On The Ball with Ric Bucher

Ric Bucher, NBA insider and Fox Sports NBA analyst
  • 4.4 (333)
  • Basketball
  • Biweekly

On The Ball with Ric Bucher is a weekly NBA and sports podcast featuring inside information, behind-the-scenes stories, and one-of-a-kind perspective on the biggest topics in basketball and beyond. Ric Bucher is a veteran NBA insider, TV analyst, and author of Coachable, and each episode gives you the story behind the headlines. That includes trades, free agency, front-office moves, locker-room dynamics, and the people who shape the league. Find all of Ric’s work at RicBucher.com and watch every episode on YouTube’s United We Cast Network. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 2d ago

    Jayson Tatum Is Making His Case, Jaylen Brown Is Raising More Questions

    Was Jaylen Brown's departure from Boston about more than money? Ric Bucher examines the growing controversy surrounding the Celtics' decision to trade Brown, his comments about Jayson Tatum, and Brian Scalabrine's disputed reporting about Brown's alleged trade demands. Ric also explains why Tatum's evolving game is validating his optimism about Boston, how the Trail Blazers have made Ja Morant, Damian Lillard and Deni Avdija work together, and why Nick Nurse deserves credit for winning despite LeBron James' defensive shortcomings. Plus: Why the NBA's growing injury problem may require changing how the game is officiated — and who really deserves blame for the WNBA Finals scheduling controversy. 00:00 – Introduction and Celtics critics challenged 02:45 – Detroit's long-term plan around Cade Cunningham 04:15 – Jayson Tatum's evolution and Boston's winning streak 06:00 – Jaylen Brown's comments and Celtics chemistry questions 07:00 – Brian Scalabrine's disputed report about Brown's trade demands 09:45 – ESPN's reporting practices and journalistic standards 11:45 – Portland's surprising chemistry under Mike Nori 13:00 – Nick Nurse managing LeBron James and the Sixers 15:10 – Why the Blazers' stars are making their roles work 17:20 – NBA injury crisis: Jalen Williams, Anthony Edwards and the game's pace 19:30 – Why changing officiating could help protect NBA stars 21:15 – WNBA Finals scheduling controversy: Why Ric points to NBA ownership 23:29 – Closing remarks #OnTheBall #RicBucher #NBA #BostonCeltics #JaysonTatum #JaylenBrown #LeBronJames #Sixers #TrailBlazers #NBAInjuries #WNBA Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  2. Oct 22

    Celtics Collapse, Wemby Exposed, Sixers Shock Knicks: What NBA Opening Night Really Revealed

    Did NBA opening night expose some serious weaknesses among the league's contenders — or are fans jumping to conclusions? Ric Bucher explains why Jayson Tatum and the Boston Celtics' 22-point collapse against Cade Cunningham's Detroit Pistons hasn't changed his outlook on Boston. He also examines how the Philadelphia 76ers spoiled the defending champion Knicks' celebration and why Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs have bigger concerns after their loss to Oklahoma City. Plus, Angel Reese's impressive WNBA Finals performance and Ric's scathing review of ESPN's Being Ben documentary, including why he believes Ben Simmons never fulfilled his extraordinary potential. 00:00 – NBA opening night and Angel Reese's WNBA Finals breakout03:15 – Pistons, Celtics, Sixers, Knicks and Thunder opening-night results04:50 – Why Boston's collapse doesn't change Ric's Tatum prediction07:00 – Cade Cunningham's greatness and Detroit's improved offense09:05 – Tatum's playmaking, Paul George and Boston's fourth-quarter collapse12:05 – Celtics' supporting cast and the Tatum vs. Brown debate13:45 – Sixers spoil the Knicks' championship celebration15:45 – Wembanyama struggles as Thunder overwhelm Spurs18:10 – ESPN's Being Ben: What the Simmons documentary gets wrong21:45 – Ben Simmons' missing accountability and unfulfilled potential24:48 – Closing remarks #OnTheBall #RicBucher #NBA #Celtics #JaysonTatum #CadeCunningham #76ers #Knicks #Wembanyama #Thunder #BenSimmons Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  3. Oct 15

    Did the Celtics Get BETTER Despite Trading Jaylen Brown?

