Vinny Benedetto of the Denver Gazette joins Ryan Blackburn to discuss the first Denver Nuggets preseason game. They share thoughts about the starters before taking stock in Denver's bench options to begin the 2023-24 NBA season. From Christian Braun and Peyton Watson to Zeke Nnaji and Julian Strawther, there's much to discuss about the Nuggets bench this year. Finally, they share thoughts on the newest ESPN NBA player ranking list and where Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr., and Aaron Gordon resi...
Oct 12, 2023•59 min•Ep. 550
Ryan Blackburn breaks down what happened in the Denver Nuggets preseason opener, a 115-107 win over the Phoenix Suns. Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray were back on the court. Julian Strawther impressed with 20 points off the bench. Zeke Nnaji had 17 points and played some good defense. Ryan breaks it all down in the first game recap episode of the 2023-24 NBA season.
Oct 11, 2023•40 min•Ep. 549
Ryan Blackburn shares his thoughts on the Denver Nuggets ahead of their first preseason game of 2023-24 against the Phoenix Suns. The Suns have put together of a new Big 3 in Bradley Beal, Devin Booker, and Kevin Durant. They will be out for revenge against the Nuggets at some point this season. Ryan goes over some matchups, health questions for Michael Porter Jr., Jamal Murray, and Christian Braun, and discusses what the Nuggets are hoping to accomplish on Tuesday night.
Oct 10, 2023•30 min•Ep. 548
Ryan Blackburn breaks down the best starting lineups around the NBA, focusing on contenders and what they bring to the table. The Denver Nuggets won the championship last season with an emphasis on their starting five. Do Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray carry the day? Do the Boston Celtics have the best lineup with new additions Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis? What about the Milwaukee Bucks with Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo? Ryan breaks down several lineups and shares his takes....
Oct 06, 2023•24 min•Ep. 547
Ryan Blackburn opens up the Pickaxe and Roll podcast mailbag and answers questions from listeners about the Denver Nuggets. Is Peyton Watson going to benefit the most from Nikola Jokic this season? Which of the rookies is most likely to see playing time this season? Who will Michael Malone trust on the bench unit? Why are the Los Angeles Lakers crying so much on social media? A true mystery! Ryan answers several questions before breaking down his thoughts on Day 2 of Nuggets Training Camp from a...
Oct 05, 2023•42 min•Ep. 546
Ryan Blackburn shares his thoughts on Denver Nuggets training camp from afar through the lens of the three rookies suiting up in the NBA for the first time. Jalen Pickett, Julian Strawther, and Hunter Tyson were all selected by the Nuggets to play a role sooner rather than later. Can head coach Michael Malone trust those players to make the right plays? Which rookie is ready to go right now? Which rookie is the best fit? Could one of Pickett, Strawther, or Tyson play in the playoffs like Christi...
Oct 04, 2023•32 min•Ep. 545
Ryan Blackburn shares his takeaways from Denver Nuggets Media Day. As the Nuggets prepare to defend their 2023 NBA championship title, they will face challenges recreating the magic of the previous season. From a new bench, to the loss of Bruce Brown, to other contenders making key upgrades, Ryan shares what the Nuggets said on Monday and what it means for the 2023-24 NBA season.
Oct 03, 2023•47 min•Ep. 544
Ryan Blackburn wraps up his series looking back at the Denver Nuggets 2022-23 NBA season by revisiting the NBA Finals against Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, and the Miami Heat. How did Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray respond to the pressures of their first Finals? Really, really strongly. Ryan goes over the details of each game, fun moments, and how the Nuggets were able to win their first NBA title. Then, Ryan wraps up with a closer look at Nuggets Media Day and some burning questions he has for the ...
Sep 30, 2023•50 min•Ep. 543
Ryan Blackburn goes over the details of the 2022-23 NBA Western Conference Finals between the Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Lakers. He goes back over individual plays, moments, and schemes deployed in what was possibly the most important playoff series in Nuggets franchise history. From Nikola Jokić's greatness to Jamal Murray's leap to superstardom, the Nuggets found a way to sweep LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Lakers. Than, Ryan shares his final thoughts on Damian Lillard and being a small...
Sep 29, 2023•40 min•Ep. 542
Ryan Blackburn breaks down and assesses the Damian Lillard trade to the Milwaukee Bucks that also sent Jrue Holiday and Deandre Ayton to the Portland Trail Blazers as well as Jusuf Nurkic to the Phoenix Suns. Are the Bucks the new NBA title favorites? Did the Blazers get enough for Lillard? Did the Suns get any better? What the heck happened to the Miami Heat? Ryan reacts, then continues his series of watching the 2022-23 Nuggets playoff run. Today, he helped Nuggets fans re-live the series matc...
