Ric looks at how the champion Milwaukee Bucks were formed, how much owners Marc Lasry and Wes Edens have spent on the roster and lays out why they are indeed a small-market team but not operating as one. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Bucher and Friends

Are The Bucks Really NOT A Super Team?

Ric looks at Team USA's confidence-restoring win over Iran and how international play separates the NBA players capable of functioning anywhere with anyone and those who are specifically suited for playing the NBA game. Also: an update on the Kyle Lowry sweepstakes. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Truth Serum That Is International Basketball

Ric shares what he's heard about possible destinations for the Philadelpia 76ers' disenfranchised star, Ben Simmons, and Raptors free agent Kyle Lowry, and the possibility of them trading places. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Making Sense Of The Point Guard Carousel

Ric examines the dynamics that led to France beating Team USA in its first Tokyo Olympics game and the prospects for Team USA still winning a fourth consecutive gold medal. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

France Just Took Team USA Back To The 90s

Respect for the value of mid-range shots surged in the Finals, but Ric details how the Bucks turned the series in their favor by forcing the Suns to get the bulk of their offense off them. Also: unlike the regular season and early in the playoffs, three-pointers did not play a huge role in the Finals. Ric explains why that might've been. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Suns Lived By The Mid-Range -- And Died By It

Ric examines rumors of the Lakers moving on from free agent point guard Dennis Schröder and going after Chris Paul or Russ Westbrook and the pros and cons of either acquisition. Also: a look at the Lakers or Warriors' chances of returning to championship form next season. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Are Chris Paul or Russ Westbrook The Upgrade The Lakers Need?

Ric discusses the Bucks clinching the 2021 NBA title with their Game 6 win over the Suns and what Finals MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo taught us with his performance. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Giannis Is Exactly The Kind Of Champion We Need Right Now

Ric examines the state of the Portland Trail Blazers since its star Damian Lillard expressed his frustration with the roster. Also: a look at why the US National Team is having problems fielding a complete roster. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Commotion Surrounding the Blazers and the US National Team

Ric examines the push that already has begun by current and former NBA players for the Bucks' Khris Middleton as Finals MVP and the false reality that some Phoenix Suns players may be entertaining about making it back to the Finals should they fall short this time. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Curious Campaign For Khris Middleton As Finals MVP

Ric examines the prospects of Kawhi Leonard returning to the Clippers, their prospects now that he's had knee surgery and speculative answers as to why it took so long to identify his injury. Plus: burying the Batman-Robin trope to describe the relationship between a team's top players. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Clippers With (And Without) Kawhi

Ric discusses the Bucks 109-103 win over the Suns to tie their NBA Finals' series at 2 games apiece and the disparate responses by Phoenix stars Chris Paul and Devin Booker on the reasons for the loss -- and what it means for the Suns' chances of winning the series. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

How And How Not To Take Ownership Of A Loss

Ric breaks down the places that do and don't make sense for the 76ers' Ben Simmons to land, Team USA's convincing win over Argentina and the tepid appreciation from other NBA players for what Giannis Antetokounmpo is doing in the NBA Finals. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Ben Simmons' Trade Rumors, Argentina Okeydoke, Golf Claps For Giannis

Ric discusses comments by ESPN's Stephen A. Smith about MLB star Shohei Ohtani and the Nigerian basketball team and assesses Suns' guard Devin Booker's overall game. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A Deep Dive Into Stephen A., Interpreters And Devin Booker

Ric examines both the dominant Game 3 win by the Milwaukee Bucks over the Phoenix Suns in the NBA Finals and Nigeria's exhibition upset of Team USA and explains why neither win should be viewed as a surprise. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Bucks and Team Nigeria Both Won -- And They Weren't Flukes

Ric examines what Giannis Antetokounmpo's virtuoso performance in Game 2 means for his overall growth and pinpoints why it wasn't enough to prevent the Suns from taking a 2-0 series lead in the NBA Finals. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Giannis Raises His Bar, Bucks Drop Their Guard

The best and only thrice-weekly sports podcast w/ inside information and perspective from Bleacher Report & FS1's Ric Bucher, Super Bowl champ Will Blackmon and former NBA center Ryan Hollins, as well as featured guests. One episode each week of Bucher&Blackmon, Bucher&Hollins and Bucher with a guest or solo with the popular "Bucher, Friendless" version.

hubhopper

Bucher and Friends

hubhopper