In another coronavirus episode, Ric gives the result of his recent Covid test and examines why we can't resist anointing athletes as great before they've actually proved it. Also asked and answered: did Steph Curry really revolutionize the NBA all by himself?Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric discusses the curious emergence of Luka Doncic as an MVP favorite and the candidates down the board who are far more likely to win and offer a better payout. Also discussed: the latest on the James Harden trade front and why the Clippers' offseason, contrary to popular belief, actually may have been better than the Lakers'.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric previews the 2020-21 NBA season, predicts the 16 teams that will make the playoffs, two that will get close and one title contender that won't be in the mix. Also discussed: Which teams will meet in the Finals and Jerry West's recruitment of Kawhi Leonard.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric explains why it would've defied NBA history if two-time MVP Giannis Antekounmpo had not signed his five-year, $228 million extension with the Milwaukee Bucks. Also: the flaw in LeBron James' claim he won the two hardest championships in NBA history and who is making it hard for Kyrie Irving to enjoy playing basketball.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric talks with long-time ESPN live-event producer Mandy Cohen about how TV broadcasts have changed with the introduction of gambling, announcers calling games remotely due to the pandemic and Gen Zs who consume everything through their phones and haven't been conditioned to watch entire games on TV. Cohen started her career producing Bulls' games for all of Jordan's championship runs in Chicago and Cubs' games with the legendary broadcaster Harry Caray and gives her take on The Last Dance, which she lived firsthand. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric shares insight from an NBA GM on how few players actually check all the leadership boxes and who the ones are that do. Also discussed: Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray's five favorite all-time players, his top five Canadian players and why his choices reflect how personality and style affect a player's popularity.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric discusses what he was hearing about Warriors guard Klay Thompson leading up to the draft before his heartbreaking injury, the harsh reality the Warriors and their fans need to accept, along with a look at why so many players selected in the NBA Draft were in tears.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric discusses the renewed appreciation for, and interest in, point guard Rajon Rondo, the reason LaMelo Ball is the prohibitive favorite as the No. 1 pick and what the Milwaukee Bucks acquired in Jrue Holiday and Bogdan Bogdanovic. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric discusses what agents and NBA executives have told him about the practice of pre-determining where a player will be selected in the draft under the restraints of Covid-19 protocol. Also discussed is the approach to players and personnel testing positive in overseas leagues currently playing and whether the NBA could adopt the same approach. Last topic: NBA players' activism around the recent election -- how much credit they deserve for the outcome and whether or not the NBA should continue to serve as a direct platform for player causes.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric examines the brewing battle between NBA players and team owners on when the next NBA season will start, how long it will last and whether or not the players will have say in the matter.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.