In the wake of the NBA's re-opening night, Ric discusses why TNT broadcaster Reggie Miller catches so much grief from viewers, making sense of Kyrie Irving subsidizing WNBA players and why the Clippers should (and shouldn't) believe they will handle the Lakers if and when they meet in the playoffs.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric discusses the many flaws in drawing a conclusion from a player making 3s or free throws in practice, the problem with the arguments he's heard about why Giannis deserves to be MVP over LeBron James and why LeBron will be at the top of his ballot.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In an episode of Bucher, Friendless, Ric examines why changing the racially insensitive name of an NFL or MLB franchise might make us feel like a move toward equality but is more gesture than action. How Cam Newton is received as the new quarterback of the New England Patriots and whether or not Makur Maker inspires more NBA-caliber athletes to choose historically black universities and colleges will be a far better indicator of whether today's protests lead to any real, lasting change. Also: why it's wrong to let Anthony Davis suggest the Los Angeles Lakers are better positioned now to win a ring thanks to the shutdown.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric and Will discuss the current social unrest sparked by the death of George Floyd and quarterback Drew Brees' part in the controversy. Will also recounts his experiences with police starting at 10 years old and how being the son of a prison guard shaped his view of law enforcement.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

JB, part of the only black father-son duo to both coach in a major professional U.S. sport, talks with Ric about what he learned from his father Bernie, what he is teaching his kids, and what we all can learn from the current cultural strife.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric reflects on the impact made by Ft. Worth-Dallas sports figure Roger B. Brown, Sacramento Kings beat writer Marty McNeal and Utah Jazz coach Jerry Sloan. Also: who and what to blame when your team falls short of a title and how the Toronto Raptors may have started a new trend in how champions are made.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric questions the accuracy of describing Michael Jordan as a bully, the possibility of a player today operating the same way, two numbers never considered when comparing MJ and LeBron. Ric also discusses his issue with the audio clip of him used in Episode 9 and the person responsible for the Bulls not coming back to pursue a fourth consecutive championship.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric examines several controversial topics in the ESPN documentary "The Last Dance," including what the 1992 Dream Team really represented and why Isiah Thomas was excluded from it.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric knows the two combatants as well as anyone and pinpoints why Charles has taken shots at Draymond for years and why the general criticism of Draymond's contract, conduct and accomplishments all miss the mark.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric & Will discuss how Michael Jordan has changed since his playing days, why the Baltimore Ravens consistently draft well, the secret ingredient every college DB needs to make it in the NFL and the one person who should not be with a draftee on draft night.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.