Podcast appearances and mentions of Ric Bucher

Ric Bucher examines Enes Kanter Freedom's WNBA protest and why his real target may be the NBA — a league he believes ended his career to protect its business interests.Then, Chicago Bulls forward Matas Buzelis' revelation that he's been discouraged from shooting mid-range jumpers launches a deeper look at how analytics have reshaped — and homogenized — NBA basketball. Plus: Caitlin Clark's evolution, Stephen A. Smith's WNBA take, Jalen Brunson's old-school brilliance and whether load management is actually making players more vulnerable.00:00 – Welcome to On The Ball01:16 – Enes Kanter Freedom, the WNBA and the controversy04:27 – Challenging the WNBA's eligibility rules07:16 – Is Kanter Freedom really supporting women?10:30 – Ric's perspective from years around women's basketball13:44 – Why Kanter Freedom's real target may be the NBA15:21 – Caitlin Clark's evolution and Stephen A. Smith's WNBA take16:35 – Matas Buzelis and the NBA's war on the mid-range18:23 – How analytics took over NBA basketball21:20 – The math behind eliminating the mid-range22:24 – What analytics fail to measure23:48 – Kenny Atkinson and analytics taken to the extreme25:40 – How distinctive NBA offensive systems disappeared26:48 – Jalen Brunson proves old-school basketball still works27:41 – Load management, injuries and unintended consequences28:14 – Why modern NBA basketball has become too formulaic28:46 – Closing thoughts#NBA #WNBA #EnesKanterFreedom #MatasBuzelis #CaitlinClark #JalenBrunson #ChicagoBulls #OnTheBall #RicBucherSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric Bucher opens this episode of On The Ball by addressing the backlash to his recent WNBA commentary — including criticism from former ESPN colleague Jemele Hill — and explains why he believes social-media outrage routinely turns nuanced arguments into something they were never intended to be.Then comes the bigger NBA issue: Are teams still being constructed primarily to win championships?The four-team trade sending Peyton Watson from the Denver Nuggets to the Cleveland Cavaliers is the latest example of why Ric believes instant NBA trade grades are nearly worthless. Denver didn't lose Watson because it suddenly decided he wasn't worth keeping. His new contract would've pushed the Nuggets' luxury-tax bill from roughly $68 million to more than $220 million. The real mistake, Ric argues, came years earlier, when organizational dysfunction between former coach Michael Malone and GM Calvin Booth squandered precious seasons of Nikola Jokic's prime.Ric applies the same long-term test to the Celtics' Jaylen Brown trade, the Clippers' acquisition of Max Strus, and other moves increasingly dictated by the NBA's punitive second apron. The result? Instead of asking how Denver can put another championship roster around Jokic, fans are left discussing tax bills, cap sheets and whether Jokic eventually needs to leave.But the money isn't the only thing changing the league. Ric examines the transformation of NBA ownership from locally rooted businessmen who viewed players as employees into globally connected billionaires who may see franchise ownership as membership in an exclusive social club — with superstar players becoming prized relationships as much as prized employees. That shift, he argues, has changed the balance of power among owners, stars, agents and even the reporters who cover them.Has the modern NBA become better at creating billionaires than creating champions?00:00 — Welcome to On The Ball01:15 — Why Ric changed the show's introduction02:20 — Responding to the backlash over the WNBA episode03:13 — Jemele Hill's criticism and what Ric actually said04:49 — The question about WNBA broadcast diversity05:15 — Lynx-Valkyries and the problem with “safe” commentary07:15 — Transgender athletes and what Ric says his argument actually was09:01 — Men's scout teams, women's basketball and competitive advantage10:12 — Peyton Watson traded: why Denver's return isn't the real story11:32 — Why Ric says NBA trade grades are “worthless”12:16 — Why Denver couldn't afford Watson's $88 million deal13:00 — The real Nuggets failure: Malone, Booth and wasted Jokic years14:15 — How close Denver may have been to more championships15:08 — Why Jokic's best championship window may already have been squandered15:52 — Cleveland's tax savings and the contradiction in grading the trade16:45 — Denver's real grade: wasting two prime Jokic seasons16:59 — Jalen Brown to Philadelphia: why that trade can't be graded yet18:19 — Boston's squandered opportunities with Brown and Tatum18:41 — Clippers get Max Strus — but what's their actual plan?19:57 — Giannis, Jokic, Steph and the Clippers' possible 2027 strategy20:25 — The NBA's second apron is changing the purpose of trades21:00 — Denver's “yard sale” and why Jokic departure talk is inevitable21:51 — Jalen Brunson's sacrifice vs. what Jokic may eventually face22:43 — How a new generation of NBA owners changed the league23:37 — Are NBA teams becoming billionaire status symbols?24:07 — From employees to “wingmen”: how owners now view superstars25:03 — Steve Ballmer, Kawhi Leonard and modern owner-player relationships25:28 — How agents and NBA newsbreakers became intertwined26:36 — Why losing old-school owners like Jeanie Buss matters27:27 — What disappearing local ownership means for NBA fans27:40 — Closing thoughts#NBA #NikolaJokic #DenverNuggets #PeytonWatson #ClevelandCavaliers #BostonCeltics #JalenBrown #WNBA #JemeleHill #JeanieBuss #Lakers #NBATrades #OnTheBall #RicBucherSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jason Smith and Mike Harmon cannot believe that Pete Alonso’s potential go-ahead home run was called foul. NBA Analyst Ric Bucher brought the FIRE when talking about all the Lakers drama, Cavs BIG trade and the WNBA Commissioner. And Jason explains why he thinks the Houston Texans will stink this season!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former NBA player and Atlanta Hawks GM Landry Fields joins Ric Bucher for a special edition of On The Ball to pull back the curtain on Project B, the ambitious new global basketball league aiming to rethink how professional basketball is played, presented and consumed.Fields, now Project B's head of men's basketball, confirms that players are already signed, says recognizable names are coming to the men's side and reveals that announcements should begin rolling out soon. He explains why Project B believes it can lure elite talent with player equity, fewer games and back-to-backs, competitive compensation, greater career longevity and opportunities to build truly global brands. Fields also lays out Project B's unusual F1-style global model, integrating men and women on the same platform while taking events to cities and countries around the world. He discusses the worldwide search for talent, why the women are currently leading Project B's development, and what he learned about leadership, culture and decision-making from stops with the San Antonio Spurs, Atlanta Hawks and Overtime Elite.Fields also gets candid about his Hawks tenure and the lesson he carries forward: when you're the decision-maker, set the vision, own the vision and build toward it.And, yes, Ric also uncovers one of the more unexpected chapters of Fields' résumé: the former Knick once impersonated Nicki Minaj, Pitbull and Lionel Richie on national television. TIMESTAMPS00:00 – Landry Fields joins On The Ball 00:49 – Nicki Minaj or launching a global basketball league: which is harder? 