On the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn continues the 20Q series with a breakdown of the opponent the Denver Nuggets lost to in the playoffs last season. Are the Minnesota Timberwolves still a dangerous threat? Have the changes the Nuggets made done enough to oust the T'Wolves? Ryan goes over changes for both teams and how it woul…

Ryan Blackburn continues the 20Q series with a breakdown of Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon. What can Nuggets fans expect from Gordon this season? Will he be a long term piece for the Nuggets? He's eligible for extension on September 27th. Will the Nuggets try to get a deal done? Is he a sneaky trade candidate if the Nuggets aren't willing to p…

Ryan Blackburn shares additional thoughts on the Jamal Murray extension and how the Denver Nuggets are effectively locked into their current core for the foreseeable future. Then, he turns to Zeke Nnaji and what he can provide to the Nuggets in 2024-25 after a disappointing 2023-24. Could Nnaji find more opportunities than expected? Ryan discusses …

Ryan Blackburn reacts to the news that Jamal Murray will sign a new contract extension with the Denver Nuggets through the 2028-29 season. After a longer delay than expected, Murray got his deal, and the Nuggets are set for the 2024-25 season with one fewer question. Was it a good deal? What can the Nuggets expect from Murray for the next five year…

Ryan Blackburn breaks down the importance of second-year wing Julian Strawther. The Denver Nuggets lost wing players in the offseason, and Strawther almost has to play by default. After shooting under 30% from three and looking uncomfortable as a rookie, can the Nuggets expect consistent production in his second season? Ryan discusses the incoming …

Ryan Blackburn discusses Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone. The championship winning coach is entering his 10th season with the Nuggets and is one of the longest tenured coaches in the NBA. Malone has good and bad traits all coaches do and shapes Denver's play style with his influences. What can he do to improve in the 2024-25 season so the …

Ryan Blackburn breaks down the fit of newcomer Russell Westbrook to the Denver Nuggets rotation. What should the expectations be for Westbrook in his 17th season? How concerned should fans be about his 2024 playoff performance? What does he provide to the Nuggets bench unit? Ryan goes over the numbers, expectations, and more for Westbrook.…

Ryan Blackburn breaks down the last two seasons of Michael Porter Jr. since returning from his third back surgery. MPJ was long believed to be a future star, but he's merely a solid starter at this stage of his career. Does Porter have more to offer during what should be his prime years? If so, how can the Nuggets help him achieve that level? An im…

Ryan Blackburn is joined by CTFazio for the second installment of 20Q, a Denver Nuggets 2024-25 season preview series. Tonight, they focus on Vlatko Čančar, the Slovenian forward who missed all last season due to a torn ACL. Vlatko appears healthy and ready to go, but what can he actually contribute to the Nuggets next year? Resident Vlatko stan CT…

Ryan Blackburn begins his Season Preview series titled "20Q" to discuss important parts of the Denver Nuggets. On the first episode, Peyton Watson had a strong second season in the NBA. What could the 2024-25 season look like for the 21-year-old forward? Is he a future star for the Nuggets or just a guy? Ryan discusses everything to do with Peyton …

Ryan Blackburn breaks down the Denver Nuggets 2024-25 regular season schedule that came out earlier today. From national games, to back-to-backs, to the most important moments of the season, Ryan takes you through the schedule and shares his 10 elite games of the 2024-25 Nuggets regular season. BetOnline: USE CODE "BLEAV" FOR 50% OFF https://www.be…

In the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn discusses Team USA winning Gold over France in the 2024 Paris Olympics. Serbia won Bronze, led by Nikola Jokic. Ryan shares final Olympic takeaways before pivoting to Jokic: is he already a Top 10 player of all-time? The numbers and accolades say he isn't far off. Ryan discusses Jokic amongs…

Ryan Blackburn breaks down the Quarterfinals performances of Nikola Jokic and Serbia as well as Jamal Murray and Canada. Jokic was dominant and helped captain a major comeback over Australia. Murray, on the other hand, struggled to perform against France, and Canada lost to the home country. Ryan discusses how much the performances matter to the Nu…

