and Los Angeles Lakers' head coach JJ Redick's comments about how he approached the moment. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric shares what he has learned about the recent conflict between USA Today columnist Christine Brennan and WNBA players union executive director Terri Jackson and discusses how the league must evolve to make the most of its skyrocketing popularity. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric discusses an exchange between San Francisco Chronicle columnist Scott Ostler and Warriors forward Draymond Green concerning Green's expected availability this season after missing 21 games last season due to suspension. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric discusses the WNBPA's social-media attack of journalist Christine Brennan and explains why the New York Knicks and Minnesota Timberwolves will benefit equally from the trade expected to send All-Star big man Karl-Anthony Towns to New York in exchange for Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo and a future first-round pick. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric completes his review of the oddsmakers' win-total lines for all 30 NBA teams, sharing whether each team will go over or under their lines, and why. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric discusses WNBA Rookie of the Year Caitlin Clark's first playoff performance, the source of her popularity and why she has emerged as a polarizing figure in women's basketball. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric examines the oddsmakers' win totals for all 30 NBA teams for the 2024-25 season. Teams covered in this episode: Rockets, Pacers, Clippers, Lakers, Grizzlies, Heat, Bucks, Timberwolves, Pelicans, Knicks and Thunder. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

Ric offers a new way to compare all-time great NBA players from different eras and discovers a player rarely mentioned as an all-time great who deserves to be. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric discusses the recent and unprecedented surge of NBA players talking negatively about each other, particularly players discussing their counterparts from other generations. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric discusses the U.S. national men's basketball team's gold medal-winning performance in the 2024 Paris Olympics. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.