03:00 – How Fields unexpectedly became a TV singing competitor 04:21 – Why Project B appealed to Fields 05:50 – The F1-style vision for a global basketball league 07:37 – Igor Kokoškov and Project B's player-development plan 08:17 – How Project B can recruit men against the NBA and EuroLeague 09:40 – The untapped pool of global basketball talent 11:10 – Lessons Fields took from the Spurs, Hawks and Overtime Elite 12:09 – What R.C. Buford taught Fields about leadership and culture 14:20 – Fields looks back on his tenure as Atlanta Hawks GM 15:16 – What he would do differently as an NBA decision-maker 16:33 – Where Project B will find its men's players 18:00 – What the women's side tells us about Project B's men 19:00 – Women leading the way toward an equal men's/women's platform 20:30 – Will recognizable stars sign with Project B? Fields says yes 21:00 – Equity, fewer games, compensation and Project B's recruiting pitch 22:00 – How Fields was recruited to Project B 23:00 – What his job looks like right now 23:40 – How NBA insiders are reacting to Project B 24:20 – Taking live basketball to underserved fans around the world 25:40 – Project B's YouTube partnership and global accessibility 26:20 – Why Fields calls the format “incredibly groundbreaking” 28:20 – Fields' response to Project B skeptics 29:35 – “It is happening”: players are signed and infrastructure is in place 30:00 – When Project B's first men's names will be revealed 30:35 – Why player announcements will arrive in stages 31:11 – The type of player Project B wants 32:40 – Fields and Bucher look ahead to what comes next 33:10 – Closing thoughts and future Project B coverage#ProjectB #LandryFields #NBA #GlobalBasketball #Basketball #NBANews #AtlantaHawks #Spurs #OvertimeElite #OnTheBall #RicBucherSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dan and Monse in for C&R as they discuss the latest reports involving the L.A. Clippers and Kawhi Leonard. Dan and Monse sum up Angel Reese's game against Caitlin Clark's Fever. Dan and Monse then react to comments made by Ric Bucher about men not commentating on the WNBA.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The WNBA is generating more attention than ever, but Ric Bucher argues that the controversies dominating the conversation — Caitlin Clark, officiating, physical play, transgender athletes, player conduct and media coverage — are symptoms of a much deeper problem.The real issue? The NBA owners who collectively have a stake in the WNBA don't care enough about it to demand that it operate with the same standards, accountability and professionalism as the NBA.On this episode of On The Ball, Ric explains why the economics of the WNBA have left it as little more than a rounding error to billionaire NBA owners, and why that lack of investment shows up everywhere: inconsistent officiating, questionable player conduct, timid broadcast coverage and an absence of clear leadership.Ric also pushes back on the idea that Kelsey Mitchell is a better player than Caitlin Clark simply because selected statistics favor Mitchell, explaining why Clark's responsibilities and the defensive attention she commands make the comparison far more complicated.Then he examines why the transgender-athlete debate has become such a dominant WNBA storyline despite the extraordinarily small number of transgender athletes in elite women's basketball, and asks whether the attention being devoted to it bears any relationship to the actual threat it poses to the league.The Golden State Valkyries provide a revealing contrast. Ric looks at why Joe Lacob's organization has created a strong identity, passionate fan base and clear organizational structure without becoming consumed by off-court controversies.Finally, Ric asks why WNBA players are seemingly treated as women first and professional basketball players second, and why Project B's plan to put men and women on the same platform, with comparable treatment and accommodations, could provide a blueprint for what genuinely supporting women's basketball looks like.TIMESTAMPS00:00 – Why the WNBA conversation is missing the bigger problem01:46 – The issue Ric believes nobody is talking about03:11 – Ric's personal connection to women's basketball04:09 – Why women's basketball is fundamentally a different game05:28 – Why understanding the WNBA requires actually watching it05:51 – Kelsey Mitchell vs. Caitlin Clark: why stats don't tell the story06:53 – Why uninformed WNBA commentary hurts the league07:20 – Why the Golden State Valkyries are different08:12 – Team identity vs. individual brands08:50 – Players, public opinions and representing an organization09:40 – Free speech doesn't guarantee freedom from consequences09:50 – Why transgender athletes became a WNBA flashpoint10:33 – Examining the actual history of transgender players in the WNBA11:29 – Rational fears vs. irrational fears in sports11:46 – Why the WNBA still needs clear rules and enforcement12:28 – Visibility, social media and transgender athletes13:17 – How rare are transgender athletes in elite sports?14:24 – The dangers to female athletes Ric believes deserve more attention15:03 – The bigger WNBA problem: absentee NBA ownership15:57 – Does WNBA broadcast coverage need more diversity of opinion?16:45 – DiJonai Carrington, Sophie Cunningham and reluctant criticism17:25 – Carrington vs. Tiffany Hayes and the league's physicality problem18:35 – Why NBA and WNBA officiating standards feel different19:00 – Are WNBA stars treated as women first and athletes second?19:32 – The WNBA ownership structure and why it matters20:03 – What coaching girls taught Ric about female athletes21:02 – The non-negotiables when coaching and communicating21:34 – Could Project B show women's basketball a better model?22:09 – Closing thoughts#WNBA #CaitlinClark #KelseyMitchell #GoldenStateValkyries #IndianaFever #DiJonaiCarrington #SophieCunningham #WomensBasketball #NBA #ProjectB #OnTheBall #RicBucherSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jason Smith and Steve DeSaegher welcomed NBA Insider Ric Bucher on to the show. Ric gave incredible insight on the new schedule, the latest on Jokic possibly leaving the NBA for Greece. Bucher also questioned why the NBA doesn’t help structure the WNBA at the same level as the NBA!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steiny & Guru wrap the day with a pair of interviews that new Don Nelson: Bear writer Ric Bucher and NBA Hall of Famer Mitch Richmond.

