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Nikola Jokic goes down with a knee injury — and suddenly the volume spikes to kill the NBA’s 65-game minimum for MVP and All-NBA eligibility. Coincidence? Or the latest example of the league (and its loudest voices) trying to rewrite the definition of greatness in real time?
In the first On The Ball episode of 2026, Ric Bucher explains why the 65-game rule shouldn’t be rescinded just because a superstar might miss out. Awards aren’t about who we think should win based on peak moments, reputation, or “what he’d do if healthy.” They’re about who actually delivered over a full season — and availability has always been part of the job.
Ric revisits why the rule was created (hello, load management), why voters needed a clear benchmark, and why removing it would encourage exactly what fans hate: rewarding partial seasons while pretending it’s the same as dominance over 82 games. He also calls out the shifting standards in NBA media, the growing subjectivity of awards voting, and the obsession with making everything “perfect” — even when perfection creates new injustices.
Plus: Ric makes the case that we should be expanding eligibility rules, creating one to deem who is eligible to be an All-Star.
Timestamps
00:00 — Intro: “Cooking with gas” / welcome to On The Ball
00:31 — Ric’s platforms + book tease: the value of being coachable
01:32 — First pod of 2026: thank you + what’s changing the show today
02:03 — The new flashpoint: NBA’s 65-game rule + Jokic injury fallout
02:55 — Jokic vs SGA: how the MVP race shifts
03:16 — Why Ric disagrees with eliminating the rule
04:12 — Why the NBA instituted 65 games: load management + voter clarity
05:07 — The voting problem: who has ballots now (and why it matters)
06:35 — Why 65 games is “etched in stone”
07:23 — The old standard: playing 82 used to be the flex
08:03 — “Perfect” officiating vs reality: the replay obsession analogy
09:20 — The hard truth: injustice happens — that’s sports (and life)
10:08 — Injuries, modern training, and why the real issue isn’t awards
11:07 — Why changing awards rules dodges the real problem
12:32 — Supermax + health: should durability matter?
14:02 — Awards aren’t for “who we think”: they’re for who proved it
14:40 — The Bill Walton precedent: MVP with 58 games (and the controversy)
16:45 — The fear: rewarding stars for half-seasons
17:26 — Standards eroding: media, mentorship, and the “old head” dilemma
20:28 — Social media pedestal culture + rule changes for entertainment
21:25 — Why removing 65 games diminishes awards
22:12 — Ric’s counter: eligibility rules for All-Star voting instead
22:52 — LeBron + All-Star weekend: honor him, don’t gift him a spot
25:05 — Emotional policy-making is bad policy
25:47 — What’s next: boosting competition, addressing tanking
26:54 — Outro
#NBA #NikolaJokic #MVP #AllNBA #LoadManagement #NBAMedia #OnTheBall #RicBucher #BasketballPodcast #UnitedWeCast
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The NBA loves a fairytale ending — legends riding off into the sunset with one last ring. But the reality is harsher: aging championship stars can become a “poison pill” for franchises, locking teams into oversized salaries, outdated roster-building, and stalled player development.
In this episode of On The Ball, Ric Bucher breaks down why it’s so difficult to break up a title-winning core — and why the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors are the latest examples of teams paying the price for loyalty while still selling championship expectations.
Ric also explains why the best organizations make the cold-blooded pivot before the clock strikes midnight, the role fans and media play in keeping “one more run” alive, and how teams end up stuck when the window closes but the payroll doesn’t.
