Ric fills in the details behind his recent social media post about a high school star sitting out a game and discusses the response, along with a look at what load management actually involves at the NBA level.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric examines why the Pelicans, despite two All-Star talents in Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, are headed to the lottery once again -- and the statistical category that has loomed large determining which teams have surprised (Utah Jazz) or disappointed (Lakers?) this season.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With Lakers guard Dennis Schröder under Covid-19 restrictions, and his earlier suggestion that he and LeBron James had not been vaccinated, Ric examines if differing opinions on the vaccine might be contributing to the defending champions' lack of chemistry.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric discusses why he believes the two-time defending MVP, Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, is not receiving much attention for this year's award and why he should be.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric examines the arguments made for Knicks power forward Julius Randle being one of the NBA's top 20 players. Also: how Dodgers pitcher Trevor Bauer touched on a baseball issue that also is a problem in the NBA.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric examines the recent torrid scoring streak by Golden State Warriors guard Steph Curry, his MVP worthiness because of it and why it hasn't produced more wins for the team overall.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric explains how Kevin Durant provided the Golden State Warriors a vital element in the two championships they won together -- and how he'll have to provide that same element if the Brooklyn Nets hope to win a championship as well. Also discussed: the injuries and absences that are making the regular season once again appear not all that important.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric outlines why there's no reason to take sports lists or rankings seriously, including the recent one by ESPN naming the top 25 NBA players under the age of 25. Also: how the current circumstances for the Lakers are far different than the ones they faced making last year's title run.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric examines if player empowerment has gone too far, discusses how he believes the Clippers are different from last year's disappointing version and the entertaining sight of the league's best players trying to solve the riddle of making free throws.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric examines the many failures surrounding Magic Johnson's claim that no point guard has a higher basketball IQ than the New Orleans Pelicans' Lonzo Ball and why Milwaukee Bucks' star Giannis Antetokounmpo could be at the top of his MVP ballot for the first time this season.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.