    Did the Boston Celtics actually improve despite sending Jaylen Brown to Philadelphia? Ric Bucher makes the provocative case that Jayson Tatum could thrive as Boston's undisputed leader, explaining why Tatum's unselfish approach, renewed motivation and the development of his supporting cast could make the Celtics more dangerous than expected. Ric also reveals why Mitchell Robinson's move from the Knicks to Boston could be a masterstroke, challenges the NBA's projected win totals for the Celtics and 76ers, and examines the enormous pressure facing Philadelphia coach Nick Nurse. Plus: Why the LA Clippers may be the NBA's most underrated team, and which preseason win projections Ric believes are wildly optimistic. 00:00 – Why Boston chose Jayson Tatum over Jaylen Brown 03:00 – Motivation, championship hunger and Tatum's opportunity 06:00 – Kobe Bryant's influence and Tatum's leadership questions 09:00 – Boston's overlooked supporting cast and Most Improved debate 12:00 – Joe Mazzulla, Celtics chemistry and why Boston could exceed expectations 15:00 – Mitchell Robinson's impact on the Knicks and 76ers 16:11 – Celtics vs. Sixers win totals and Nick Nurse's job security 19:30 – NBA coaches on the hot seat: Toronto, Utah and Charlotte 21:00 – Clippers' surprising win projection; Warriors and Wizards skepticism 22:55 – Closing remarks #OnTheBall #RicBucher #NBA #BostonCeltics #JaysonTatum #JaylenBrown #Sixers #NickNurse #LAClippers Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  4. Oct 8

    Five NBA Teams With Enough Talent to Win — and Enough Problems to Fail

    The Philadelphia 76ers have assembled a potential powerhouse with LeBron James, Jaylen Brown, Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. But Ric Bucher argues chemistry isn't their biggest concern — and they're hardly the only NBA team facing a difficult balancing act. Ric examines five intriguing rosters: the Sixers, Jazz, Timberwolves, Trail Blazers and Wizards. Can Darryn Peterson handle NBA physicality? Will LaMelo Ball keep everyone happy in Minnesota? Can Ja Morant accept a lesser role in Portland? And who gets the ball in Washington? Plus, Ric questions whether Bronny James belongs in an NBA rotation and explains why Oklahoma City's depth exposes New Orleans' troubling collection of underachieving stars. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Introduction and the Sixers' chemistry concerns 03:21 – Utah Jazz: Darryn Peterson, Keonte George and missing leadership 06:00 – Peterson's defensive struggles and Utah's roster questions 09:48 – Timberwolves: LaMelo Ball, Anthony Edwards and Jonathan Kuminga 11:42 – Trail Blazers: Can Ja Morant accept a supporting role? 14:42 – Portland's lineup dilemma and Washington's ball-dominant stars 16:04 – Lakers: Bronny James' troubling preseason performance 18:44 – Warriors rookie, Clippers' potential and early preseason impressions 19:39 – Thunder's depth exposes the Pelicans' problems 20:58 – Closing remarks and Mizzen+Main #OnTheBall #RicBucher #NBA #LeBronJames #Sixers #JaMorant #LaMeloBall #BronnyJames #NBAPreseason Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  5. Oct 2

    The NBA’s American Star Problem: Why Wemby, Giannis & Jokic Are Taking Over

    Ric Bucher asks whether American basketball has a star problem as Victor Wembanyama, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Nikola Jokić increasingly distinguish themselves as both elite players and compelling ambassadors for the NBA. Ric also revisits Team USA’s handling of Caitlin Clark, challenges the coverage of A’ja Wilson’s confrontation with an Indiana Fever fan, and explains why treating WNBA stars seriously means scrutinizing them just as aggressively as male professional athletes. Plus: Jalen Duren’s contract dispute, Anthony Edwards’ curious assessment of Jonathan Kuminga, Cade Cunningham’s lack of national attention and one provocative question for LeBron James: Why tell Philadelphia fans that the Knicks were the team he really wanted? Timestamps00:00 – Caitlin Clark, Team USA and WNBA playoff rankings 03:00 – A’ja Wilson’s confrontation with a Fever fan 06:00 – Clark, Wilson and what WNBA coverage gets wrong 09:00 – Why the WNBA needs tougher, more diverse analysis 12:00 – Wemby, Giannis and Jokic set a different NBA standard 15:00 – Jalen Duren, Cade Cunningham and Anthony Edwards 18:00 – NBA media, superstar treatment and credibility 21:00 – LeBron’s Knicks admission and the problem it creates in Philly 23:00 – Why international stars are taking over the NBA spotlight 24:26 – End #OnTheBall #RicBucher #NBA #WNBA #CaitlinClark #AjaWilson #Wemby #Giannis #NikolaJokic #LeBronJames Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  6. Sep 24

    NBA's Biggest Pressure Cookers: Why Jayson Tatum Has More to Prove Than Luka Doncic or LeBron James

