Ric talks with Hall of Fame big man Spencer Haywood, the Forrest Gump of basketball for having been part of so many historic moments and crossed paths with so many historic figures -- from being at the Olympics with John Carlos and Tommie Smith when they made their black power salute, to being coached by legends Bill Russell and Hank Iba, to playing with Magic and Kareem and, of course, opening the door for every early-entry star in NBA history. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric is joined by Brian Berger, host of the award-winning Sports Business Radio podcast based in Portland, Oregon, with plenty of insider knowledge on the shoe business in general and Nike in particular. The two discuss Nike not renewing nearly half of its promotional deals with NBA players that signals a dramatic shift in Nike's business model and its impact on future NBA stars and their agents.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric examines how the Miami Heat fell short to the Los Angeles Lakers, the biggest beneficiaries of the Lakers winning the 2020 and a possible reason why LeBron James rewriting the NBA record books hasn't captured the public's interest or imagination.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a Bucher, Friendless episode, Ric talks about what it feels like to watch the NBA Finals from afar for the first time in 20-plus years, Doc Rivers' smooth move to Philly, his firsthand experience with the surgery Isaiah Thomas' underwent and players stealing material and not giving proper credit.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric explains what will decide the battle between LeBron James' and the Lakers and Pat Riley's Miami Heat. Also discussed: whether or not the bubble was as mentally tough as advertised LeBron's insatiable appetite for the spotlight.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric explores who high school athletes today are most interested in with his 16-year-old son, Mat, examine why young teams and stars have fared so well in the NBA's Orlando Bubble and Mat explains why his pick to win it all is the Miami Heat.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric is joined by former NFL WR and FS1 analyst TJ Houshmanzadeh and comedian/actor Gary Owen to discuss TJ's former team and Gary's hometown favorite, the Cincinnati Bengals, the AFC North, Super Bowl picks, performing in empty stadiums and sparse night clubs and if they'd be willing to switch careers. Gary also shares how his troubled relationship with the Bengals was repaired by HC Zac Taylor and TJ explains why it's boom or bust for the Dallas Cowboys.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric discusses how, why and when LeBron and Russell's careers diverged, the shift in the game that has helped both (but LeBron more and longer) and how the perception of players is being skewed inside the Orlando bubble.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric examines what impact, if any, the NBA players' social activism has had, why they're pressuring NBA team owners to join their cause, and why we have a misconception of social media's influence and power to effect change. Also, why Kyrie Irving was not vindicated by the players' two-day refusal to play games in the Orlando bubble.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric explains why he refers to the Indiana Pacers' new star forward T.J. Warren as a "scorer with a conscience" and shares the conversation they had that contributed to Ric's piece on Warren for Bleacher Report. Warren also provides details on his relentless search for pick-up games -- including hours before he faced North Carolina as a freshman at North Carolina State.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.