Pickaxe and Roll - podcast cover

Pickaxe and Roll

Mile High Sports, Bleavbleav.com
Ryan Blackburn from MileHighSports.com brings you the latest news and analysis for the Denver Nuggets on every episode, including some of the best guests from around the NBA.
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Episodes

Are Zion and the Pelicans the new kings of the Southwest division?

Ryan Blackburn breaks down the movers and shakers of the Southwest division, covering the Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets, Memphis Grizzlies, New Orleans Pelicans, and San Antonio Spurs. Which team will reign supreme next year? Which matchups will give the Nuggets the most trouble? What are the best bets for end-of-season awards? Ryan discusses it all.

Aug 10, 202240 minEp. 310

Will Michael Porter Jr. ever reach his full potential?

Ryan Blackburn breaks down the past, present, and future of Michael Porter Jr. in a Denver Nuggets uniform. He focuses on MPJ's last healthy season, his most pivotal moments so far, and what the Nuggets can expect from him following his back injury. Will MPJ return to normal and reach his potential? Or will his story be more complicated than that?

Aug 08, 202244 minEp. 309

Talent Rankings for the West + Marvel Movies

Ryan Blackburn discusses the article he put together ranking the most talented teams in the Western Conference, focusing on the methodology, the top contenders, and where the Nuggets rank. Then, Ryan rants a bit about Marvel movies and why the MCU (Captain America, Iron Man, Thor, etc.) are legitimately good for the movie industry.

Aug 05, 202246 minEp. 308

Will the Nuggets dominate the Southeast Division again?

Ryan Blackburn breaks down the biggest moves made in the Southeast Division. Between the Atlanta Hawks, Charlotte Hornets, Miami Heat, Orlando Magic, and Washington Wizards, which team will be the best? Which team will give the Nuggets the most trouble? Which awards might be won by a Southeast player? Ryan shares his thoughts on each team and their matchups with the Nuggets next season.

Aug 03, 202243 minEp. 307

The best is yet to come for Jamal Murray

Ryan Blackburn hones in Denver Nuggets players during the offseason to evaluate what makes them special for the Nuggets and their fans. Up first: Jamal Murray, who lost two playoff runs to an ACL tear and is on his way back to the court. Ryan breaks down where Murray was before he went down and where he can still go when he gets back on the court. Then, Ryan laments the injury to Collin Gillespie and the death of NBA legend Bill Russell.

Aug 01, 202239 minEp. 306

Adam Mares on Nuggets chemistry + the animals he would beat in a fight

Ryan Blackburn brings on Adam Mares of DNVR to discuss his upcoming trip to Serbia and the impact Nikola Jokić has had on everyone around the Denver Nuggets. They also discuss the starting lineup chemistry and some potential pitfalls with different players introduced (or re-introduced) to the rotation. Finally, they have some fun discussing which animals they could beat in a fight.

Jul 29, 20221 hr 5 minEp. 305

The present and future of the Northwest Division

Ryan Blackburn breaks down each of the teams in the Northwest Division. How do the Nuggets, Timberwolves, Thunder, Blazers, and Jazz stack up in the present and future? Who is the best player? The best prospect? Which team has the best chance to win a championship?

Jul 27, 202239 minEp. 304

Denver Nuggets 2022-23 rotation preview

Ryan Blackburn previews the Denver Nuggets rotation for the 2022-23 season, including the wrinkles involved when Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. are forced to rest. How will the Nuggets approach the beginning of the season? What will they look like when they're fully healthy. Ryan shares his thoughts on several lineup combinations, including Denver's most important groups for both the regular season and the playoffs.

Jul 25, 202245 minEp. 303

The moments when the Nuggets will be BACK

Ryan Blackburn discusses the improvements the Denver Nuggets made to their defense, focusing on Nikola Jokić and his limitations, and whether it will make a tangible difference to Denver's playoff chances. Then, he discusses the impending moments in the 2022-23 season when the Nuggets will feel either back to normal or better than ever.

Jul 22, 202235 minEp. 302

Jeff Morton on Nuggets roadblocks + Best shows to stream right now

Ryan Blackburn brings on Jeff Morton, podcast coordinator of Mile High Sports and host of the CSG podcast, to talk Denver Nuggets and other things. They go over Summer League as well as the biggest roadblocks the Nuggets have to winning a title next season. Then, they go over some shows they've been streaming lately like The Boys and why it may be the best medium for entertainment.

Jul 20, 20221 hr 11 minEp. 301

Summer League Takeaways + Where do Nuggets fans go now?