    Kendrick Perkins calls Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball the NBA's best backcourt. Ric Bucher isn't buying it. But that bold proclamation raises a bigger question: Who faces the most pressure heading into the 2026-27 NBA season? Ric breaks down the five players and five head coaches with the most to prove, from Luka Doncic carrying the Lakers without LeBron James to Nick Nurse juggling Philadelphia's star-studded roster. Plus, why Jayson Tatum faces an unprecedented challenge without Jaylen Brown, whether Victor Wembanyama can take the Spurs to the next level, and why Anthony Edwards may be running out of time to turn superstar hype into championship success. 00:00 – Introduction and Coachable announcement 01:31 – Kendrick Perkins' best-backcourt claim: Ant and LaMelo 02:34 – NBA backcourt comparisons: SGA, Luka and more 05:03 – How superstar expectations create pressure 06:46 – Five NBA coaches facing the most pressure 07:02 – No. 5: Steve Kerr and the Warriors' future 08:39 – No. 4: Joe Mazzulla and Boston without Jaylen Brown 10:50 – No. 3: Mitch Johnson and the Spurs' championship expectations 11:49 – No. 2: Chris Finch and Minnesota's LaMelo Ball gamble 12:32 – No. 1: Nick Nurse and Philadelphia's superstar puzzle 14:04 – Mizzen+Main sponsor message 14:45 – Five NBA players facing the most pressure 14:53 – No. 5: Anthony Edwards and the burden of superstar hype 16:14 – No. 4: Victor Wembanyama's championship clock 17:53 – No. 3: Paolo Banchero and Orlando's expectations 19:43 – No. 2: Luka Doncic, Lakers ownership and life after LeBron 23:03 – No. 1: Jayson Tatum's biggest test without Jaylen Brown 25:31 – Final thoughts and closing #NBA #OnTheBall #RicBucher #JaysonTatum #LukaDoncic #AnthonyEdwards #LeBronJames #NBAPodcast Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  7. Sep 18

    Caitlin Clark Just Changed the Team USA Equation — Whether They’re Ready or Not

    Team USA won another FIBA Women’s World Cup, but Ric Bucher believes the tournament exposed a decision USA Basketball won’t be able to avoid much longer: Is it time to stop worrying about hierarchy and start giving Caitlin Clark a bigger role? On this episode of On The Ball, Ric breaks down what Clark demonstrated while surrounded by elite talent — scoring when necessary, pushing tempo, creating shots for teammates and adapting her game to whatever Team USA needed. He also examines what the tournament revealed about Paige Bueckers, why Angel Reese and Clark may be far more compatible as teammates than their rivalry suggests, and why the shrinking gap between the U.S. and the rest of the world could soon make reputation-based rotation decisions costly. Then Ric uses a revelation about LeBron James’ role in assembling the 2024 Olympic team to explain why the Michael Jordan-vs.-LeBron GOAT debate will never be resolved: their supporters aren’t simply arguing over players — they’re measuring greatness by fundamentally different standards. Ric also revisits the Clippers/Kawhi Leonard fallout, what some predictions about the Toronto trade misunderstood about the NBA’s unwritten rules, and Pablo Torre’s face-to-face question to Adam Silver about how the league vets its owners. Finally, Ric shares what he’s hearing about NBA Europe, why its launch is struggling, EuroLeague’s resistance to surrendering control, and one potential NBA strategy: lure several marquee EuroLeague clubs into a rival competition and let the league’s financial muscle do the rest. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Welcome to On The Ball 01:28 – What’s ahead: Team USA, Adam Silver and NBA Europe 02:16 – Team USA’s World Cup title draws record attention 03:14 – Why playing the final during NFL Sunday wasn’t Team USA’s fault 04:15 – What national-team basketball reveals about star hierarchy 04:25 – Paige Bueckers vs. Caitlin Clark: what their roles revealed 04:55 – What makes Clark more than a scorer 05:32 – Clark adapts her game to Team USA’s stars 06:28 – Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese: rivals who actually fit together 07:15 – What Reese gives Team USA — and what remains missing offensively 07:48 – Could Clark and Reese’s Team USA experience change their rivalry? 08:55 – The international threat to American women’s basketball 09:30 – Italy nearly punctures Team USA’s aura of invincibility 10:29 – Why roster politics could eventually cost the U.S. 10:44 – Kara Lawson’s veteran starting lineup 11:19 – Why Team USA looked different with Clark running the offense 11:44 – Is USA Basketball underusing Caitlin Clark? 12:14 – How Clark changed her game to fit Team USA 13:07 – What LeBron James reportedly did to assemble the 2024 Olympic team 13:50 – The fundamental difference between Jordan and LeBron 15:21 – LeBron’s approach: get as much help as possible 16:03 – Why Jordan and LeBron supporters will never agree 16:48 – “Jordan’s dominance was visceral. LeBron’s is analytical” 17:24 – The Kawhi Leonard trade takes Ric expected to age badly 18:02 – The NBA’s unwritten rules and why the Clippers weren’t backing out 18:58 – Pablo Torre confronts Adam Silver 19:31 – Should the NBA change how it vets prospective owners? 20:13 – The NBA’s long history of controversial ownership 21:35 – Torre, journalism and “killing the messenger” 22:18 – Why salary-cap circumvention can be difficult to uncover 22:47 – Trouble for NBA Europe? 23:14 – Why the NBA and EuroLeague are headed toward a power struggle 23:28 – Could the NBA peel away Europe’s biggest clubs? 23:58 – In the end, it’s still about the money 24:03 – Closing thoughts #OnTheBall #RicBucher #CaitlinClark #AngelReese #TeamUSA #USABasketball #FIBA #WNBA #NBA #LeBronJames #MichaelJordan #KawhiLeonard #LAClippers #AdamSilver #PabloTorre #NBAEurope #EuroLeague Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  8. Sep 11