Ryan Blackburn does a quick Olympics update for Nikola Jokic and Serbia, Jamal Murray and Canada, and Team USA's dominant 2-0 start. Then, he opens up the mailbag and answers questions from Pickaxe and Roll listeners about the Nuggets, contenders, Murray, basketball, and life.By Mile High Sports

Ryan Blackburn and Swipa go over Team USA's dominant performance against Serbia in the first game of the group stage of the 2024 Paris Olympics. Nikola Jokic played well, but between LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Stephen Curry, there were simply too many answers for Team USA. Ryan and Swipa discuss the game, then they go over some other results f…

Ryan Blackburn discusses the end of Denver Nuggets Summer League and final takeaways for Julian Strawther, Trey Alexander, and more. Then, Ryan builds a rotation for the audience using Russell Westbrook, Dario Saric, and other new additions to the squad. Can the Nuggets build a championship caliber lineup around Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray? Ryan …

Ryan Blackburn and Swipa shared their extended thoughts on Russell Westbrook and his fit with the Denver Nuggets after news broke of his intention to sign with the Nuggets on Thursday. They go over the losses and additions to the Nuggets roster, including Westbrook and Dario Saric, and answer whether the Nuggets are still top contenders in the West…

Ryan Blackburn breaks down the latest Russell Westbrook to the Denver Nuggets rumor, discusses the holdups, and makes a prediction for what the Los Angeles Clippers will do. Ryan shares his thoughts on the Nuggets depth chart. He also goes over Denver's 0-2 start in Las Vegas Summer League and how Julian Strawther and others are faring in their Nug…

Ryan Blackburn reacts to the horrific news from the Denver Nuggets Summer League opener that DaRon Holmes suffered a torn achilles tendon in his left ankle. Ryan discusses what happened and what's next for Holmes and the Nuggets. Then, he goes over Denver's 88-78 loss to the Clippers and how other players performed.…

Ryan Blackburn discusses a sketchy rumor about Gary Trent Jr. and when/if the Russell Westbrook move will happen. Then, he previews Las Vegas Summer League for the Denver Nuggets. Who are the important players to watch? When are the Nuggets playing? What's at stake for the Nuggets this year? Ryan shares his thoughts on Jalen Pickett, Julian Strawth…

Ryan Blackburn discusses how the Jamal Murray contract extension talks have stagnated a bit, despite being initially reported as expected to get done. Why hasn't the extension become official yet? What are Murray and the Denver Nuggets waiting for? How do the Paris Olympics factor into negotiations? Ryan breaks down his reporting and perspective on…

The Denver Nuggets have finally made a roster addition, signing Dario Saric away from the Golden State Warriors to be a big man off the bench. Ryan Blackburn discusses why the Nuggets went after Saric, what the team's rotation will look like next season with Saric out there, and what's next for the team this summer.…

Ryan Blackburn discusses the latest news and updates around the Denver Nuggets in Free Agency. The Nuggets still have 12 reported players on their roster and are hoping to make more additions, possibly including Russell Westbrook. Will the current Los Angeles Clippers guard be traded to the Nuggets? Who else is coming to Denver? Ryan discusses the …

Ryan Blackburn reacts to the news that Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is signing a 3-year, $66 million deal with the Orlando Magic. The Denver Nuggets lose their starting shooting guard and will look to replace him organically, headlined by the ascension of Christian Braun into the starting lineup. Are the Nuggets making the right decision? Is Braun read…

On the latest episode of Weekends with Swipa, Ryan Blackburn and Swipa go over all the crazy rumors, signings, and trade ideas that have happened in the last week for the Denver Nuggets. Is the Paul George or Klay Thompson rumor real? Are the Nuggets going to lose Kentavious Caldwell-Pope? Will they trade Zeke Nnaji? Ryan and Swipa make some predic…