Steiny & Guru wrap the show on Don Nelson's day after his passing by chatting about the good, bad, and everything in between with Ric Bucher who covered the 90's Warriors and Mitch Richmond, Hall of Famer from the 'Run TMC' era.

Steiny & Guru spend today remembering one of the greatest NBA and Bay Area head coaches of all-time, Don Nelson. He passed away at 86 years old over the weekend, accomplishing a ton in terms of innovation, winning, and building personality. He changed the way the game is played and many lives, all at once. Ric Bucher, Tim Hardaway, Mitch Richmond, Tom Abdenour, and Dave Del Grande all join the show to honor a great coach, player, and friend.

Jalen Brunson is now an NBA champion, a Finals MVP and a New York Knicks legend — and Ric Bucher argues that the decision that helped make it possible reveals an uncomfortable truth about what most NBA players actually value.On this episode of On The Ball, Ric revisits Carmelo Anthony's admission that he wouldn't have left $113 million on the table the way Brunson did. Melo's comments aren't quite as damning as they initially appeared, but they raise a bigger question: How many NBA stars are truly willing to sacrifice money, comfort and personal interests for the singular pursuit of a championship?Brunson did. And now he has the ring to show for it.That discussion leads Ric into why championships require more than talent — and why he remains skeptical that stars such as Anthony Edwards, Ja Morant, Joel Embiid and potentially Luka Doncic have demonstrated the single-minded discipline necessary to lead a team all the way.Ric also tackles another NBA obsession: LeBron James. Looking back at the controversial 2015 Finals MVP vote, he examines why LeBron's enormous statistical production didn't translate into winning and arrives at a larger theory about his place in basketball culture: attention and excellence have become increasingly difficult for fans and media to separate.Finally, Ric explains why Warriors fans waiting for another blockbuster move may be waiting for something that isn't coming. Golden State's realistic goal is relevance, not another championship — and the idea of rebuilding around a 39-year-old Steph Curry is, in Ric's view, pure fantasy.TIMESTAMPS00:00 — Welcome to On The Ball01:23 — Carmelo Anthony, Jalen Brunson and the $113 million question02:00 — Brunson joins the exclusive club of championship-leading stars02:14 — Why Tony Parker shouldn't have won the 2007 Finals MVP03:21 — Revisiting Andre Iguodala's controversial 2015 Finals MVP04:21 — Why Steph Curry received zero Finals MVP votes05:13 — LeBron's incredible 2015 numbers vs. what actually decided the series06:32 — The LeBron James dilemma: historic statistics, but not enough to win07:46 — How Brunson unexpectedly sparked a LeBron epiphany09:15 — Why LeBron generates more attention than anyone in NBA history09:51 — Attention isn't the same thing as excellence11:13 — LeBron's real superpower beyond his basketball talent12:03 — Why Steph Curry doesn't command attention the way LeBron does13:31 — Back to Brunson — and his place among NBA legends14:17 — The real context behind Carmelo Anthony's Brunson comments15:09 — The harsh reality: winning isn't most NBA players' No. 1 priority16:27 — What Brunson actually sacrificed for the Knicks17:20 — Why winning a championship requires an almost obsessive commitment18:32 — Ric on career ambition, fatherhood and changing priorities19:13 — Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Tim Duncan, Bill Russell and unforgettable NBA experiences20:31 — What championship teams require beyond talent, health and luck21:14 — Why personal discipline matters for championship leaders22:04 — Anthony Edwards, Ja Morant, Joel Embiid and Luka Doncic: can they lead a champion?22:41 — The question Warriors employees keep asking Ric23:15 — Who can Golden State realistically add? Nobody who changes everything23:40 — What Warriors fans should realistically expect this season24:03 — The Warriors' critical mistake after the 2022 championship25:04 — Why rebuilding around Steph Curry makes no sense anymore25:47 — Curry, LeBron and Durant are still great — but you don't build around them now26:44 — Closing thoughts#NBA #JalenBrunson #Knicks #NewYorkKnicks #LeBronJames #CarmeloAnthony #StephCurry #Warriors #GoldenStateWarriors #NBAFinals #LukaDoncic #AnthonyEdwards #JaMorant #JoelEmbiid #Basketball #OnTheBall #RicBucherSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

LeBron James Plans To Turn The Sixers Into A Retirement Home By Adding Kevin Love, NBA Reporter Says Bronny James Is Better Than Dalton Knecht, Kevin Durant Says Media Hates Him For Stopping LeBron James, Ric Bucher Destroys LeBron James For Having His Agent Speak On His Teammates Go to https://kachava.com and use code DREAMERS for 15% off your first order. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jason Smith and Mike Harmon are joined at the top of the hour by NBA analyst and friend of the show, Ric Bucher as they tackle the biggest stories in the NBA from Kawhi Leonard's snail paced move to Toronto, what do the Warriors have up their sleeve with Draymond Green, and how's LeBron James doing a week after making his big announcement.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jason Smith and Mike Harmon are together again and they're ready to get into some of the top stories happening in the sports world, from the gambling fiasco with the WNBA, the Raiders pushing Fernando Mendoza to the side, and Jason dishes out a trivia to Mike and the crew which leaves everyone perplexed and questioning age. Plus, NBA analyst and friend of the show, Ric Bucher joins the show to talk about LeBron James/Sixers one week out, what's going to happen with Kawhi Leonard and more!