00:00:35 – Where to find Ric (FS1/Fox Sports Radio) + new book on being coachable
00:01:18 – Holiday delay + why Christmas Day set up this episode
00:01:49 – The “poison pill” problem: aging champions and marquee teams
00:02:14 – Why breaking up a championship core is so hard
00:03:11 – History lesson: teams that waited too long to turn the page
00:03:38 – Loyalty is fine… if you’re honest about expectations
00:05:02 – The hidden cost: money, roles, roster, coaching, and marketing built around stars
00:06:02 – Why “contend + develop” usually doesn’t work (Warriors example)
00:06:48 – What real transition looks like (Wade → LeBron, Duncan → Kawhi)
00:07:52 – Fans, connection, and the business of keeping “the guy”
00:09:45 – Media vs fan reality: why we get it twisted about “upgrades”
00:11:31 – Booker/Suns as the blueprint for “glimmer of hope” economics
00:15:26 – The “glimmer” sidebar + players who sell hope without June basketball
00:16:53 – Why it’s different when the star actually won a ring
00:17:41 – The ruthless move: trade the star before midnight
00:18:42 – Recent examples of teams doubling down on aging stars
00:19:12 – Bill Walsh trading Joe Montana: the blueprint
00:20:19 – Which current GMs will actually make the hard pivot?
00:21:52 – Teams that missed the window: Lakers/Warriors/Clippers (and why it matters now)
00:22:39 – Lakers roster-building problem around Luka + payroll realities
00:23:20 – Warriors payroll trap: Steph/Jimmy/Draymond math
00:25:17 – Why re-signing Draymond locked in the old identity
00:25:50 – Klay nostalgia vs reality + the real mistake
00:26:22 – Wrap-up + teaser on tanking/competition solutions next episode
Follow Ric Bucher:
X / Instagram / Threads / Bluesky: @RicBucher
#NBA #Lakers #Warriors #LeBronJames #StephenCurry #JimmyButler #DraymondGreen #NBATalk #NBAAnalysis #OnTheBall #RicBucher #UnitedWeCast
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In this double-shot episode of On The Ball with Ric Bucher, Ric takes on two of the NBA’s most emotionally charged debates:
Is Steve Kerr really holding the Golden State Warriors back — and why has championship-or-bust become the only standard by which star players are judged?
With Warriors fans calling for Steve Kerr’s firing, Ric breaks down why blaming the coach misses the bigger picture. From lineup decisions and player development to defensive priorities and roster limitations, Ric explains why Kerr’s approach hasn’t suddenly changed — and why it’s the same formula that delivered four championships and six Finals appearances.
Ric also addresses criticism from former players like Brandon Jennings and Rashad McCants, the viral fallout from Joe Lacob’s leaked email, and the unrealistic expectations surrounding Jonathan Kuminga, Brandin Podziemski, and the Warriors’ “play the kids” movement. Most importantly, he asks the question few want to confront:
Is this really about Steve Kerr — or is it about accepting that the dynasty era is over?
In the second half of the episode, Ric zooms out to challenge the modern NBA narrative that a superstar must contend for a title every year or demand a trade. Using Giannis Antetokounmpo, Steph Curry, and historical context, Ric makes the case that loyalty, legacy, and community impact still matter — and that greatness shouldn’t be reduced to ring-counting alone.
Thoughtful, unsparing, and deeply informed — this episode is a must-listen for Warriors fans and NBA truth-seekers alike.
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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.
Ric 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 follow
01:20 – Setting the table: Why OKC’s 23–1 start matters
03:00 – SGA vs. Jokic: The MVP race nobody is talking about enough
05:00 – Why “free-throw merchant” criticisms of SGA miss the point
07:00 – Historical context: Harden, Embiid, KD, Barkley, Dantley, MJ
09:30 – MJ vs. LeBron discussion: What “best player alive” really looked like
12:00 – The art of drawing fouls: Why it *is* a superstar skill
14:00 – How SGA earns calls vs. Luka’s style and reaction to refs
16:00 – Why OKC’s organization + SGA’s leadership make him special
18:00 – Playoff proof: SGA’s FT attempts *increasing* under postseason physicality
20:00 – The real reason for the SGA hate: jealousy & fan-base resentment
22:00 – Bottom line: SGA as the league’s most complete two-way guard
23:30 – Closing thoughts + upcoming Finding The Seams & Fullcourt Passport
Follow Ric everywhere: @RicBucher on X, Instagram, Threads & Bluesky.
