Ric examines the history of the Warriors, the part that good fortune has played in their success, and measures the chances of the current squad regaining the form that resulted in five trips to the Finals and three titles.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric examines the reported trade sending Patrick Beverley, Rajon Rondo and Daniel Oturu to the Memphis Grizzlies for Eric Bledsoe and why the Los Angeles Clippers had to make it.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric examines the offseason moves by the Brooklyn Nets, which suggest big men are not essential for winning a championship. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric examines the first Summer League battle between No. 1 pick Cade Cunningham vs. No. 2 pick Jalen Green and whether or not Cade justified his No. 1 selection. Also: an assessment of Brad Stevens as the Boston Celtics' GM and the most obvious reason Danny Ainge decided to step down.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric examines the offseason moves by the Chicago Bulls and what it means for their place in the Eastern Conference next season. Also: questioning the urgency to anoint Luka Doncic the face of the NBA and why the Lakers being old isn't the only reason to doubt their championship capabilities.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric discusses how the Knicks have upgraded their roster, putting the onus on coach Tom Thibodeau to manage minutes and play a deeper rotation -- something he has long avoided. Also: Kendrick Perkins wins gold, thanks to Kevin Durant and Draymond Green.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric looks at the dynamics that closed the gap between Team USA and other national teams and why the pendulum may be swinging back the other way. Also: why coach Gregg Popovich had reason to feel insulted and what Damian Lillard has left to prove.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric has a conversation with award-winning magazine writer Matt Sullivan, author of "Can't Knock The Hustle: Inside the Season of Protest, Pandemic, and Progress with the Brooklyn Nets' Superstars of Tomorrow," discussing what he learned spending a year behind the scenes with Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant and the entire Nets' entourage.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric breaks down who and what was most responsible for Team USA's slow start against Team Australia, as well as their eventual decisive win, to advance to the gold medal game at the Tokyo Olympics.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric examines the what the Lakers have assembled around LeBron James and Anthony Davis and why Steph Curry didn't think twice about staying with the Golden State Warriors.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.