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.
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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.
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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.
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.
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.
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
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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)
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.
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.
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.
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