Ryan Blackburn discusses a litany of moves made today, including Reggie Jackson getting traded, along with three second round picks, to the Charlotte Hornets in a pure salary dump. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope officially opted out of his contract, so could Jackson's money be used to help re-sign Caldwell-Pope? Ryan also discusses the reported four-year…

Ryan Blackburn reacts to the Denver Nuggets trading up to select Dayton center DaRon Holmes II with the 22nd pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Holmes is a perfect fit, and Nuggets general manager Calvin Booth ensured the Nuggets got their guy by trading multiple second round picks to secure Holmes. Ryan discusses the pick, what Holmes' role could look li…

Ryan Blackburn discusses at least 25 names the Denver Nuggets could add through a Trade or Free Agency. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is the first priority, but what happens if he leaves? How can the Nuggets fill his starting shooting guard spot? Could they trade for a wing like Bogdan Bogdanovic or Kevin Huerter? What about signing a new backup point g…

Ryan Blackburn is joined by Crown Hoops NBA Draft Analyst and Denver Nuggets fan CTFazio in a two-part podcast. In Part 2, Ryan and CT go over various point guard, shooting guard, and big wing prospects that the Nuggets might select in the 2024 NBA Draft next week. They also make predictions on what the Nuggets actually do with the 28th and 56th pi…

Ryan Blackburn is joined by Crown Hoops NBA Draft Analyst and Denver Nuggets fan CTFazio in a two-part podcast. In Part 1, Ryan and CT go over the 2024 NBA Draft and preview some of the most interesting prospects at the top of the draft. They also discuss the best candidates at Backup Center the Nuggets can find with the 28th overall pick.…

Ryan Blackburn reacts to the end of the 2023-24 NBA season that saw the Boston Celtics win the NBA Finals over the Dallas Mavericks. Why didn't the Denver Nuggets win it? What other takeaways were there from the season? Then, Ryan goes over the 2024-25 favorites and what to expect from teams taking the next step. Finally, he discusses the bench min…

Ryan Blackburn goes over the rise of the Boston Celtics, how they built their roster, and what the Denver Nuggets can learn from their success. Ryan discusses Denver's limited trade assets and future draft picks before debating whether a Nuggets vs Celtics NBA Finals is still possible after some missed opportunities.…

On the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn discusses the Denver Nuggets search for a roster upgrade this off-season. After losing Bruce Brown last year, the Nuggets missed everything he provided to the playoff rotation. The Nuggets didn't truly replace him last year. Will they make the same mistake this year? Ryan discusses the need …

(Recorded on Thursday afternoon LIVE from L'Eagle Denver) The NBA Finals are here, and the Denver Nuggets are sitting on the sidelines after a disappointing end to the season. What can the Nuggets learn from the Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks as they clash in the NBA Finals. How can the Nuggets look to improve the bench, and what does the NBA'…

Ryan Blackburn discusses the Denver Nuggets offseason and presents several fake trade ideas from Nuggets fans. Do they make the Nuggets better or worse? How does the new CBA and the second tax apron affect what the Nuggets can do? Ryan goes over all of the details, discusses trades involving Zeke Nnaji, Reggie Jackson, Michael Porter Jr., and other…

In the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn goes through the veterans on the roster in his final Season-In-Review episode for the week. Aaron Gordon and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope were exactly what the Nuggets needed, but what about the other veterans? Reggie Jackson? Justin Holiday? DeAndre Jordan? Did the Nuggets have enough veteran t…

Ryan Blackburn goes over the 2023-24 seasons for the Denver Nuggets young guys. Prospects Christian Braun, Peyton Watson, Zeke Nnaji, Julian Strawther, Jalen Pickett, and Hunter Tyson played varying roles for the Nuggets, and all are under contract for next season. Which players impressed? Which players regressed? Is there a future starter among th…

