Pickaxe and Roll

On the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn goes over some of the lineup combinations the Denver Nuggets and head coach David Adelman have tried so far, emphasizing what he likes, what he doesn't, and what he still wants to see heading into the 2025-26 season. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn breaks down the 124-117 Denver Nuggets preseason win over the Chicago Bulls on Tuesday night. Jamal Murray had 30 points, showing his readiness for the regular season. The Nuggets entire starting unit looks great, while the bench showed some minor concerns. Ryan breaks it all down. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn reacts to the Denver Nuggets preseason win over the Los Angeles Clippers that showed how close the Nuggets are to regular season readiness. Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray set a good example, while Aaron Gordon returned to action and Christian Braun continued to shine. Ryan discusses the lineups, Jokic and Jonas Valanciunas lineups, three-point shooting, and much more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn discusses the report by Jake Fischer about the contract negotiations of Christian Braun and Peyton Watson. He also ranks the Western Conference before the season begins. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn discusses the trials that David Adelman will face as he embraces what it's like to be the head coach of the Denver Nuggets. Can he take the right steps for the Nuggets to win a championship? Ryan also discusses some important pivot players around the NBA this season. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn reacts to the Denver Nuggets preseason win over the Toronto Raptors on Monday night. Jamal Murray and Christian Braun reached impressive levels, and Nikola Jokic didn't miss a shot against the undersized Raptors frontcourt. Ryan breaks down the strong showing from the starters, 31 turnovers against heavy ball pressure, and concerns about the bench unit. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn reacts to the Denver Nuggets preseason opener, a loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, in San Diego on Saturday. Ryan shares insights, discusses what matters and what doesn't, and talks Nuggets rotations. Then, he previews tonight's matchup vs the Toronto Raptors in Vancouver. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn previews the upcoming Denver Nuggets vs Minnesota Timberwolves matchup, a preseason opener for the Nuggets after training camp in San Diego. He discusses different storylines, rotation questions, and says the Nuggets preseason will be a success IF these things happen... Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn reacts to the first two days of Denver Nuggets training camp and all of the great signs that the Nuggets are building things the right way. He discusses changes Denver is making, defensive principles, and the current bench pecking order. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn breaks down what happened during Monday's Media Day for the Denver Nuggets. He discusses comments by Nikola Jokic about his contract, Jamal Murray's approach to the season, Cam Johnson and Jonas Valanciunas' introductions to Denver, and much more. Then, he wraps up with discussion on head coach David Adelman. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn is joined by Jeff Morton of the CSG Podcast to share final thoughts before Denver Nuggets Media Day on Monday. Then, they get into favorite TV shows and movies they've watched recently, discussing Netflix's offerings. Finally, they discuss Season 5 of Stranger Things' release in a few weeks. TIMESTAMPS 0:00 - Intro 2:25 - Nikola Jokic's Prime 11:30 - Non-Jokic Minutes and Expectations 16:40 - Media Day Hopes 27:00 - TV Shows we're watching 41:45 - Playing old and new video games 47:30 - Foundational Movies 59:30 - Stranger Things Season 5 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn reacts to the ESPN Top 100 Player Rankings list that placed Jamal Murray 46th, Christian Braun at 62nd, and had three other Nuggets placed as well. Ryan disagrees with some rankings before going into more depth on Braun's areas for improvement in the 2025-26 season. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn breaks down the injury of Fred VanVleet for the Houston Rockets and how his loss changes the Western Conference playoff picture. Then, he ranks the Nuggets by their impact in case of an injury and how well the Nuggets could survive without Nikola Jokic. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn shares additional thoughts on the Denver Nuggets rotation, breaking down five separate rotation concepts that the Nuggets will utilize in the 2025-26 NBA season. Then, Ryan focuses on the Nuggets vs Oklahoma City Thunder playoff matchup and how Denver will fare when both teams play a "Win-or-Go-Home" game once again. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn shares his thoughts on the state of the Denver Nuggets rotation heading into the 2025-26 regular season. If the Nuggets are to take advantage of Jonas Valanciunas' skill set, they must stagger Jamal Murray and Cam Johnson enough to set him up. Ryan also breaks down why a 10-man rotation may not be viable for Denver if they want to be at their best later in the year. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn discusses the other side of the "Surprise" events with some negative surprises. If the Nuggets 2025-26 season doesn't go as expected, it's probably because one of a few things happened. Ryan discusses the scenarios, discusses the WORST case scenario, and how the Nuggets can avoid falling into that trap. