About this episode

Ric Bucher discusses the complexities of the NBA MVP race and the implications of Billy Donovan's rumored move to North Carolina.

With the NBA regular season winding down, Ric Bucher dives into the most complicated MVP ballot he can remember — and explains why this year’s race is far messier than a simple Shai Gilgeous-Alexander vs. Nikola Jokic debate. Ric makes the case for why voters are facing a legitimate five-name traffic jam, with Victor Wembanyama, Jaylen Brown, Cade Cunningham and Luka Doncic all forcing their way into the conversation. He also explains why the NBA’s 65-game minimum is doing exactly what it was supposed to do. Then Ric shifts to college basketball and the speculation connecting Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan to North Carolina. Ric explains why that rumored move says more about the Bulls’ future than Donovan’s — and why returning to college coaching in the NIL-transfer portal era is nowhere near as attractive as it used to be. Also: Ric previews why the Lakers may be more dangerous than critics want to admit as the postseason approaches. Time Stamps: 0:00 Intro, Ric’s new book The Secret to Being Coachable and where to find all United WeCast shows 2:00 New Air Club sponsorship mention 3:05 Why this year’s MVP ballot is a nightmare for voters 4:13 Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s…

People in this episode

Host: Ric Bucher

Topics covered

• NBA MVP race
• Billy Donovan speculation
• college basketball
• Lakers postseason preview
• NBA statistics

Keywords

• NBA MVP
• Billy Donovan
• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
• Nikola Jokic
• Victor Wembanyama
• Lakers
• college basketball
• NIL
• Cade Cunningham

Sponsors

Air Club

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Chicago Bulls, North Carolina, NIL-transfer portal

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