On The Ball with Ric Bucher

• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is NOT a “Free-Throw Merchant” | Thunder 23–1 Start, MVP Race & Why the Jordan vs LeBron Debate is Broken

  Welcome back to On The Ball with Ric Bucher on the United Wecast Network.In this episode, Ric dives deep into why calling Shai Gilgeous-Alexander a “free-throw merchant” is one of the dumbest narratives in the league right now — and how it’s overshadowing a potentially historic season from both SGA and the 23–1 Oklahoma City Thunder.🔥 In this episode:How the Thunder’s 23–1 start (at time of recording) stacks up historicallyWhy the 2025 MVP race is basically Shai vs Nikola Jokic (with Cade Cunningham lurking)The truth about SGA’s free throws:How often he really gets to the line vs Harden, Embiid, Barkley, Dantley, KD & othersWhy drawing fouls is a skill, not a scamHow playoff whistles prove who’s legit and who’s gaming weak officiatingWhy blaming SGA for free throws is really about league rules, Adam Silver & the officiating mandate, not ShaiA reality check on Steph Curry’s scoring titles with minimal free throwsThe real context behind the Jordan vs LeBron GOAT debate:MJ’s 10 scoring titles & free-throw numbersWhy there was zero debate about the best player in the league during Jordan’s primeHow LeBron’s era was full of real competition for “best in the league”What makes SGA the ideal modern franchise cornerstone: skill, temperament, leadership, and how he treats officialsRic also touches on his upcoming third book, “The Value of Being Coachable: The Secret to How Legendary Performers Reach Their Highest Potential So That You Can Reach Yours”, coming in May.00:30 – Ric’s intro: FS1, radio, new book, where to follow01:20 – Setting the table: Why OKC’s 23–1 start matters03:00 – SGA vs. Jokic: The MVP race nobody is talking about enough05:00 – Why “free-throw merchant” criticisms of SGA miss the point07:00 – Historical context: Harden, Embiid, KD, Barkley, Dantley, MJ09:30 – MJ vs. LeBron discussion: What “best player alive” really looked like12:00 – The art of drawing fouls: Why it *is* a superstar skill14:00 – How SGA earns calls vs. Luka’s style and reaction to refs16:00 – Why OKC’s organization + SGA’s leadership make him special18:00 – Playoff proof: SGA’s FT attempts *increasing* under postseason physicality20:00 – The real reason for the SGA hate: jealousy & fan-base resentment22:00 – Bottom line: SGA as the league’s most complete two-way guard23:30 – Closing thoughts + upcoming Finding The Seams & Fullcourt PassportFollow Ric everywhere: @RicBucher on X, Instagram, Threads & Bluesky.📌 #OnTheBall #RicBucher #ShaiGilgeousAlexander #SGA #OKCThunder #OklahomaCityThunder #NikolaJokic #CadeCunningham #NBA #NBAMVP #JordanVsLeBron #FreeThrowMerchant #NBAHistory #NBAPodcast #BasketballAnalysis #AdamSilver #NBARefsSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• Why the Lakers Are On Thin Ice: LeBron’s Disconnect, Luka’s Usage Problem & the Trade Value Collapse of Ja/LaMelo/Trae

  In this episode of On The Ball, Ric Bucher delivers one of his most detailed breakdowns yet on the state of the Los Angeles Lakers, the viral moment that exposed LeBron James’ disconnect, and why their chemistry is quietly fraying beneath the surface.Ric walks through the full context behind the clip of LeBron ignoring a play call, Luka Doncic’s confusion, and JJ Redick’s stunned timeout. He explains why LeBron’s lack of energy, defensive effort, and off-ball engagement—despite sitting out the previous game—signal deeper structural issues for L.A.Then Ric breaks down the leaguewide blueprint emerging to stop the Lakers: force Luka to score while taking away his playmaking, a strategy that mirrors the Celtics’ approach in the 2022 Finals and threatens to turn the Lakers’ supporting cast into scapegoats.Ric also digs into the bombshell ESPN report that Ja Morant, LaMelo Ball, and Trae Young are all potentially available via trade—but that their value is so low they may only be tradable for each other. Ric explains why this marks a historic shift, which teams could realistically rehabilitate these stars, and why LaMelo may be the toughest sell of all.Additional topics include: • Why LeBron staying in games to protect scoring streaks hurts locker-room chemistry • The danger of star-centric offenses that don’t produce wins • Why the broadcast’s new “bench-level analysts” format causes awkward silences • How Luka’s scoring-first nights may quietly divide the Lakers’ roster • Which franchises actually have the infrastructure to revive Ja or TraeIf you want unfiltered NBA insight you won’t hear on TV, you’re in the right place. 🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodes and exclusive NBA analysis. #OnTheBall #RicBucher #NBA #Lakers #LeBronJames #LukaDoncic #JaMorant #LaMeloBall #TraeYoung #NBATrades #UnitedWeCast #NBAPodcast #NBAAnalysis #JJRedick #LosAngelesLakersSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• A Warriors-Kings Trade That Makes Sense and Payback In Effect