    STEPH CURRY’S LAST ACT: When Does Loyalty Become a Liability for the Warriors?

    Steph Curry has earned virtually unlimited goodwill in Golden State. But is that goodwill about to face its toughest test? On this episode of On The Ball, Ric Bucher challenges the annual fantasy that Curry and the Warriors have one more championship run left in them. Golden State is coming off a 37-win season, made no transformative offseason addition and is relying on a 38-year-old superstar whose workload already has to be carefully managed. Yet Curry could remain among the NBA’s highest-paid players for years to come. Ric explains why Curry deserves every dollar after transforming the Warriors and the NBA—but also why his salary, age and diminished supporting cast create a late-career situation unlike the ones faced by Magic Johnson, Larry Bird or Michael Jordan. Can Warriors fans simply enjoy Curry’s remaining magic without expecting another championship? And if the losses pile up, will they? Ric also looks beyond the NBA storylines the national networks are likely to push, explaining why Oklahoma City and San Antonio are more compelling than LeBron James’ first week in Philadelphia, why the Western Conference may be more top-heavy than wide open, and why the Eastern Conference could become the NBA’s real battleground after a massive migration and consolidation of star talent. Plus: why last season’s panic over tanking was overblown, and Ric closes with a personal remembrance of his former ESPN colleague Barry Melrose and the lesson he took from not reaching out before it was too late. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Welcome to On The Ball 01:16 – The NBA storylines Ric believes actually matter 01:40 – Why the LeBron-in-Philadelphia hype misses the point 02:55 – OKC and San Antonio: the matchup Ric really wants to see 03:40 – The annual Steph Curry “one more ring” fantasy 04:25 – Why the Warriors no longer look like contenders 05:03 – Curry’s next contract and the coming test of Warriors fans 05:21 – Ric addresses his history with Golden State 06:15 – How team relationships influence sports media coverage 07:38 – Why access has become king in sports television 07:43 – Ric’s real feelings about Steph Curry and the Warriors 09:02 – Why the end of the Warriors dynasty fascinates Ric 09:30 – What makes Curry different from past NBA icons 10:25 – Bird, Magic and Jordan: how legends exited the NBA 12:11 – Why Curry’s late-career situation is different 13:05 – The reality of Golden State’s chances in the West 14:09 – Does Curry deserve to remain one of the NBA’s highest paid? 15:16 – Why Curry’s salary could eventually create backlash 16:07 – The limits of Steph’s late-career magic 17:03 – The dilemma: Golden State needs more Curry but must play him less 17:28 – Enjoy the Steph Curry show—without expecting another trophy 18:06 – Why the Eastern Conference could deliver the NBA’s best drama 18:59 – How deep could the East really be? 19:24 – Why the NBA’s tanking panic was overblown 20:15 – Remembering Barry Melrose 21:34 – Ric’s regret—and the lesson Barry’s death left behind 22:41 – Final thoughts and sign-off #NBA #StephenCurry #StephCurry #Warriors #GoldenStateWarriors #LeBronJames #76ers #Thunder #Spurs #EasternConference #BarryMelrose #OnTheBall #RicBucher Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Hosts & Guests

4.4
out of 5
333 Ratings

About

On The Ball with Ric Bucher is a weekly NBA and sports podcast featuring inside information, behind-the-scenes stories, and one-of-a-kind perspective on the biggest topics in basketball and beyond. Ric Bucher is a veteran NBA insider, TV analyst, and author of Coachable, and each episode gives you the story behind the headlines. That includes trades, free agency, front-office moves, locker-room dynamics, and the people who shape the league. Find all of Ric’s work at RicBucher.com and watch every episode on YouTube’s United We Cast Network. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    Ric Bucher, NBA insider and Fox Sports NBA analyst
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    623
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Ric Bucher Productions, LLC
  • Show Website
    On The Ball with Ric Bucher

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