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The NBA media has already crowned the Philadelphia 76ers after adding LeBron James and Jaylen Brown. Ric Bucher isn't buying it.In this episode of On The Ball, Ric explains why championship teams aren't assembled overnight—and why history says Philadelphia still has major questions to answer despite boasting LeBron, Jaylen Brown, Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. He breaks down the importance of role players, salary-cap flexibility, chemistry, and why recent champions like Oklahoma City, Boston and New York all needed years—not months—to become title winners.Ric also revisits Paul George's underrated playoff impact, explains why LeBron has never delivered a championship in his first season with a new team, gives his favorite NBA futures bets—including Coach of the Year, Rookie of the Year and Most Improved Player—and discusses why legalized sports gambling is inching toward a dangerous place for the league.TIMESTAMPS0:00 – The annual NBA offseason overreaction cycle begins 1:20 – Why the Sixers are being crowned far too soon 2:55 – What recent NBA champions teach about building winners 4:20 – Why Philadelphia isn't comparable to OKC, Boston or New York 5:10 – Is Tyrese Maxey ready to lead a championship team? 6:10 – What Jaylen Brown still has to prove outside Boston 7:05 – Why LeBron doesn't solve Philadelphia's biggest problems 8:20 – The hidden value of elite championship role players 9:00 – Separating Jaylen Brown's reputation from basketball reality 11:05 – Why Paul George deserves more credit for Philly's playoff run 12:35 – The salary-cap challenge facing the Sixers 13:55 – Why history says LeBron won't win immediately in Philadelphia 14:45 – Coach of the Year betting odds: favorite vs. value 16:05 – Why the Sixers still lack championship depth 17:45 – Ric's concerns about gambling's growing influence on the NBA 18:45 – Coach of the Year sleeper pick 20:20 – Rookie of the Year predictions and betting value 22:05 – Most Improved Player long-shot pick 23:50 – Final thoughts#NBA #Philadelphia76ers #LeBronJames #JaylenBrown #JoelEmbiid #TyreseMaxey #OnTheBall #RicBucher #NBAPodcast #NBAAnalysis #BasketballSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

New Report Reveals The Lakers Are Better Without LeBron James, LeBron James' Agent Fires Back At Charles Barkley For Saying LeBron James Can't Win Without Stacking The Deck, Ric Bucher Says The LeBron James-Michael Jordan GOAT Debate Never Should've Happened Go to https://kachava.com and use code DREAMERS for 15% off your first order. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephon Marbury Calls LeBron James' Agent Corny For Saying Kobe Bryant Supported Superteams, Chris Broussard Almost Slapped Nick Wright For Defending Joel Embiid, ESPN Panics After Charles Barkley Calls Out LeBron James, Ric Bucher Says Philadelphia Will Be A Nightmare For LeBron James Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, Mike Harmon is joined by master gambler, Jared Smith on the day LeBron James finally made the decision to head to the Philadelphia 76ers. Plus, NBA analyst Ric Bucher joins in on the conversation! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mike Harmon is joined by master gambler, Jared Smith as they get right into the day's biggest news, LeBron James deciding to go to the Philadelphia 76ers. On that note, NBA analyst Ric Bucher joins the show to talk about LeBron James and the league itself, and later Jason Cole also joins the show talking about the new Kansas City Chiefs squad, and Patrick Mahomes being fully cleared for camp.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

LeBron James may still dominate headlines, but has he lost the leverage that defined the second half of his career?In this episode of On The Ball, Ric Bucher explains why the NBA's fascination with LeBron shouldn't be mistaken for front-office demand, why Luka Dončić changed everything for the Lakers, and why Cleveland may be the only destination that truly makes basketball—and emotional—sense.Ric then turns his attention to the NBA's latest Summer League experiment: replacing multiple free throws with a single attempt worth two or three points. Is this smart innovation—or the beginning of sacrificing the integrity of the game in the pursuit of shorter broadcasts?If the league is looking for ways to modernize basketball, Ric argues it's solving the wrong problem.TIMESTAMPS00:00 Intro and show preview 01:20 LeBron still dominates headlines—but not NBA leverage 02:10 Which teams actually want LeBron—and why contenders don't 03:05 LeBron's influence isn't what it used to be 04:00 ESPN, "The Decision," and how NBA coverage changed 05:05 Why the NBA won't miss LeBron the way many assume 06:10 Why Adam Silver wants LeBron's decision before releasing the schedule 07:10 TV ratings vs. championship value 08:15 Why Luka Dončić changed LeBron's future with the Lakers 09:20 The emotional reality of becoming second—or third—option 10:30 Why media attention has become part of LeBron's baggage 11:30 Why Cleveland makes more sense than any other destination 12:45 Is LeBron delaying his decision simply to control the spotlight? 13:35 The NBA's latest experiment to shorten games 14:40 The one-free-throw proposal explained 15:45 Why changing free throws threatens basketball's integrity 16:50 Better ways to shorten NBA games without changing the sport 18:00 Instant replay, timeouts and television are the real problem 19:00 Ric's alternative: shorter games instead of changing the rules 20:20 Final thoughts: Innovation is good—but not every experiment belongs in the NBA#NBA #LeBronJames #Lakers #LukaDoncic #AdamSilver #NBASummerLeague #NBARules #Basketball #NBAPodcast #OnTheBall #RicBucherSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dan Patrick Blasts ESPN For Humiliating Ryan Clark With Live TV Firing, Ric Bucher Says LeBron James' Popularity Never Touched Michael Jordan's Peak, LeBron James Admits He'll Never Be Michael Jordan, Ric Bucher Says LeBron James And ESPN Have Been Aligned Since 2010 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jason Smith and Mike Harmon explore the Kansas City Chiefs stadium, and they talk about going all in on MLB teams. Plus, NBA analyst Ric Bucher joins the show to talk the latest with LeBron James and all things NBA Summer League.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jason Smith and Mike Harmon get right into another big night for Caitlin Clark, College Football insider Pete Fiutak joins the show, and NBA analyst Ric Bucher sounds off on the latest with LeBron James and the NBA Summer League.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shocking Proof Shannon Sharpe May Return To ESPN After Recent Firings, Rob Parker Hints Stephen A. Smith Got Cam Newton Fired Over Jason Whitlock Interview, Skip Bayless May Return To First Take, Ric Bucher Says LeBron James Never Expected The Lakers To Dump Him Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does it actually take to get better—and keep getting better—once talent has taken you as far as it can? Today, we're exploring two books about the disciplined, sometimes uncomfortable work of growth: Ryan Hawk's The Price of Becoming, which argues that lasting excellence is built through commitment, consistency, and choosing hard things on purpose; and Ric Bucher's Coachable, which looks at elite athletes to show why the best performers never stop adapting.