  In this episode of On The Ball with Ric Bucher, Ric dissects the rumor of renewed future trade talks between two struggling teams, the Golden State Warriors and Sacramento Kings, that would involve Jonathan Kuminga, Buddy Hield and Moses Moody for Kings All-Star forward Domantas Sabonis and promising young guard Keon Ellis. Ric explains why the deal would be a slam dunk for the Warriors but makes no sense for the Kings, and proposes a more scintillating but controversial trade that would benefit both teams -- one that involves Warriors' cornerstone Draymond Green. Ric also examines the ongoing feud between former NBA power forward Kenyon Martin and Green, as well as the war of words between former Warrior and current Dallas Maverick Klay Thompson and Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant, and ties both disputes together as a by-product of the Warriors' dynasty and a means of revenge for the way Green and Thompson carried themselves during those winning days.#nba #warriors #grizzlies #draymondgreen #kenyonmartin #klaythompson #sacramentokings #NBAtradetalk Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• What LeBron's Return Means for the Lakers & an Anthony Davis Reality Check

  In this episode of On The Ball, Ric Bucher breaks down LeBron James’ long-awaited season debut—and why the box score doesn’t tell the truth about how the 40-year-old superstar actually looked against the Utah Jazz. Bucher digs deep into what LeBron’s return means for the Lakers’ chemistry, the Luka-LeBron power shift, and why L.A.’s defensive issues may only get tougher to solve.Ric also revisits his assessment of Anthony Davis, revealing how AD’s early-career reputation, his time alongside LeBron, and his disappointing arrival in Dallas all add up to a harsh but honest conclusion: AD is not the franchise cornerstone many believed he could be. From conditioning concerns to effort questions, Bucher details why the Mavericks may already be ready to move on.Additional themes include: • The strategic way LeBron chose his comeback moment • How Austin Reaves and Marcus Smart’s roles shift with LeBron back • Why the Lakers’ starting lineup could repeatedly dig early holes • The true value of LeBron’s leadership—and its limits at age 40 • How AD’s upbringing, mentality, and playing style shaped who he is now • Why the “LeBron Effect” made AD look like a different player in L.A.Ric also previews upcoming episodes, teases his third book—on the value of being coachable—and highlights his other United WeCast Network shows, Finding The Seams and Fullcourt Passport.For authentic NBA insight you won’t hear anywhere else, On The Ball delivers.#NBA #LeBronJames #Lakers #AnthonyDavis #LukaDoncic #Mavericks #NBAPodcast #RicBucher #UnitedWeCast #SportsAnalysis #BasketballDiscussion #NBA2025Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• Nico Harrison -- Culprit or Fall Guy?

  🎧 In this On The Ball episode, Ric Bucher breaks down the full story behind the Dallas Mavericks’ shocking trade of Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers — and the firing of GM Nico Harrison that followed.Bucher exposes the real dynamics inside the Mavericks front office, from owner Patrick Dumont’s reactionary leadership to how Michael Finley and Matt Riccardi ended up sharing power after Harrison’s exit. He also reveals why Luka’s conditioning, Anthony Davis’ injuries, and Kyrie Irving’s return could still reshape how this blockbuster trade is judged.🏀 Honest analysis. Real reporting. No spin. Subscribe to On The Ball with Ric Bucher for deeper insight into the NBA stories others won’t tell.#OnTheBall #RicBucher #DallasMavericks #LukaDoncic #NicoHarrison #LosAngelesLakers #AnthonyDavis #NBA #KyrieIrving #NBATrades #BasketballPodcast #NBAAnalysis #UnitedWeCastSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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