#OnTheBall #RicBucher #ShaiGilgeousAlexander #SGA #OKCThunder #OklahomaCityThunder #NikolaJokic #CadeCunningham #NBA #NBAMVP #JordanVsLeBron #FreeThrowMerchant #NBAHistory #NBAPodcast #BasketballAnalysis #AdamSilver #NBARefs
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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 Trae
If 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 #LosAngelesLakers
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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
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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 #NBA2025
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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 #UnitedWeCast
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In this episode of On The Ball (United WeCast Network), Ric Bucher breaks down the widening gap between American-born NBA stars and their international counterparts — and what it says about player development, discipline, and leadership in today’s game.
Bucher dives into the latest around Ja Morant, including front-office chatter about his trade value, locker-room issues, and whether the Memphis Grizzlies can still build around him. He compares Ja’s stalled maturity and Zion Williamson’s lack of evolution to the steady growth and professionalism of Victor Wembanyama, Nikola Jokić, and Giannis Antetokounmpo — stars who treat the game as craft, not performance.
Ric also examines why American player development has fallen behind Europe’s, how Pat Riley’s shift toward international talent reflects a changing NBA, and what the Chicago Bulls’ surprising start reveals about teamwork over showmanship.
From leadership accountability to the future of U.S. basketball, this episode challenges the culture of “flash over fundamentals” and asks the question: What happened to making American players great again?
🎧 Listen to On The Ball with Ric Bucher for sharp NBA insight every week — plus Fullcourt Passport (Mondays) and Finding The Seams (Fridays) for international and inside-basketball stories across the global game.
#JaMorant #ZionWilliamson #VictorWembanyama #RicBucher #OnTheBall #NBA #PatRiley #MemphisGrizzlies #SanAntonioSpurs #BasketballPodcast #NBAAnalysis #UnitedWeCast
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On The Ball with Ric Bucher delivers sharp, no-nonsense NBA analysis from veteran insider Ric Bucher (FS1, Fox Sports Radio) on the United WeCast Network. In this episode, Ric examines how the NBA’s entertainment engine shapes today’s game and player development, contrasting it with EuroLeague and international club systems. He spotlights Pat Riley’s shift toward international talent with the Miami Heat, why European training (movement, passing, team concepts) is closing the gap, and how global stars like Nikola Jokić, Luka Dončić, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Victor Wembanyama are redefining MVP conversations.
Ric then zooms into on-court problem solving: why scorers must also be playmakers, using Anthony Edwards’ struggles vs. a box-and-one as a case study, and why teams like the Rockets (even with Kevin Durant) need a true table-setter. He breaks down Ime Udoka’s blueprint for maximizing KD (pinch-post touches, free-throw-line catches), and offers practical context on early-season rotations and experimentation—citing the Warriors, Steve Kerr, and how constraints from sports science impact lineups. If you want basketball talk that connects NBA strategy, international hoops, and player development—with clear takeaways you won’t hear elsewhere—subscribe and follow @RicBucher for weekly episodes.
📚 Coming soon: Ric’s new book, The Value of Being Coachable, featuring lessons from Stephen Curry, Steve Young, Brandi Chastain, and more.
Follow @RicBucher on X, Instagram, Threads, and BlueSky — and tune in for NBA insight that cuts deeper than the headlines.
