Best Ric King Podcasts (2026)

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The NBA’s 65-Game Rule Is Doing Its Job — Stop Trying to Save Stars 27:12

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1h ago27:12

27:12

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-g…

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The Poison Pill of Aging Champions: Why the Lakers & Warriors Can’t Quit Their Cores 27:36

1h ago27:36

27:36

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is harsher: aging championship stars can become a “poison pill” for franchises, locking teams into oversized salaries, outdated roster-building, and stalled player development.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 …

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When Championships Become the Only Measure: Steve Kerr, Steph Curry & NBA Expectations Gone Wrong 31:11

6d ago31:11

31:11

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 …

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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is NOT a “Free-Throw Merchant” | Thunder 23–1 Start, MVP Race & Why the Jordan vs LeBron Debate is Broken 25:39

23d ago25:39

25:39

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 epi…

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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 29:27

26d ago29:27

29:27

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 c…

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Episode 105 - Ric Flair's Figure-4 skin lock 57:34

27d ago57:34

57:34

The duplexers discuss results of Full Gear and Blood & Guts and preview Wargames and the run up to Cena's last match with the Last Time is Now Tournament.

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A Warriors-Kings Trade That Makes Sense and Payback In Effect 25:13

1M ago25:13

25:13

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 dea…

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What LeBron's Return Means for the Lakers & an Anthony Davis Reality Check 29:35

1M ago29:35

29:35

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 issue…

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Nico Harrison -- Culprit or Fall Guy? 30:15

2M ago30:15

30:15

🎧 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…

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Ja Morant's Future, Zion's Stagnation & Wemby's Rise: It's Time For A MAGPA Movement 31:19

2M ago31:19

31:19

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 va…

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Riley Goes Euro, Ant's Missing Ingredient, Odd Lineups Explained 32:55

2M ago32:55

32:55

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…

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Episode 104 - The Callis' Genetic Advantage 1:03:24

2M ago1:03:24

1:03:24

The boys discuss many missed PPV's including Wrestlepalooza, Crown Jewel, All Out, Wrestledream, Bound for Glory and Invashowdown

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NBA Opening Night Torch Passing & The Mindset That Is Killing American Talent 36:16

2M ago36:16

36:16

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). …

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Warriors' Dilemma: Small Ball Has Become Tall Ball 25:45

3M ago25:45

25:45

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.…

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The State of Kuminga and LeBron's Decision of All Decisions 41:28

3M ago41:28

41:28

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Why Is Dennis Schröder an NBA Journeyman But International Superstar? 40:23

4M ago40:23

40:23

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. Support this show http://supporte…

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Jane Carter on Embracing Your Weird in Business 25:28

3M ago25:28

25:28

Join Laura as she sits down with Jane Carter, a therapist-turned-business coach who helps Asheville's "soulful solopreneurs" build authentic businesses by embracing what makes them different. Jane shares her journey from therapy to coaching, why she calls her work "stealth therapy," and how running a business brings up all your stuff—in the best po…

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Slovenia Cries Foul and the NBA Rolls Over 24:31

4M ago24:31

24:31

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. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

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Episode 103 - All Out for Wrestlepalooza 42:18

4M ago42:18

42:18

The trio discuss the upcoming WWE and AEW PPV's and still manage to go off the rails about Vince, Bret Hart and Larry the dog.

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Micky's Jab and the Anatomy of EuroBasket 2025 Upsets 31:20

4M ago31:20

31:20

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…

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Sumaya Owens of Present Moment Media on Making the Shift From Corporate as a Single Mom 18:28

4M ago18:28

18:28

Join this conversation with Sumaya Owens of Present Moment Media for a talk about making the shift from corporate to entrepreneur as a single mom, plus the world of Digital Media, and learn what the heck a fractional marketing executive is. Find Sumaya at: https://www.presentmomentmedia.org/ or on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/_present_mo…

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What the Ballmer-Kawhi Bombshell Proves 37:03

4M ago37:03

37:03

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 com…

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Building Community for Remote Workers with Ric Pratte of AVL Digital Nomads 24:17

4M ago24:17

24:17

What started as Ric Pratte’s simple desire to grab a beer with fellow remote workers has blossomed into AVL Digital Nomads—a thriving 3,800-member community that's become a cornerstone of Asheville's professional landscape. In this episode, Ric shares how a casual meetup at Wedge Brewing four years ago evolved into a cornerstone local organization …

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Luka Doncic Vs. Random Guy In A Suit 30:14

4M ago30:14

30:14

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. (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-s…

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Jennifer Pickering on Living Your Life Like a Festival & 30 Years of LEAF 40:59

4M ago40:59

40:59

I have the joy of interviewing one of the founders of LEAF Global Arts Festival, Jennifer Pickering, about 30 years of LEAF. Check out this wide-ranging conversation, where we talk about the new book coming out (hot tip: pre-order now & get LEAF pajamas!!!), and LEAF's work post-hurricane. Jennifer & LEAF bring such rich gifts to the community, you…

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The Kuminga Conundrum and Wemby Gets Ahead of the Game 32:11

4M ago32:11

32:11

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 s…

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Anna Diemer on Everything About Voice & Singing, Plus the Opera Drag King 25:06

4M ago25:06

25:06

In this episode of Asheville Area Favorites, host Laura Jurgens sits down with Anna Deimer (they/them), a fascinating entrepreneur who's carved out multiple niches in the voice world. Anna is the owner of Deimer Voice Studio, where they specialize in three unique areas: singing throughout the lifespan (especially for folks navigating menopause), ge…

1
Over-Under Win Total Locks, Clark-Bueckers Comp 28:12

5M ago28:12

28:12

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. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/p…

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Blazers' Future, Lakers' Power Shift, Top 5 Offseason Moves 26:48

5M ago26:48

26:48

Ric discusses why it may be too early to assume prospective new owner Tom Dundon will not move the Portland Trail Blazers, a change in the power paradigm inside the Los Angeles Lakers and names the five teams who had the most impactful offseason moves. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/p…