Is the NBA entering a new era where winning matters more than max contracts, player empowerment and personal brands?Ric Bucher explains why Jalen Brunson, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Victor Wembanyama may be redefining what it means to be an NBA superstar by sacrificing money for championship opportunities. He also examines how recent collective bargaining agreements have shifted power back to owners, why today's young stars appear more focused on basketball than celebrity, and what that could mean for the league's future.Ric also shares his firsthand scouting report from NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, breaking down the performances of AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, Cam Boozer, Caleb Wilson, Yaxel Lendeborg and several other top prospects—revealing who looked NBA-ready and who still has plenty to prove.Finally, Ric addresses the latest LeBron James speculation, explaining why public praise from rival executives doesn't necessarily reflect real trade-market leverage—and why LeBron's NBA reality has fundamentally changed.TIMESTAMPS00:00 Introduction01:23 Why NBA stars are choosing winning over maximum salaries03:00 Jalen Brunson, SGA and Wembanyama changing superstar priorities05:36 Why NBA superstars are actually underpaid08:03 How the CBA shifted power back to owners11:40 The hard-cap era and its impact on contenders12:20 Why today's NBA stars are restoring respect for the game15:49 Summer League observations from Las Vegas17:00 Cam Boozer, Merez Johnson Jr. and Yaxel Lendeborg impress17:45 AJ Dybantsa vs. Darryn Peterson: First showdown19:30 Caleb Wilson's record-setting debut—and why Ric wasn't sold21:42 The truth behind LeBron James trade speculation24:10 Why contenders aren't lining up for LeBron26:05 Final thoughts#NBA #NBAPodcast #RicBucher #LeBronJames #VictorWembanyama #JalenBrunson #ShaiGilgeousAlexander #NBASummerLeague #AJDybantsa #CamBoozer #BasketballPodcast #UnitedWeCastSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jason Smith and Mike Harmon ponder why LeBron is constantly pushing back the announcement of his next team for this upcoming season while making this all about him which he truly loves to do. The guys test their might and mental fortitude as Jason tries to eat an entire hotdog in under 40 seconds while the announcer from Telemundo makes his goal call from the recent Argentina games! Plus, the great Ric Bucher joins the show!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jason Smith and Mike Harmon are joined by the great Ric Bucher as they breaks down the entire NBA Summer League giving you the best and worst prospects, and what the great LeBron James will do moving forward into the next season!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ric Bucher Says Victor Wembanyama Ended LeBron James' Selfish Player Empowerment Era, Ric Bucher Reveals How LeBron James' 2010 Decision Cost Future NBA Players Hundreds Of Millions, Shannon Sharpe Admits to Klutch Sports Claims Go to https://kachava.com and use code DREAMERS for 15% off your first order. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mary Kay Cabot joins to discuss the intensifying quarterback competition between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders. They also debate the merits of Guardians owner Paul Dolan and analyze the impact of the Myles Garrett trade to the Rams. The conversation highlights the potential of Jerry Jeudy and the future of Dillon Gabriel. 01:20 - AQI and Fitness Metrics 05:04 - Guardians Ownership and Sale 08:08 - Evaluating Cleveland Sports Ownership 16:19 - Mary Kay Cabot Interview 19:46 - Browns Quarterback Depth Evaluation 31:09 - Debating Myles Garrett Trade 39:09 - ESPYs and Ric Bucher

Charles Barkley Triples Down Saying LeBron James' Obsession With Michael Jordan Must Stop, Ric Bucher Fires Back At Shannon Sharpe And The LeBron Camp For Trying To Destroy His Reputation, Jalen Rose Checks Stephen A. Smith For Being A Phony Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/CLNS and use code CLNS to get $50 in daily fantasy lineups when you play your first $5 lineup! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Has the NBA lost sight of what made it great?In this episode of On The Ball, Ric Bucher argues that professional basketball has drifted away from championships, community and competitive integrity—and toward gambling, profits and personal brands. Against that backdrop, one player stands apart: Jalen Brunson, whose willingness to sacrifice more than $100 million to give the New York Knicks their best chance at a title represents everything Ric believes the modern NBA is missing.Ric also examines how legalized gambling, fantasy sports, player empowerment and ownership priorities have fundamentally changed the relationship between fans and teams, reflects on what he witnessed at NBA Summer League in Las Vegas and EuroLeague basketball in Greece, revisits Portland's ownership situation, and explains why LeBron James' free agency isn't nearly as wide open as some would have you believe.TIMESTAMPS00:00 – Introduction and why this episode is different01:00 – Has negativity become the business model of modern sports?03:00 – Team USA, officiating and technology gone too far05:00 – Why Jalen Brunson represents everything right about the NBA07:00 – Brunson's sacrifice, championships and becoming a Knicks legend08:00 – Summer League, Las Vegas and the NBA's changing priorities10:00 – When business overtook basketball12:00 – Gambling partnerships and the league's integrity problem14:00 – How sports betting has changed media coverage and fandom15:00 – What EuroLeague fans still understand that NBA fans are losing18:00 – Why community matters more than star power20:00 – Fantasy sports, player empowerment and shifting fan loyalty22:00 – Team relocations and why cities keep losing24:00 – Lessons from Oakland, Sacramento and Portland27:00 – Why team ownership is more than a business investment28:00 – Revisiting LeBron James' free agency market30:00 – Why the 76ers' moves tell a different story31:00 – Which teams actually make sense for LeBron?33:00 – Why Cleveland remains the ending that makes the most sense34:00 – Final thoughts#NBA #JalenBrunson #NewYorkKnicks #LeBronJames #NBASummerLeague #NBAFreeAgency #PortlandTrailBlazers #SportsBusiness #SportsMedia #RicBucher #OnTheBall #UnitedWeCastSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ken Carman and Anthony Lima analyze reports regarding LeBron James' free agency and the possibility of a return to the Cleveland Cavaliers. They also tackle a controversial NFL ranking that places the Browns' roster 31st in the league and discuss how the new CBA impacted the Jalen Brown trade. 