Ryan Blackburn reacts to the Denver Nuggets fifth and final Summer League game in Las Vegas before sharing his final takeaways on Christian Braun, Peyton Watson, Ismael Kamagate, and more. Ryan also discusses the signing of Jack White to the final two-way contract slot. Then, what do Nuggets fans do now that Summer League is over? Ryan shares his plans for the next couple months.

Jul 18, 202238 minEp. 300

Durant, Mitchell, and Ayton are shifting West hierarchy

Ryan Blackburn shares his thoughts on each Denver Nuggets draft pick at Summer League and handicaps the race for the final two-way roster spot. Then, Ryan discusses the large scale movement around the NBA and how it's shaping the Western Conference title race. From Kevin Durant, to Donovan Mitchell, to Deandre Ayton, there are no shortage of storylines.

Jul 15, 202249 minEp. 299

Altitude-Comcast dispute rages on + In-Season tournament takes

Ryan Blackburn discusses the news of the failed mediation hearing between Altitude and Comcast and the blackout ramifications for Denver Nuggets fans and watchers everywhere. Then, he discusses the impending take foul rule change and the possible in-season tournament, including why it's a good idea. Finally, Ryan answers some mailbag questions that were honorable mentions for Wednesday's article.

Jul 13, 202244 minEp. 298

Reacting to Nuggets first two Summer League games

Ryan Blackburn shares his thoughts on the top Denver Nuggets rotation players in Summer League after the first two games. From Christian Braun's role player traits, to Peyton Watson's highs and lows, to Jack White?! Ryan discusses candidates for Denver's final two-way contract before discussing the positive Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. tidbits coming out of Summer League.

Jul 11, 202239 minEp. 297

Previewing the Summer League Denver Nuggets

Ryan Blackburn discusses what happened at Denver Nuggets Summer League practice on Tuesday, headlined by a surprise appearance from Jamal Murray. Ryan then previews Summer League by going over the top players on Denver's roster ahead of their first game on Friday. Then, some thoughts on what the Nuggets will look like when fully healthy again.

Jul 06, 202240 minEp. 296

Was the Denver Nuggets offseason good enough?

Ryan Blackburn discusses the Denver Nuggets offseason moves in their entirety now that the entire league has mostly settled down (save for the Brooklyn stars). What did the Nuggets exchange from 2021-22 to 2022-23 outside of potentially better health? Ryan shares his thoughts, then some discussion on the Western Conference as a whole and where Denver ranks within that hierarchy.

Jul 04, 202239 minEp. 295

Calvin Booth signs Bruce Brown from the top rope!

Ryan Blackburn reacts to the Denver Nuggets signing Brooklyn Nets wing Brown Brown to a one-year deal with a player option on the second season, effectively saving Denver's entire plan for the bench this offseason. Brown will give the Nuggets endless utility and lineup combinations to use throughout the regular season and playoffs. Then, Ryan reacts to the Kevin Durant stuff, Rudy Gobert to Minnesota, and the Golden State Warriors getting worse.

Jul 02, 202240 minEp. 294

Nuggets sign DeAndre Jordan, fail first day of free agency

Ryan Blackburn reacts to the Denver Nuggets moves in free agency as they sign Nikola Jokić to a supermax extension, re-sign Davon Reed, and then sign DeAndre Jordan for the veteran minimum. After telling fans they would be aggressive in improving their defense, the Nuggets signed...DeAndre Jordan. Ryan laments the moves and discusses another round of targets for the taxpayer midlevel exception. Then, he reacts to some of the other signings in free agency.

Jul 01, 202238 minEp. 293

TRADE: Nuggets acquire KCP and Ish Smith for Monte Morris and Will Barton

Ryan Blackburn reacts to the Denver Nuggets trading Will Barton and Monte Morris to the Washington Wizards for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Ish Smith. The Nuggets are acquiring a 3&D upgrade on the wing at the cost of some stability at point guard. Ryan discusses the fit of KCP and Ish with the Nuggets roster, as well as how the trade affects the rest of Denver's free agency plans. Then, Ryan sends off Barton and Morris, two valuable veterans in the Nuggets organization.

Jun 29, 202243 minEp. 292

Meeting the Nuggets rookies + Big NBA rumors

Ryan Blackburn recaps the Denver Nuggets media availability for three rookies they drafted: Christian Braun, Peyton Watson, and Ismael Kamagate. All three were authentic and willing to answer every question thoughtfully, and Nuggets fans should be more excited about this class as a result. Then, Ryan goes over the big free agency rumors around the NBA from Kyrie Irving to a Dejounte Murray/John Collins swap to John Wall going to the LA Clippers.