Ryan Blackburn begin Season In Review content for Pickaxe and Roll with evaluations for Denver Nuggets Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Michael Porter Jr. as the team stars. Did the trio meet expectations? Where can they be better? Most importantly of all, can they be the leading trio on a championship team? Ryan discusses it all with a realistic lo…

On the latest episode of Weekends with Swipa, Ryan Blackburn and Swipa go over the latest comments from Calvin Booth, Josh Kroenke, and Michael Malone on the future of the Denver Nuggets. Will there be major changes going forward? What's up with the free agency of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope? How do the Nuggets become better prepared for the playoffs …

Ryan Blackburn shares his thoughts on the end of the 2023-24 NBA Season for the Denver Nuggets. What were the moments worth remembering? What moments were forgettable? Ryan discusses the plan heading into the season and whether there were problems from the outset. Did Nuggets general manager Calvin Booth do the right thing by going young? Ryan goes…

Ryan Blackburn reacts to the Denver Nuggets stunning 98-90 Game 7 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Nuggets led by 20 points early in the fourth quarter before an offensive collapse led to a competitive fourth quarter. The Timberwolves, led by Anthony Edwards, simply made more plays than the Nuggets. Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic showed up fo…

Ryan Blackburn previews Sunday's Game 7 matchup between the Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves. The Nuggets hosted practice on Saturday, and Ryan discusses what was said and what went down. After that, he goes through the Nuggets history of Game 7's. Then, Ryan shares his keys to victory for Sunday night, what Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, Mic…

Ryan Blackburn reacts to the Denver Nuggets 115-70 blowout loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 6 as the series evens up at 3-3. Nuggets-Timberwolves will go to Game 7 on Sunday. Ryan discusses the struggles of Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr., and the bench regressing to the mean on the road. Nikola Jokic was fine, but even a spectacular Jok…

Ryan Blackburn reacts to the Denver Nuggets 112-97 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 5 to take a 3-2 lead in the playoff series. Nikola Jokic was incredible with 40 points, 13 assists, and zero turnovers after receiving his third MVP award pregame. Jokic attacked Rudy Gobert, Karl-Anthony Towns, Naz Reid, and every player in front of him …

On the latest episode of Weekends with Swipa, Ryan Blackburn and Swipa react to the Denver Nuggets crucial Game 4 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. Nikola Jokic was spectacular, Aaron Gordon was immaculate, and Jamal Murray hit the biggest shot of the game, a halfcourt buzzer beater, to propel the Nuggets to a tied series. What happens next? Can…

Ryan Blackburn reacts to the Denver Nuggets big 117-90 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves to take Game 3 and make this matchup a series. Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic bounced back in a major way, Michael Porter Jr. was back to his efficient shooting ways, and the Nuggets defense contained Anthony Edwards and the T'Wolves nicely. Can Denver use thi…

Ryan Blackburn reacts to the announcement of Nikola Jokic winning his third MVP of the last four seasons, one of the most dominant runs of any player in NBA history. Ryan discusses Jokic's place among the NBA Greats, then he looks more closely at Game 3 and how the Nuggets can get back into their series against the Minnesota Timberwolves.…

Ryan Blackburn reacts to the epic meltdown last night as the Denver Nuggets lost 106-80 to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Jamal Murray was horrible and chucked a heat pack on the floor. Nikola Jokic was flustered all night by the size/physicality of the T'Wolves defense. Michael Malone nearly tried to fight Marc Davis. It was a no good, very bad day f…

Ryan Blackburn reacts to the Denver Nuggets 106-99 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 1. Anthony Edwards was incredible. Nikola Jokic was merely good. Jamal Murray was held scoreless in the first half. The Nuggets had chances to win the game at the end, but the Timberwolves outplayed Denver in clutch time decisively. Ryan goes over what hap…

The Denvengers are back! Ryan Blackburn, Swipa, Adam Mares, and Matt Moore combine forces to preview the upcoming playoff series between the Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves. Will Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray continue to dominate in the two-man game? Can the Nuggets slow down Anthony Edwards? Who will be the X-Factors for each team? The f…