Pickaxe and Roll

Follow Pickaxe and Roll
Share on
Copy link to clipboard

Ryan Blackburn from DenverStiffs.com brings you the latest news and analysis for the Denver Nuggets on every episode, including some the best guests from around the NBA.

Mile High Sports


    • Sep 9, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 46m AVG DURATION
    • 875 EPISODES

    4.9 from 213 ratings Listeners of Pickaxe and Roll that love the show mention: nuggets fan, best nuggets, blackburn, postgame, denver, numbers, basketball, detailed, analysis, whenever, players, great listen, must listen, thoughtful, voice, team, keep up the great, great show, lot, hosts.


    Ivy Insights

    The Pickaxe and Roll podcast is a must-listen for any basketball fan, especially those who are fans of the Denver Nuggets. Hosted by Ryan Blackburn, this podcast offers unparalleled analysis of matchups and lineup rotations that requires both intelligence and extensive study. Blackburn's in-depth knowledge of the game shines through in every episode, making other shows sound superficial by comparison.

    One of the best aspects of this podcast is the incredible amount of detail and thoughtfulness put into each episode. Blackburn's analysis is top-notch, often providing insights that go beyond what is typically discussed on mainstream sports networks like ESPN. He has a knack for quickly analyzing different aspects of the game, showcasing his mastery of basketball and his undying loyalty to the Nuggets. Whether it's breaking down data and numbers or offering thoughtful commentary on players and their performances, Blackburn consistently delivers high-quality content.

    However, one potential downside to the podcast is when Blackburn ventures into opinion-based narratives. At times, it may seem like he lacks firsthand experience playing the game competitively, as he focuses primarily on data and numbers rather than considering intangible factors that can influence player performance. While his analytical approach is impressive, it would be beneficial to also acknowledge the human element of basketball and recognize that players are more than just statistics.

    In conclusion, The Pickaxe and Roll podcast is an outstanding resource for Nuggets fans looking for intelligent dialogue about their favorite team. Ryan Blackburn's expertise in lineup combinations and meticulous attention to detail make every episode a great listen. While there may be minor shortcomings when it comes to incorporating personal experiences into his analysis, overall, this podcast offers unmatched analysis that sets it apart from others in its genre.



    More podcasts from Mile High Sports

    Search for episodes from Pickaxe and Roll with a specific topic:

    Latest episodes from Pickaxe and Roll

    Serbia loss shows Nikola Jokic has one MAJOR weakness

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 9, 2025 37:27


    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.

    Serbia looks VERY vulnerable at EuroBasket + Kawhi Leonard Controversy

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 4, 2025 33:18


    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

    What ACTUALLY Matters for the Denver Nuggets this Year

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 2, 2025 39:18


    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!

    Why Nikola Jokic will LEAD NBA in Assists next year

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 28, 2025 31:30


    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.

    Projecting every Nuggets player by Points Per Game this season

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 26, 2025 31:37


    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.

    Nikola Jokic and Serbia look DOMINANT + 2023 NBA Finals Look back

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 22, 2025 39:19


    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.

    The BEST Starting Lineups in the NBA

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 19, 2025 43:51


    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.

    Why Denver Nuggets fans should HATE the new Schedule

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 15, 2025 35:19


    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.

    What NOBODY is telling you about the Denver Nuggets right now

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2025 36:09


    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.

    How NBA Expansion SHOULD Happen, according to Ryan

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2025 31:08


    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.

    Who will win NBA Championships these next Five Years?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2025 38:38


    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.

    Nikola Jokic will be a Top 10 NBA Player All-Time if THIS Happens

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 1, 2025 34:48


    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.

    Bruce Brown and a new role in Denver

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2025 32:00


    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.

    Who plays the most in Denver Nuggets rotation?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 24, 2025 32:17


    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.

    An NBA Title Contender Tier List

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 22, 2025 37:53


    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.

    The Nuggets Offseason Checklist is ALMOST Complete

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2025 39:58


    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.

    Summer League Check-In + The 15th Roster Spot

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2025 38:36


    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.

    DaRon Holmes RETURNS in intriguing Summer League Debut

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 11, 2025 40:00


    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.