#NBA #BasketballPodcast #RicBucher #OnTheBall #UnitedWeCast #NBATalk #SportsPodcast #BasketballAnalysis #NBANews #BasketballCulture
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Ric opens On the Ball by introducing his upcoming book, The Value of Being Coachable, which highlights lessons from legends like Steph Curry and Brandi Chastain, and outlines his three weekly shows—Full Court Passport (international hoops), On the Ball (solo NBA analysis), and Finding the Seams (with Brendan Haywood on college-to-pro transitions). He recaps the NBA’s opening games, noting Oklahoma City’s poise vs. Houston’s promise and calling the Warriors-Lakers matchup a clear sign that the league’s “tall ball” era has replaced small ball. Ric notes LeBron James’s disengaged demeanor and fading leverage, praises Jonathan Kuminga’s promising play, and transitions to his main topic: how environment and mentorship shape young stars such as Cooper Flagg and Ace Bailey. Using their situations to contrast development paths, he argues that American basketball’s obsession with athletic highlights over winning habits—exemplified by Mikey Williams’s social-media fame—has stunted homegrown growth while internationally trained players thrive through IQ, fundamentals, and team success.
#NBA #Utah Jazz #Dallas Mavericks #GoldenStateWarriors #Los Angeles Lakers #HoustonRockets #OKCThunder #NBADraft
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Ric dives into an in-depth analysis of why the Golden State Warriors may struggle to match last season’s success despite Steph Curry’s brilliance and Jimmy Butler’s leadership. He argues that the NBA’s evolution toward “tall ball”—skilled, athletic bigs replacing traditional small-ball lineups—has neutralized the Warriors’ once-revolutionary style. Buecher also explores how aging stars like Draymond Green face diminishing impact, why team success naturally cycles due to the salary cap, and how fans’ expectations of perpetual contention are unrealistic. He concludes with sharp commentary on LeBron James’ rumored discontent with the Lakers, calling it a hollow narrative since no contender can or would trade for his $52 million contract, asserting that LeBron’s leverage and championship window have effectively closed.
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Ric discusses how restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga looked in his first appearance since ending a summer-long stalemate on a two-year deal with the Golden State Warriors and LeBron James announcing that he has a forthcoming "Decision of All Decisions" to make.
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Ric provides a recap of the EuroBasket 2025 championship and examines why point guard Dennis Schröder has had so much recent success with the German national team -- MVP of the 2023 World Cup and EuroBasket 2025 -- yet has been an NBA journeyman, holding the record for most NBA teams played for by a foreign player.
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Ric discusses Slovenia's complaints after its loss to Germany in the EuroBasket 2025 quarterfinals and the NBA altering its rules to encourage more last-second heaves at the end of quarters.
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Ric discusses recent events at the James Naismith Hall of Fame induction ceremony, including Miami Heat owner Micky Arison making fun of LeBron James falling five championships short of his promise to Heat fans. Also covered: upset wins by Finland over Serbia and Georgia over France to open the round of 16 in the current EuroBasket 2025 competition. (Here is the link to the Acast show survey mentioned in the podcast: http://bit.ly/ontheballwithricbucher-survey)
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Ric discusses the evidence tracked down by journalist and podcaster Pablo Torre that suggests the Los Angeles Clippers and owner Steve Ballmer may have circumvented the NBA salary cap by providing star forward Kawhi Leonard additional payment for a no-show role with an outside company, as well as updates on performances by NBA players currently competing in EuroBasket 2025, including the Portland Trail Blazers' Deni Avdija (Israel) and the Atlanta Hawks' Zaccharie Risacher (France). (Also, a request to listeners: please fill out this survey so that Acast and On The Ball can better serve you: http://bit.ly/ontheballwithricbucher-survey)
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Ric discusses the performance of Los Angeles Lakers' star Luka Doncic for the Slovenian National Team in EuroBasket competition vs. Poland and France, and what it portends for the upcoming NBA season.
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In a double-shot episode, Ric discusses the stand-off between the Golden State Warriors and restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga and the dynamics that have created it; and San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama describing his pre-game routine and why it bodes well for both him and the Spurs. (Also, a request to listeners: please fill out this survey so that Acast and On The Ball can better serve you: http://bit.ly/ontheballwithricbucher-survey)
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Ric discusses the most obvious ways to play several preseason win total over-under lines for the upcoming NBA season and whether or not Dallas Wings' No. 1 pick Paige Bueckers should be considered a better player than the Indiana Fever's Caitlin Clark.
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