02:15 - LeBron James Free Agency Reports 06:05 - Ric Bucher's NBA Insights 09:25 - Evaluating Potential Cavaliers Lineups 13:35 - Caller Joe on LeBron's Legacy 19:30 - Browns 31st in NFL Lineups 24:50 - Todd Monken and Andrew Barry 33:20 - Team USA and Jalen Brown Trade

Shannon Sharpe, Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson and Iso Joe Johnson react to Ric Bucher saying Lakers chose to move on from LeBron when acquiring Luka, Mario Chalmers has gut feeling LeBron goes to Warriors, Ben Wallace takes shot at Cavs reunion, Hornets cleaned house of distractions and Kevin Durant interested in playing with Cade! Subscribe to Nightcap presented by PrizePicks so you don’t miss out on any new drops! Download the PrizePicks app today and use code SHANNON to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup! Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/NI... 27:36 - Ben Wallace criticizes 2016 Cavs reunion 40:55 - Hornets getting ride of bad influences 51:46 - Kevin Durant interested in playing with Cade Cunningham (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements.) #ClubSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After a lighthearted chat about Bay Days and old-timey baseball, Ken and Anthony play a clip of noted LeBron critic Ric Bucher arguing that Rich Paul's reported outreach to 27 teams is "propaganda" masking the reality that a 42-year-old LeBron simply doesn't have the market he once did, making Cleveland the only franchise that truly makes sense. Anthony pushes back, arguing owners still view LeBron as a financial cash cow and that any GM unwilling to at least call about him should be fired given what he showed last postseason. Both hosts argue LeBron's age shouldn't be disqualifying since the league has crowned eight different champions in eight years, and that the Cavs' current outlook is shaky enough with or without him that adding LeBron only helps. Ken closes by noting Donovan Mitchell's expensive extension looms as a bigger long-term question than anything LeBron brings to the roster.

Ken and Lima tackle the speculation of LeBron James returning to the Cavaliers and why national media fit narratives are misguided. They analyze Ric Bucher's recent comments regarding LeBron's leverage and the business side of NBA ownership. The conversation shifts to Ken's weekend experiences and a look at the Guardians' series against the White Sox. 01:30 - LeBron James Return Speculation 04:40 - National Media Bias and Cleveland 07:30 - Debunking NBA Fit Concerns 11:15 - Cavaliers Roster Retooling Discussion 18:05 - Ric Bucher on LeBron's Leverage 23:30 - Cavaliers Championship Odds 28:20 - Guardians Series Recap vs White Sox 35:40 - LeBron Decision Timing and USA Soccer

Max Kellerman Tells Rich Paul He & LeBron Are Obsessed With Michael Jordan, Shannon Sharpe and a LeBron Ally Push Back on Ric Bucher's Reporting About LeBron James and the Lakers, and ESPN Faces Criticism Over Its Coverage Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/CLNS and use code CLNS to get $50 in daily fantasy lineups when you play your first $5 lineup! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Exposing the Web of Lies From Brian Windhorst, Shams Charania and ESPN Over LeBron James, Nick Wright Melts Down Defending LeBron, and Ric Bucher Says the League Has Moved On From Him Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/CLNS and use code CLNS to get $50 in daily fantasy lineups when you play your first $5 lineup! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Did the Boston Celtics really make a franchise-defining mistake by trading Jaylen Brown—or was it an inevitable business decision years in the making?In this episode of On The Ball, Ric Bucher separates emotion from reality by breaking down why Boston moved on from Brown despite his championship pedigree, why the NBA's salary cap—not personality or politics—was the driving force, and what history tells us about star duos that ultimately fracture.Ric also tackles the firestorm created after a national commentator suggested the Lakers' championship hopes are compromised because their three highest-paid players are white, explaining why race has no place in evaluating basketball talent.Finally, Ric examines the latest LeBron James drama, why Rich Paul's public campaign says more than intended, and why there's only one destination that makes sense if LeBron wants the proper ending to one of the greatest careers in NBA history.TIMESTAMPS00:00 – Intro, scheduling update and today's agenda 1:30 – Why the Jaylen Brown debate misses the real story 3:00 – Why Boston's analytics viewed Brown differently 5:20 – Intelligence vs. arrogance: the misunderstood criticism 6:30 – Social media, public perception and Brown's image 7:45 – Why teammates rarely defended Brown publicly 8:10 – Stephon Marbury & Kevin Garnett: the historical comparison 10:10 – Kobe-Shaq, KD-Westbrook and NBA superstar dynamics 11:00 – The calculus every NBA front office makes 12:00 – Emotional intelligence vs. basketball intelligence 13:45 – Why two supermax contracts doomed Boston's roster 15:00 – Giannis, Paul George and Boston's business strategy 16:00 – Salary cap circumvention and NBA hypocrisy 17:00 – Why trading Brown to Philadelphia speaks volumes 17:45 – Lakers' highest-paid players spark race debate 18:45 – Why skin color has nothing to do with winning basketball 20:45 – The dangerous trend of race-based NBA analysis 21:20 – LeBron James' inevitable Lakers exit 22:00 – Why Rich Paul's campaign reveals LeBron's shrinking leverage 22:45 – Cleveland, Golden State or Miami? Breaking down every possibility 24:00 – Why Cleveland is the only ending that truly fits LeBron's career 24:30 – Closing thoughts#NBA #JaylenBrown #BostonCeltics #LeBronJames #Lakers #NBATrades #PaulGeorge #76ers #BradStevens #RicBucher #OnTheBall #UnitedWeCastSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jason Smith and Mike Harmon discussed where the OG Anunoby tip-in ball ranks all time. Plus, a very special conversation with our NBA Insider Ric Bucher on LeBron James and Kawhi Leonard’s futures.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The NBA Draft delivered far more than new faces—it reshaped the league.In this episode of On The Ball, Ric Bucher explains why the Charlotte Hornets may have quietly assembled one of the smartest rosters in basketball while the Minnesota Timberwolves may have doubled down on talent without solving their biggest problem.Ric also breaks down the blockbuster trade sending Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Miami Heat, what it means for Pat Riley, Erik Spoelstra and Heat Culture, why the Washington Wizards may be sabotaging top draft pick AJ Dybantsa before he even plays a game, what really happened inside the Golden State Warriors draft room, and why the national media continues to frame LeBron James differently than everyone else.Time Stamps00:00 – Intro: The NBA Draft changes the league overnight 01:35 – Why the Hornets may have had the best offseason in the NBA 03:25 – Why Minnesota's LaMelo Ball gamble feels desperate 06:20 – Giannis Antetokounmpo heads to Miami: What really happened 08:20 – Why Giannis' exit from Milwaukee wasn't ugly 09:20 – Heat Culture vs. Giannis' way of doing things 10:40 – Winners and losers from the Giannis trade 11:20 – Milwaukee's draft concerns and evaluating Nate Ament 12:40 – Why AJ Dybantsa isn't walking into an ideal situation in Washington 16:10 – The truth behind Joe Lacob's viral draft room exchange 17:35 – Why the Warriors may finally be preparing for life after Draymond Green 19:10 – ESPN, LeBron James and the double standard Ric can't ignore 21:20 – Final thoughts#NBA #NBADraft #Giannis #MiamiHeat #Hornets #Timberwolves #LaMeloBall #Warriors #LeBronJames #NBATrades #OnTheBall #RicBucher #UnitedWeCastSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jason Smith and Mike Harmon can't believe the NBA world are trying to chase after the Knicks and the great NBA Insider Ric Bucher joins the guys!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Jalen Brunson and the New York Knicks finally delivered New York's first NBA championship in 53 years, but Ric Bucher believes the rush to rank Brunson among the all-time greats misses the real story.In this episode of On The Ball, Ric explains why Brunson's greatness has less to do with historical comparisons and more to do with maximizing every ounce of ability, leadership, resilience and basketball IQ. He also examines how new head coach Mike Brown transformed the Knicks after replacing Tom Thibodeau, why championship rankings are a pointless exercise, and why dismissing New York's title because of today's NBA parity completely misses the point.Ric breaks down the Knicks' championship journey, the evolution of Karl-Anthony Towns and OG Anunoby, the impact of modern salary-cap restrictions on dynasties, and why every championship deserves respect regardless of the path taken.TIMESTAMPS00:00 – Introduction and where to find Ric Bucher 01:32 – Knicks win first title in 53 years and immediate Brunson legacy debates 02:23 – Why Game 5 changed the perception of Jalen Brunson 03:00 – The problem with ranking active players historically 04:12 – Bias, objectivity and evaluating NBA greatness 05:14 – What makes Brunson special despite limited physical advantages 06:20 – The mental traits that separate Brunson from his peers 07:08 – Why championship heartbreak can fuel future success 07:56 – Knicks compared to the 2008 Celtics championship core 08:38 – Why continuity alone rarely wins championships 09:35 – Examples from Celtics, Warriors and Cavaliers title runs 09:57 – Mike Brown's impact on transforming the Knicks 10:55 – Why Jordan Clarkson and Jose Alvarado mattered 11:40 – Steve Kerr's philosophy versus Tom Thibodeau's approach 12:00 – Jonathan Kuminga's development and role-player expectations 13:10 – How Brown changed the Knicks' culture and rotation 14:05 – Why championship rankings are meaningless 14:50 – Comparing the Knicks' run to the 1995 Rockets 15:40 – Breaking down New York's Eastern Conference path 16:55 – Why the Knicks were built to challenge San Antonio 17:45 – The "every title deserves an asterisk" argument 18:10 – Why calling the Knicks championship a participation trophy is absurd 19:10 – NBA parity and the value of championships 20:00 – How salary-cap rules have made dynasties harder than ever 20:55 – Why winning multiple titles today is increasingly difficult 21:20 – The internal evolution that made the Knicks champions 22:00 – Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby and sacrifice for the greater good 22:45 – The power of "we over me" in building a champion 23:20 – Final thoughts: Every championship deserves respect 24:00 – OutroHASHTAGS#NBA #NewYorkKnicks #JalenBrunson #NBAFinals #Knicks #MikeBrown #OGAnunoby #KarlAnthonyTowns #NBAPlayoffs #Basketball #OnTheBall #RicBucherSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jason Smith and Mike Harmon are joined by Ric Bucher to discuss the Knicks championship and the biggest stories of the NBA offseason. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jason Smith and Mike Harmon discuss how crazy the Knicks parade will be Thursday morning and are joined by Ric Bucher to talk about it further. The guys also debate whether or not Christiano Ronaldo is actually washed or just rusty. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is Victor Wembanyama already being unfairly judged?In this episode of On The Ball, Ric Bucher breaks down one of the most misunderstood plays of the NBA Finals, explains exactly what happened on the late-game miscommunication between Wembanyama and Stephon Castle, and examines why so many analysts are rushing to conclusions about Wembanyama's future before his first Finals run is even complete.Ric also dives into the growing problem of hot-take sports coverage, why context is disappearing from modern analysis, how championship players are actually built, and why comparisons involving stars such as Jalen Brunson and Anthony Edwards often miss the bigger picture.Plus, Ric explains why FIFA's new replay system should serve as a blueprint for the NBA and what the league can learn from soccer's efforts to eliminate flopping and officiating mistakes.Time Stamps00:00 – Intro and why sports analysis needs more context 01:40 – The danger of watching games with preconceived conclusions 03:15 – Why great analysts are harder to find than ever 04:40 – ESPN, NBA coverage and the value of expertise 06:45 – Breaking down the controversial Game 2 turnover 08:00 – What Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle were actually thinking 10:20 – Why the play was a miscommunication, not a meltdown 10:50 – The rush to judge stars before a series is over 11:45 – Jalen Brunson, MVP talk and the importance of context 12:00 – The controversy over Wembanyama's physical play 13:15 – Why championship competition isn't always pretty 14:05 – What separates Wembanyama from today's stars 14:50 – Why Anthony Edwards still has another level to reach 16:25 – The championship mindset and Wembanyama's development curve 17:20 – How modern media rewards instant reactions over insight 18:35 – Ric's response to claims that Wembanyama lacks the clutch gene 19:45 – The real challenge facing the Spurs late in games 21:00 – Why every great big man needs a perimeter closer 22:10 – What makes Wembanyama's approach unique 23:45 – Why critics misunderstand his commitment to greatness 24:10 – Knicks vs. Spurs: Who is actually the better team? 26:30 – USA-Paraguay, flopping and soccer's replay revolution 27:45 – Why the NBA should copy FIFA's new replay rule 29:10 – Final thoughts#NBAFinals #VictorWembanyama #Spurs #Knicks #JalenBrunson #AnthonyEdwards #NBAPlayoffs #NBAAnalysis #RicBucher #OnTheBall #UnitedWeCast #BasketballSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jason Smith and Mike Harmon react to the Knicks wild comeback win and are joined by Ric Bucher to discuss the cultural impact if the Knicks win one more game and complete bringing New York home a Championship. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jason Smith and Mike Harmon are joined by Ric Bucher to discuss the Knicks comeback win and Jason continues to discuss what the Knicks comeback means for De'Aaron Fox, the Spurs, and Wemby. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Did one bad Game 7 suddenly turn Chet Holmgren into a $240 million mistake?In this episode of On The Ball, Ric Bucher pushes back against the growing wave of criticism directed at Holmgren after the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder fell to the San Antonio Spurs in seven games. Ric explains why Holmgren's struggles were predictable, why comparing him to Victor Wembanyama misses the point, and why media calls for OKC to trade him reveal more about today's hot-take culture than Holmgren's future.Drawing on conversations with Mark Few and Larry Suggs while researching The Value of Being Coachable, Ric explains why Holmgren's track record suggests this playoff disappointment could become the foundation for future growth rather than evidence of failure.Time Stamps00:00 – Why the media reaction to Chet Holmgren feels more like bullying than analysis 02:35 – The dangerous rise of hot-take culture in NBA coverage 04:08 – Why Holmgren's disappointing Game 7 wasn't a surprise 05:05 – The difference between players who learn and players who repeat mistakes 06:20 – Why OKC's investment in Holmgren still makes sense 08:00 – Understanding Holmgren's role in the Thunder offense 10:00 – Why Sam Presti isn't panicking 10:35 – The childhood story that explains who Chet Holmgren really is 12:25 – Why trade proposals involving Holmgren are absurd 13:20 – The hidden challenge of defending an NBA championship 14:40 – Great players who suffered playoff failures before breaking through 17:05 – Why Holmgren isn't built to be a volume scorer 19:40 – The Victor Wembanyama factor nobody is discussing 21:30 – What Holmgren's future really looks like after this setback#NBA #ChetHolmgren #Thunder #OKCThunder #VictorWembanyama #Spurs #NBAPlayoffs #SamPresti #ShaiGilgeousAlexander #OnTheBall #RicBucher #UnitedWeCastSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rob and Kelvin explain why they’re now both big fans of New York Giants pass rusher Abdul Carter for his comments in the wake of the Jaxson Dart-President Trump situation, and tell us why the Terry Rozier gambling scandal should have NBA commissioner Adam Silver shaking in his boots. Plus, FOX Sports Radio NBA analyst Ric Bucher swings by to discuss all the biggest headlines around The Association.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.