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn breaks down what the baseline expectation for the Denver Nuggets should be along with five significant events that could change that expectation for the better. He also discusses the end of Denver's bench and how it should be much better in 2026 than it was in 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn breaks down the Serbia EuroBasket loss in the Round-of-16 to Finland. Nikola Jokic was tremendous offensively, but it wasn't enough for a flawed Serbia roster. Ryan discusses why Serbia lost, how Jokic's lone weakness translates to the NBA game, and what the Nuggets look like when they're at their best and their worst. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn breaks down the loss by Serbia vs Turkey in their final EuroBasket Group Play game. Serbia and Nikola Jokic will advance, but they look shakier than ever before after injuries to Bogdan Bogdanovic and Aleksa Avramovic. Then, Ryan discusses the Kawhi Leonard controversy with the Los Angeles Clippers and Aspiration, a potential issue the NBA will have to face head-on. Try ZipRecruiter for FREE at ZipRecruiter.com/audio Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn shares what he believes are the most important points of the season for the Denver Nuggets in 2025-26. Is it more important to start or finish the year strong? Ryan says neither. He also discusses Cam Johnson, the bench pecking order, and head coach David Adelman increasing his "Circle of Trust" before the playoffs. Try ZipRecruiter for FREE at ZipRecruiter.com/audio Visit Fanduel.com to get started! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn reacts to Nikola Jokic and the Serbian National Team winning vs Estonia in EuroBasket in dominant fashion. He also discusses Jokic's chances at leading the NBA in assists in 2025-26. Finally, Ryan talks about the quiet NBA offseason overall and why it might be good for the league. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn breaks down the entire Denver Nuggets rotation and gives his points per game projections for the 2025-26 NBA season. Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray are the clubhouse leaders, but who will be third? Who leads the bench unit? Ryan gives his projections here. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn reacts to Serbia's dominant showing against Slovenia in EuroBasket and how Nikola Jokic and the Serbian National team look right now. Ryan also reminisces on the 2023 NBA Finals and what he remembers about how Jokic, Jamal Murray, and the Nuggets dialed in against the Miami Heat. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn ranks the best starting units in the NBA today in a tier list. Will the Denver Nuggets be the best starting five in basketball? Who will be the worst? Ryan dives in. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn goes into depth about the NBA Schedule release and why Denver Nuggets fans should be mad at the NBA. He also breaks down the Top 10 games on the calendar with some additional details. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn breaks down what nobody is mentioning about the Denver Nuggets this offseason, from Tim Hardaway Jr.'s role to the Sixth Man competition to health concerns for Cam Johnson and Aaron Gordon. Then, he goes over the NBA schedule that Nuggets fans should want. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On the latest Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn takes on NBA Expansion and puts together an NBA schedule layout that makes sense for 32 teams in the near future, including the NBA Cup. How would the NBA change in this layout? Ryan makes the case for how it would benefit the NBA. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn shares his Burning Questions for both the Denver Nuggets and the NBA over the next five seasons, including who wins the next five titles, whether anyone supplants Nikola Jokic as the best player, and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ryan Blackburn discusses Nikola Jokic's All-Time NBA Ranking and what it will take for him to rise up the list. Then, he discusses the value of rest this year and how Jamal Murray can help. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On the latest Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn breaks down all things Bruce Brown for the Denver Nuggets, including what happened with Brown in the last two seasons away from Denver. He discusses Brown's expected role and whether he can recapture the magic of the 2022-23 season in Denver. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On the latest Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn puts together a minutes projection for the Denver Nuggets in 2025-26 that looks WAY more appealing than this past season. He also discusses who might get cut from the rotation and whether it will make the Nuggets a better team. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On the latest Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn reacts to some Nuggets news about Jonas Valanciunas and Curtis Jones before breaking down his NBA Contenders Tier List. Where do the Nuggets rank among all NBA teams in their chance of winning an NBA title this year? Ryan gives his thoughts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On the latest Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn breaks down the Denver Nuggets offseason moves up to this point and the moves they still have to make. He also discusses whether the Nuggets could've done better with what they have and makes a firm determination. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On the latest Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn breaks down the first two games of Denver Nuggets Summer League and how the roster players have looked so far from DaRon Holmes and Hunter Tyson to Spencer Jones and Tamar Bates. Then, he looks closer at the roster and discusses why the Nuggets might carry 14 players on their roster into the 2025-26 season. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On the latest Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn reacts to last night's Summer League game featuring DaRon Holmes II and the Denver Nuggets. He shares thoughts on Holmes, Hunter Tyson, Tamar Bates, Spencer Jones, and more from Denver's first game in Las Vegas. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On the latest Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn reacts to the news that Nikola Jokic will wait until next offseason to sign an extension with the Denver Nuggets. He also shares a Jonas Valanciunas update before pivoting to DaRon Holmes II and the Nuggets Summer League squad. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On the latest Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn breaks down the surprisingly complicated situation between the Denver Nuggets and Jonas Valanciunas, who no longer wants to play in the NBA and appears to have signed a contract in Greece. Where do the Nuggets go from here? Ryan discusses a variety of backup center options for the Nuggets in his stead. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On the latest Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn ranks the Denver Nuggets bench players by expected role in the regular season, breaks down some bench lineups he likes, and goes over the rest of the Western Conference and some moves other teams have made. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On the latest Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn reacts to the latest moves by the Denver Nuggets to sure up their bench unit, trading Dario Saric for Jonas Valanciunas and signing Tim Hardaway Jr. to a veteran minimum. Both are incredible deals for Denver and have suddenly turned Denver into a much deeper, more put-together roster. Is the 2026 NBA Title on the table? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On the latest Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn reacts to an unreal trade made by the Denver Nuggets, sending out Michael Porter Jr. and a 2032 first round pick for Brooklyn Nets forward Cam Johnson. He discusses the deal and the flexibility it gives Denver, as well as the surprise signing of Bruce Brown to a one-year minimum contract. The Nuggets don't have to be done either. They can keep making moves. The question is, will they? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn breaks down the latest news and rumors surrounding the Denver Nuggets. From LeBron James subtly calling for a trade, to Russell Westbrook rumors, and a new trade rumor for the Nuggets involving Houston Rockets wing Cam Whitmore. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ryan Blackburn breaks down a quiet NBA Draft night and the consistent messaging of a quiet offseason from the new Denver Nuggets front office, emphasized by focusing on Free Agency in the coming days rather than trades. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ryan Blackburn breaks down a quiet night from inside Ball Arena during the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft. Around the league, there were some interesting moves but very little player movement. Ryan discusses the draft and whether the Nuggets will get involved tonight. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ryan Blackburn shares his thoughts and insights from the Denver Nuggets Introductory presser for new decision makers in Jon Wallace and Ben Tenzer. He also discusses Josh Kroenke's candid words on the front office structure, the second apron, Nikola Jokic, and more. Finally, Ryan breaks down his list of the Top 25 NBA Free Agents the Nuggets should target this offseason. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ryan Blackburn shares thoughts on OKC winning the championship, the Kevin Durant trade, and how the Nuggets offseason is impacted by Dario Saric opting into his player option. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ryan Blackburn shares thoughts on the 2025 NBA Draft, how the Denver Nuggets can get involved, and other teams he's watching closely leading up to draft night. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ryan Blackburn shares his Western Conference tiers before the NBA Draft and Free Agency and explains how the Denver Nuggets might be the second best team in the conference. Then, he asks the impossible question: how can the Nuggets keep up with the Thunder next time these two teams meet in the playoffs? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ryan Blackburn breaks down the upcoming Rookie Extension market for Christian Braun and Peyton Watson and whether the Nuggets can sign them to cost effective contracts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ryan Blackburn goes over the Denver Nuggets bench unit player by player, focusing on expectations for playing a role next season. He also discusses a Russell Westbrook rumor. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jake Coyne joins Ryan Blackburn to break down top trade targets this offseason for the Denver Nuggets, including how Denver can get the deals done. They also share some names of minimum contract free agency targets. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.