    Why Nikola Jokic is NOT signing an extension with Denver Nuggets

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 9, 2025 39:36


    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.

    Jonas Valanciunas is leaving the NBA...What?!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 5, 2025 47:08


    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.

    A closer look at the REVAMPED Denver Nuggets Bench

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 3, 2025 44:32


    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.

    Nuggets get aggressive, add Jonas Valanciunas, Tim Hardaway Jr.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 2, 2025 38:45


    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?

    Michael Porter Jr. TRADED for Cam Johnson + Bruce Brown is back!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2025 41:45


    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?

    LeBron James, Russell Westbrook, Cam Whitmore, and a final Free Agency Preview

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 30, 2025 43:23


    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.

    Denver Nuggets expecting MINOR additions in Free Agency and NO Trades

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 27, 2025 39:39


    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.

    NBA Draft: Denver Nuggets SILENT in Round 1 with no picks

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2025 33:51


    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.

    Getting to Know NEW Denver Nuggets Front Office + Top 25 Free Agents

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 25, 2025 47:54


    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.

    Thunder win Finals, KD Traded, Dario Saric OPTS IN

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2025 37:07


    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.

    NBA Draft Prep for a Nuggets team with no draft picks

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2025 33:02


    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.

    Can the Nuggets Catch the Thunder next year?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2025 43:44


    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?

    Projecting Extensions for Christian Braun and Peyton Watson

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2025 39:48


    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.

    Fixing the Nuggets Bench

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2025 40:01


    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.

    PART 2: Jake Coyne on the Best Nuggets Trade Targets

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2025 51:05


    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.

    PART 1: Jake Coyne on Nuggets Free Agency Options

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2025 46:41


    Jake Coyne (@TheStatSquatch on X) joins Ryan Blackburn to break down the Denver Nuggets biggest questions of how to get better in Free Agency. They discuss the Nuggets roster and how to build a better bench unit around a strong Starting Five, offering names like Bruce Brown, Taurean Prince, Al Horford, and more.

    Top 10 Trade Candidates around NBA

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 4, 2025 37:42


    Ryan Blackburn breaks down the top players on the NBA Trade Market this offseason and if the Denver Nuggets have a chance to trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kevin Durant, Trey Murphy III, and more.

    What Denver Nuggets can learn from Indiana and OKC

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 4, 2025 38:40


    On the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn breaks down how the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers made the NBA Finals and what the Denver Nuggets can learn from them. (Recorded on Sunday, June 1st)

    Why David Adelman is the RIGHT COACH for the Denver Nuggets

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2025 39:33


    On the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn shares insights from the introductory presser of David Adelman as the new head coach of the Denver Nuggets, as well as important takeaways and challenges for Adelman.

    Reasons for Free Agency Dread

    Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2025 40:35


    On the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn breaks down the challenges the Denver Nuggets will face in Free Agency and why fans will feel like this summer will be a failure. He shares Denver's salary cap situation, free agency objectives, and why he's concerned that fans will feel like the team isn't doing enough to help Nikola Jokic this summer.

    Reasons for Nuggets Optimism

    Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2025 35:32


    On the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn shares some Reasons for Optimism for the Denver Nuggets heading into the offseason, from DaRon Holmes' return to the court to internal development of young players to better organizational alignment.

    David Adelman gets Head Coach job, Josh Kroenke speaks out

    Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2025 33:51


    On the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn reacts to the news that David Adelman will be the new coach of the Denver Nuggets. Ryan also discusses Josh Kroenke's press conference yesterday and what to make of the focus on "Internal Development."

    What's Next for Michael Porter Jr. and Denver Nuggets Core 4?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2025 33:41


    On the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn breaks down the performance of the Denver Nuggets Core 4 players in the playoffs. Can the Nuggets still win a championship with Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon, and Michael Porter Jr. as their four best players?

    How Calvin Booth set back the Nuggets by multiple years

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2025 32:22


    On the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn breaks down moves made by former Denver Nuggets general manager Calvin Booth and how they set the team up to fail in the playoffs this season.

    Claim Pickaxe and Roll

    In order to claim this podcast we'll send an email to with a verification link. Simply click the link and you will be able to edit tags, request a refresh, and other features to take control of your podcast page!

    Claim Cancel