Finding The Seams

Ric Bucher
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Finding The Seams is the only weekly basketball podcast that focusses on the jump from college to the pros and from NBA roster spot to stardom — what it takes, how it’s done and who is ready to make it. Your hosts, longtime basketball analyst Ric Bucher and NBA champion Brendan Haywood, will tell you which college players have NBA potential and dive into the battles on every NBA team that decide who gets run and who is on the bench waving a towel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 12 HR AGO

    Jaylen Brown Says He’s the NBA’s Best Two-Way Player—Brendan Haywood Buys It (Plus: Why Players Snub Luka & the “Who?” All-Star Reserves)

    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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    51 min

  2. 17 JAN

    Ja Morant Trade Reality, Jonathan Kuminga’s Breaking Point & the NBA’s Next Power Shift | Finding The Seams

    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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    48 min
  3. Ja Morant “On the Block,” Trae Young “On Sale” — Why NBA Superstars Aren’t Untouchable Anymore | Finding The Seams

    10 JAN

    Ja Morant “On the Block,” Trae Young “On Sale” — Why NBA Superstars Aren’t Untouchable Anymore | Finding The Seams

    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/@UnitedWeCast Timestamps00:00 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    44 min
  4. Michael Jordan’s Ruthless Standard, LeBron’s All-Star Grace & Why the 65-Game Rule Exists | Finding The Seams

    4 JAN

    Michael Jordan’s Ruthless Standard, LeBron’s All-Star Grace & Why the 65-Game Rule Exists | Finding The Seams

    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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    46 min
  5. “Or What?” NBA Power Dynamics: JJ Redick, LeBron & Luka + OKC' Spurs Problem

    28/12/2025

    “Or What?” NBA Power Dynamics: JJ Redick, LeBron & Luka + OKC' Spurs Problem

    It’s a post-holiday edition of Finding The Seams with Ric Bucher and NBA champ Brendan Haywood, and it starts with Brendan attempting a 72-hour fast (yes, really) before the conversation turns into a full-on NBA culture and contenders breakdown. The guys dive into why the San Antonio Spurs are 3-0 vs the Oklahoma City Thunder, what that says about Victor Wembanyama vs Chet Holmgren, and why OKC may have accidentally given the Spurs something dangerous: confidence. Then the focus shifts to the Los Angeles Lakers, where JJ Redick’s blunt “we don’t care enough” message meets a harsh NBA truth: the ultimate “or what?” moment—because you can’t just bench LeBron James or Luka Doncic. From there, Ric and Brendan connect the dots on the Warriors’ culture cracks, Draymond Green vs Steve Kerr, and why the organization—not just the coach—has to set the tone. They close with the Cleveland Cavaliers’ puzzling regression, debating Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, and Evan Mobley—and who you’d actually build around. Timestamps00:00 – Show intro: college-to-pro jump, roster battles 00:43 – Post-holiday check-in: Brendan attempts a 72-hour fast 02:06 – Best holiday gifts + sneaker talk + “Varnel Hill” swagger jokes 05:29 – Spurs vs OKC: why San Antonio is a real problem for the Thunder 08:26 – Spurs’ advantage: multiple ball-handlers + Wemby mismatch 09:21 – Wemby vs Chet: “battery in Chet’s back” + intensity discussion 11:39 – Brendan’s LeBron story: hard foul, forearm shiver, respect 14:48 – Lakers: JJ Redick’s frustration after blowout loss 17:19 – Houston’s athleticism exposes Lakers’ limits 17:50 – The NBA coaching reality: the ultimate “Or what?” moment 20:00 – Why that “or what” can damage coaching authority long-term 21:45 – Lakers roster construction + defense problem without elite rim protection 24:01 – LeBron’s discomfort in a Luka-led reality 26:53 – Lakers & Warriors parallels: aging cores, defensive strain 28:18 – Warriors: Kerr/Dray tension and discipline vs culture 30:45 – Pop coaching Tim Duncan: how great orgs set the standard 33:36 – Why front offices must back the coach (Miami model) 35:09 – Warriors’ “last gasp” argument + payroll/roster trap 37:58 – Cavaliers: what’s gone wrong, young guys not progressing 42:15 – Cavs “value ranking”: Mobley vs Mitchell vs Garland debate 46:44 – Outro: will Brendan survive the fast? (stay tuned) #FindingTheSeams #RicBucher #BrendanHaywood #NBA #Lakers #LeBronJames #LukaDoncic #JJRedick #Spurs #Wembanyama #Thunder #ChetHolmgren #Warriors #DraymondGreen #SteveKerr #Cavaliers #DonovanMitchell #DariusGarland #EvanMobley #NBAPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    48 min
  6. Knicks Win NBA Cup, Wemby’s Late-Game Problem, LeBron’s Petty Flexes + Brendan’s Coach-Class Trauma

    20/12/2025

    Knicks Win NBA Cup, Wemby’s Late-Game Problem, LeBron’s Petty Flexes + Brendan’s Coach-Class Trauma

    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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    42 min
  7. Rich Paul “Didn’t Read the Script” + OKC Is Coming for Everybody | Finding the Seams

    12/12/2025

    Rich Paul “Didn’t Read the Script” + OKC Is Coming for Everybody | Finding the Seams

    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 live Hashtags: #FindingTheSeams #NBA #Lakers #LeBronJames #LukaDoncic #RichPaul #ClutchSports #AustinReaves #JJRedick #OKCThunder #ShaiGilgeousAlexander #CollegeBasketball #IllinoisBasketball #UnitedWecast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    41 min
  8. Chris Paul vs Clippers Fallout, LeBron’s Silent Protest, & Giannis / Ja / Trae Trade Reality | Finding The Seams

    05/12/2025

    Chris Paul vs Clippers Fallout, LeBron’s Silent Protest, & Giannis / Ja / Trae Trade Reality | Finding The Seams

    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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    50 min
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About

Finding The Seams is the only weekly basketball podcast that focusses on the jump from college to the pros and from NBA roster spot to stardom — what it takes, how it’s done and who is ready to make it. Your hosts, longtime basketball analyst Ric Bucher and NBA champion Brendan Haywood, will tell you which college players have NBA potential and dive into the battles on every NBA team that decide who gets run and who is on the bench waving a towel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    Ric Bucher
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    17
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Ric Bucher
  • Show Website
    Finding The Seams

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