Sep 28, 2023•45 min•Ep. 541
Ryan Blackburn continues his trip down memory lane with a closer look at the 2022-23 Denver Nuggets first round playoff series against Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Nuggets won the series 4-1, and there were several important moments for Nuggets fans to remember. Go back with Ryan to revisit 40 points from Jamal Murray in Game 2, a near historic Game 4 comeback, and the closeout performance from Nikola Jokić in Game 5.
Sep 27, 2023•34 min•Ep. 540
In this episode, Ryan Blackburn highlights the best games, fun moments, and most important parts of the Denver Nuggets 2022-23 regular season. Going chronologically, Ryan goes all the way back to a preseason dunk, a halfcourt heave from Vlatko Čančar, a Jamal Murray game winner against the Portland Trail Blazers, a historic outing from Nikola Jokić, and much, much more. What regular season moment along the road to the first championship in Nuggets franchise history was your favorite?
Sep 26, 2023•48 min•Ep. 539
Ryan Blackburn and SwipaCam discussed Part 2 of Ryan’s two-part list of the Top 100 Players in the NBA in 2023. In the second part, they discuss players ranked from 50 to 1, and you don’t want to miss Swipa’s reactions to Ryan’s Top 30. From Nikola Jokić and Stephen Curry, to Devin Booker and Kawhi Leonard, to Pascal Siakam and Domantas Sabonis, Swipa gives his honest and impassioned takes on Ryan’s Top 50 players in the NBA today.
Sep 23, 2023•50 min•Ep. 538
The NBA is loaded with talent. Ryan Blackburn and SwipaCam discussed Part 1 of Ryan’s two-part list of the Top 100 Players in the NBA. They discuss players ranked from 100 to 51, as well as players ranked outside of the top 100 that should have been in the list. Does Alperun Sengun deserve to be left off? Is Gabe Vincent ranked too high? Why is Ryan overrating Jalen Green? What about Deandre Ayton and Michael Porter Jr.? They discuss those names and more on Pickaxe and Roll.
Sep 23, 2023•39 min•Ep. 537
Denver Nuggets rookie Jalen Pickett sat down with Ryan Blackburn to discuss his journey to the NBA. From growing up in Rochester, New York, to transferring from Siena to Penn State after three years of college, to his NBA Draft night experience, Pickett opens up about life and basketball. What does "Whoop" mean? Is Booty Ball here to stay? Why are mock drafts so funny? Ryan and Jalen discuss many topics in this sitdown interview.
Sep 21, 2023•25 min•Ep. 536
Ryan Blackburn shares his thoughts on second-year wing/forward Peyton Watson in Part 6 of the 20 Questions preview series for the Denver Nuggets in the 2023-24 NBA season. Will Watson find a consistent role in the Nuggets rotation this season? Then, Ryan breaks down the new resting policy for the NBA and what it means for the Nuggets.
Sep 14, 2023•41 min•Ep. 535
Ryan Blackburn discusses underrated veteran wing Justin Holiday and what he can add to the Denver Nuggets roster in Part 5 of the 20 Questions preview series. Then, Ryan discusses the FIBA World Cup results and what they mean for the USA, Serbia, Canada, and others. Finally, he goes over an epic football weekend in Colorado sports, reacting to the Colorado Buffaloes success and Denver Broncos almost success.
Sep 12, 2023•35 min•Ep. 534
Ryan Blackburn teases a special announcement before ranking the top 10 centers in the NBA today. Nikola Jokić and Joel Embiid continue to vie for the top spot, but who else ranks among the best at the position? Can older veterans like Rudy Gobert and Brook Lopez hold off younger centers like Bam Adebayo, Deandre Ayton, and Alperun Sengun? Ryan shares his rankings and explanations before discussing Nuggets backup center Zeke Nnaji in greater detail.
Sep 06, 2023•47 min•Ep. 533
Ryan Blackburn ranks the Top 10 Power Forwards in the NBA, focusing on the depth at the position and the star power at the top. From Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kevin Durant to Zion Williamson and Draymond Green, this is one of the strongest eras at power forward in a long time. Where does the Denver Nuggets' own Aaron Gordon rank among his peers at the power forward. Ryan discusses, then answers some questions from the Pickaxe and Roll Mailbag.
Aug 31, 2023•44 min•Ep. 532
Ryan Blackburn continues his 20 Questions Series with Part 4, focusing on Denver Nuggets backup point guard Reggie Jackson. Did Jackson get a fair opportunity to claim the backup gig last year? Is there reason to believe he will be better suited for the task this season instead? Ryan goes over the numbers, the comparisons, and the expectations for Jackson heading into the 2023-24 NBA season. Then, Ryan checks in on the FIBA World Cup and how Team USA, Canada, Serbia, and others are faring....
Aug 29, 2023•34 min•Ep. 531
In this episode, Ryan Blackburn breaks down the last four years of NBA hoops and discusses who the best NBA players have been in the 2020's so far. From Nikola Jokić, to Giannis Antetokounmpo, to Stephen Curry, to Luka Dončić, which players have been the best and will continue to be the best going forward? Ryan breaks it down in several categories, discusses different players, and projects the defining players of this generation. Then, Ryan goes over the biggest threats to the Denver Nuggets to ...