Jun 28, 202236 minEp. 291

Updated list of Nuggets free agency and trade targets

Ryan Blackburn discusses where the Denver Nuggets 2022-23 roster stands after the draft and before free agency. The additions of three rookies clarified some of Denver's goals as well as their resources to achieve their goals. Now, the Nuggets have a clear path forward to get better, as well as some updated targets in free agency and trades.

Jun 27, 202246 minEp. 290

Gordon Gross on Christian Braun, Peyton Watson, and the Nuggets 2022 NBA Draft

Ryan Blackburn and Gordon Gross, senior writer for Denver Stiffs, break down the Denver Nuggets 2022 NBA Draft picks: Christian Braun, Peyton Watson, and Ismael Kamagate (as well as Collin Gillespie on a two-way contract). They discuss what they liked and didn't like about the way the Nuggets handled draft night. Then, they went through scouting reports on each of the new additions and what Nuggets fans can expect to see now and going forward.

Jun 24, 20221 hr 16 minEp. 289

Brendan Vogt on final Nuggets draft prep, free agency fireworks, and fandom

Ryan Blackburn and Brendan Vogt, DNVR Nuggets connoisseur, shares their final thoughts on the 2022 NBA Draft before it happens and how it will affect the Nuggets. They also discuss the big NBA rumors and what they're excited to watch in free agency. Then, they talk about the evolution of fandom and local media and how it's affecting basketball coverage.

Jun 22, 20221 hr 7 minEp. 288

MarJon Beauchamp impresses in workouts + big NBA rumors

Ryan Blackburn shares his thoughts on MarJon Beauchamp and Trevion Williams after both attended a pre-draft workout with the Nuggets on Monday. Beauchamp reportedly impressed the Nuggets and appears to be a great fit. Ryan shares his top five Nuggets draft prospects before discussing some of the more interesting NBA rumors out there.

Jun 21, 202234 minEp. 287

Nuggets 2022 NBA Draft night predictions

Ryan Blackburn discusses some of the news and notes around the Denver Nuggets, from Nikola Jokić committing to the Serbian National Team for EuroBasket to trade rumors for Monte Morris, Will Barton, and Denver's draft picks. Then, Ryan makes his official Nuggets draft night predictions, including the player Denver will acquire to be next season's starter at shooting guard.

Jun 20, 202234 minEp. 286

CTFazio on the NBA Draft + “Let’s Make a Deal!”

Ryan Blackburn brings on CrownHoops contributor and Nuggets Draft Twitter veteran CTFazio24 to discuss the Denver Nuggets acquiring the 30th pick and what it means for the off-season. They go in-depth on several prospects that they like and dislike. Then, they play "Let's Make a Deal!" where CT has to choose between three doors, behind which lay completely different Nuggets off-season draft, free agency, and trade scenarios.

Jun 16, 20221 hr 8 minEp. 285

Trade! Nuggets acquire 30th pick, send JaMychal Green to OKC

Ryan Blackburn breaks down the trade the Denver Nuggets made today with the Oklahoma City Thunder, sending JaMychal Green and a future first rounder to OKC for the 30th pick and two second rounders. Was this a good trade? What does it mean for the Nuggets going forward? Ryan breaks it all down, from big picture discussions to financial considerations and everything in between.

Jun 14, 202230 minEp. 284

Mailbag: NBA Draft and Nuggets Free Agency predictions

Ryan Blackburn discusses the news that Ryan Saunders, former Minnesota Timberwolves head coach, will be joining Michael Malone's coaching staff. Then, he goes through the mailbag, answering as many questions about the NBA Draft, free agency, and trades as an hour of time permits. He also makes a prediction of who Denver's starting shooting guard will be when it's all said and done.

Jun 13, 20221 hrEp. 283

The best wings in the 2022 NBA Draft, plus ‘Hustle’

Ryan Blackburn discusses the 2022 NBA Draft in-depth, sharing his perspective on the prospects at the top and some unique lottery talents. He also breaks down the most overrated and underrated prospects in the class, along with the players the experts see the Denver Nuggets selecting 21st overall. Finally, Ryan shares his thoughts on the entertaining basketball movie 'Hustle' with Adam Sandler and Juancho Hernangomez.

Jun 10, 202241 minEp. 282

Aniello Piro on new age sports talk, the Denver market, and red-headed stepchildren

Ryan Blackburn brings on Aniello Piro, digital media manager of Mile High Sports, to discuss the growth of MHS and adapting to new practices in sports media. Then, they touch on the Colorado Avalanche and Denver Broncos before discussing the Nuggets and the level of attention and care they've received from the city and from ownership.

Jun 08, 202244 minEp. 281
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