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 Nuggets can bounce back after a disappointing finish the previous year? Is Malone actually in the hot seat? Ryan discusses it all. BETONLINE: Play the...
Sep 04, 2024•37 min•Ep. 698
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.
Aug 30, 2024•41 min•Ep. 697
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 improved MPJ would improve Denver's title odds as well.
Aug 28, 2024•33 min•Ep. 696
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 CTFazio joins to break down what the versatile forward will bring to the table, as well as important bench lineup combinations for the Nuggets to explor...
Aug 23, 2024•43 min•Ep. 695
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 Watson and what he means for the Nuggets this year.
Aug 21, 2024•36 min•Ep. 694
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.betonline.ag
Aug 16, 2024•37 min•Ep. 692
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 amongst the greats, then he discusses a key factor in Denver's ongoing success: health. BetOnline: USE CODE "BLEAV" FOR 50% OFF https://www.betonline.ag...
Aug 13, 2024•45 min•Ep. 692
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 Nuggets, what's next for Jokic against Team USA, and more. BetOnline: USE CODE "BLEAV" FOR 50% OFF https://www.betonline.ag...
Aug 07, 2024•51 min•Ep. 691
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.
Aug 01, 2024•53 min•Ep. 690
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 from around the Olympics, including Jamal Murray and Team Canada winning against Giannis Antetokounmpo and Greece.
Jul 28, 2024•58 min•Ep. 689
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 goes over the details and asks some important questions of Michael Malone as well.
Jul 24, 2024•45 min•Ep. 688
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 Western Conference. Finally, they go over Las Vegas Summer League takes about Julian Strawther, Jalen Pickett, and Trey Alexander.
Jul 19, 2024•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 687
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 Nuggets audition.
Jul 16, 2024•47 min•Ep. 686
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.
Jul 13, 2024•37 min•Ep. 685
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 Strawther, Hunter Tyson, rookie DaRon Holmes, and other players participating for the team this year.
Jul 12, 2024•47 min•Ep. 684
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 situation.
Jul 09, 2024•32 min•Ep. 683
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.
Jul 07, 2024•42 min•Ep. 682
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 names, the plan of attack for Denver, and rookie DaRon Holmes' press conference.
Jul 03, 2024•43 min•Ep. 681
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 ready for the job? Why did KCP leave in the first place? Ryan discusses all of that, as well as what's next for the Nuggets in free agency.
Jul 01, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 680
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 predictions and discuss some fake trade ideas.
Jun 29, 2024•50 min•Ep. 679
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, $209 million extension between Jamal Murray and the Nuggets. Good deal? Bad deal? Let's talk about it. Finally, Creighton guard Trey Alexander and C...
Jun 28, 2024•46 min•Ep. 678
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 like in 2024-25 and beyond, and Booth's comments on Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and his free agency.
Jun 27, 2024•48 min•Ep. 677
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 guard like Russell Westbrook or Chris Paul? Ryan goes through a variety of scenarios and makes some predictions.
Jun 25, 2024•47 min•Ep. 676
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 picks.
Jun 21, 2024•35 min•Ep. 675
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.
Jun 20, 2024•46 min•Ep. 674
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 minutes and the one thing the Nuggets have never tried: staggering Nikola Jokic.
Jun 19, 2024•48 min•Ep. 673
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.
Jun 15, 2024•43 min•Ep. 672
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 for a strong Sixth Man, options at combo guard in Free Agency and the NBA Draft, and whether the Nuggets will use the 28th overall pick this year....
Jun 12, 2024•47 min•Ep. 671
(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's new media rights deals mean for basketball fans everywhere? Ryan Blackburn breaks it down this episode of Pickaxe and Roll from L'Eagle Denver....
Jun 08, 2024•35 min•Ep. 671
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 others. Jake Coyne's Denver Nuggets offseason preview...
Jun 05, 2024•57 min•Ep. 670