Aug 24, 2023•39 min•Ep. 530
In this episode, Ryan Blackburn asked Denver Nuggets fans what they want to see happen in the 2023-24 NBA season that DIDN'T happen for the Nuggets in the 2022-23 season. Nuggets fans shared their takes on Jamal Murray becoming an All-Star, Michael Porter Jr. dominating, and the bench guys stepping up. Then, Ryan ranks the Top 10 Small Forwards in the NBA, defined by players that also guard other small forwards (So, no LeBron James or Kevin Durant). Where does MPJ rank among Luka Doncic, Jayson ...
Aug 22, 2023•52 min•Ep. 529
Ryan Blackburn breaks down the release of the 2023-24 NBA regular season schedule while focusing on the Denver Nuggets. Did the NBA give the Nuggets a good schedule? Is it easy or difficult? Ryan breaks down the national television schedule, the back-to-backs, the home-road splits during each month, and the NBA's newest feature: In-Season Tournament. Then, Ryan ranks the top 10 most important Nuggets games based on his hyper advanced "Excitement Rating" system.
Aug 18, 2023•42 min•Ep. 528
In Part 2 of their podcast, Ryan Blackburn and Matt Moore (The Action Network) perform an All-Star Draft of the stars around the NBA that will be traded the soonest. With rumors of James Harden and Damian Lillard constantly making waves, there are several stars around the NBA that could also leave their current teams for various reasons. From Joel Embiid to Paul George to Zion Williamson, which stars are the likeliest to be dealt in the coming years? Ryan and Matt make their predictions.
Aug 17, 2023•47 min•Ep. 527
Ryan Blackburn and Matt Moore (The Action Network) break down the entire NBA, sharing some takes on Matt's new NBA Top 100 Players list, from debates at the top of the list with Nikola Jokić and Giannis Antetokounmpo, to the All-Star categories featuring Jamal Murray and Tyrese Haliburton. Matt drops fiery takes about Joel Embiid and Lauri Markkanen as well. Is Matt right to be lower on Michael Porter Jr.? What about Ryan's belief in Trae Young? They discuss and debate.
Aug 17, 2023•50 min•Ep. 526
Ryan Blackburn discusses the latest situation between James Harden, Daryl Morey, and the Philadelphia 76ers featuring yet another trade demand. Then, he focuses on Christian Braun, the energetic Denver Nuggets wing entering his second year in the 2023-24 NBA season. What will Christian Braun be for the Nuggets in the coming years? Can he replace sixth man Bruce Brown in the championship rotation immediately? Can Braun even become a starter in the coming years for the Nuggets? Ryan discusses Brau...
Aug 15, 2023•37 min•Ep. 525
Ryan Blackburn reacts to the news that the Denver Nuggets will open the entire NBA regular season against the Los Angeles Lakers on October 24th. Nikola Jokić, Jamal Murray, and the Nuggets will receive their championship rings while LeBron James and Anthony Davis look on. Are the Nuggets and Lakers considered a rivalry in today's NBA? Ryan discusses the opener, as well as the Nuggets' impending Christmas day matchup against the Golden State Warriors. From there, Ryan ranks both current and hist...
Aug 12, 2023•35 min•Ep. 524
Ryan Blackburn continues his 20 Questions series on Pickaxe and Roll. In Part 2 of the 20-part series, Ryan discusses Aaron Gordon and his role with the Denver Nuggets. Why were Gordon and the Nuggets such a great fit together? What allowed Gordon to become the best version of himself in the playoffs? Ryan talks about Gordon, offers five comparisons for his game, and discusses his contract situation. From there, he answers what it would take for Gordon to make an All-Defensive team next season....
Aug 10, 2023•36 min•Ep. 523
Ryan Blackburn reacts to the news of Denver Nuggets forward Vlatko Čančar suffering a torn ACL while playing for Slovenia in preparation for the FIBA World Cup later this month. Ryan then ranks the top 10 shooting guards in the NBA, ranging from Devin Booker and Donovan Mitchell to James Harden and Jaylen Brown. Which stars deserve to be at the top? Which surprising names were left off the list? Ryan discusses the shooting guards in-depth.
Aug 08, 2023•38 min•Ep. 522
Ryan Blackburn breaks down his list of the top 10 point guards in the NBA heading into the 2023-24 season based entirely on how positively they impact their respective teams in the regular season and the playoffs. Can anyone challenge Stephen Curry at the top of the list? Where does Jamal Murray rank next to other up-and-coming point guards like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Ja Morant, and Tyrese Haliburton? Where do older stalwarts like Damian Lillard, Chris Paul, and Kyrie Irving rank? Ryan discuss...
Aug 01, 2023•42 min•Ep. 521
