Ric reviews the deals made on the opening day of NBA free agency and separates the teams that won the headlines from those who may have made the shrewdest deals. Also discussed: how contracts announced aren't always as large as they appear and why.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric discusses the dimensions of international play, from the size of the ball to the court and how it impacts NBA players, as well as Team USA's decisive win over the Czech Republic to reach the Olympic quarterfinals. Also explained in this episode: how Slovenia upset Spain despite foul trouble and limited scoring from Luka Doncic. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric examines the impact of the Lakers acquiring Russell Westbrook from the Washington Wizards and landing spots for Lakers free agent point guard Dennis Schröder.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric looks at how the champion Milwaukee Bucks were formed, how much owners Marc Lasry and Wes Edens have spent on the roster and lays out why they are indeed a small-market team but not operating as one. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric looks at Team USA's confidence-restoring win over Iran and how international play separates the NBA players capable of functioning anywhere with anyone and those who are specifically suited for playing the NBA game. Also: an update on the Kyle Lowry sweepstakes. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric shares what he's heard about possible destinations for the Philadelpia 76ers' disenfranchised star, Ben Simmons, and Raptors free agent Kyle Lowry, and the possibility of them trading places.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric examines the dynamics that led to France beating Team USA in its first Tokyo Olympics game and the prospects for Team USA still winning a fourth consecutive gold medal.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Respect for the value of mid-range shots surged in the Finals, but Ric details how the Bucks turned the series in their favor by forcing the Suns to get the bulk of their offense off them. Also: unlike the regular season and early in the playoffs, three-pointers did not play a huge role in the Finals. Ric explains why that might've been.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric examines rumors of the Lakers moving on from free agent point guard Dennis Schröder and going after Chris Paul or Russ Westbrook and the pros and cons of either acquisition. Also: a look at the Lakers or Warriors' chances of returning to championship form next season.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric discusses the Bucks clinching the 2021 NBA title with their Game 6 win over the Suns and what Finals MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo taught us with his performance.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.