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?

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.

Ryan Blackburn discusses the Denver Nuggets 126-114 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Nikola Jokic had 27 points, 20 rebounds, and 11 assists, but because he only shot 50% from the field, the Nuggets lost. Jokic is being asked to do too much, and even though Michael Porter Jr. was very good and Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon were solid, it wasn't enough. Ryan discusses the game, the differences between the Cavs and Nuggets, and where Calvin Booth fits in to this problem.

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Ryan Blackburn breaks down the Nuggets win over the Warriors, Jokic's greatness against LeBron and Steph, and more. He goes over the NBA Cup standings and who he would pick in both conferences.

On the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn breaks down the Denver Nuggets close loss to the Los Angeles Clippers. James Harden and Norman Powell combined for 67 points. While Nikola Jokic had 28 points and a triple-double, no other Nugget had more than 18. Ryan discusses what happened, why the concerns are real, Aaron Gordon returning to play, and more.

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On the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn breaks down the Denver Nuggets 122-103 win over the Utah Jazz. Nikola Jokic had an easy 30 points, Jamal Murray scored efficiently (just not from three), and Michael Porter Jr. got going in the second half. The Nuggets needed an easy win after the New York Knicks matchup, and they got it. Ryan discusses the game.

On the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn breaks down the Denver Nuggets ugly loss to the New York Knicks. Denver couldn't stop New York, and that led to an epic press conference from Michael Malone. Did what he, Jamal Murray, and Nikola Jokic have to say change anything about last night? How concerned should Nuggets fans be?

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On the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn shares final thoughts on the Denver Nuggets win over the Los Angeles Lakers this weekend, focusing on the dominance of Nikola Jokic and what he's doing this year. Then, he focuses in on Russell Westbrook and Michael Porter Jr. finding their way with the Nuggets this season. Finally, he previews the Nuggets game against the New York Knicks tonight.

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On the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn breaks down the Denver Nuggets 123-120 loss to the Dallas Mavericks in the return of Nikola Jokic. It was a physical game, and Jokic handled it about as well as he could have. Unfortunately, Jamal Murray didn't. He's really struggling right now and in a self-proclaimed slump. Ryan breaks down what happened last night, why Russell Westbrook closed over Christian Braun, and what's next for tonight against the Los Angeles Lakers.

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Ryan Blackburn breaks down tonight's matchup between the Denver Nuggets and Dallas Mavericks. He discusses the injury to Vlatko Cancar, and he also discusses Luka Doncic and Nikola Jokic potentially missing the game. Can the Nuggets slow down Kyrie Irving?

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Ryan Blackburn shares some insights on the Denver Nuggets bench and how they're playing to begin the 2024-25 season. Russell Westbrook, Julian Strawther, Peyton Watson, and Dario Saric were expected to be in Denver's Top 9 at the beginning of the year. Will they finish the season there in a playoff rotation? Ryan breaks it down before talking about Nikola Jokic and Denver's matchup tonight against the Grizzlies.

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On the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn breaks down the Denver Nuggets 105-90 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies in what was another poor performance without MVP Nikola Jokic. Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. both struggled in this one, and the Nuggets simply didn't have enough scoring to keep up with the Grizzlies. Ryan breaks down the issues, discusses the Murray concerns, and asks how much these games without Jokic actually matter.

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."

On the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn recaps the Denver Nuggets 101-94 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans in the NBA Cup. It didn't matter that the Pelicans were missing Zion Williamson and five other rotation players, or that they had lost six games in a row. The Nuggets were missing Nikola Jokic, and that was clearly enough. Ryan discusses Jamal Murray struggling to step up, Denver's center issues, and how Denver lost last night.

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On the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn previews the first Denver Nuggets NBA Cup game, a matchup with the injured New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night. Are the Nuggets true contenders for the Cup? What happens if Nikola Jokic misses the game? Ryan goes over the details of the Emirates NBA Cup and what Nuggets fans need to know about tonight's matchup.

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Ryan Blackburn is joined by Denver Nuggets guard Trey Alexander to share his life and journey to the NBA. He discusses the Nuggets start to the season, Nikola Jokic, Russell Westbrook, Creighton, and more.

Ryan Blackburn breaks down the Denver Nuggets 122-120 win over the Dallas Mavericks in which Michael Porter Jr. hit a game-winning floater. Nikola Jokic had 37 points, 18 rebounds, and 15 assists. Kyrie Irving had 43 points, and Luka Doncic was dynamic, but it wasn't enough to stop Denver from an undefeated home stand. Ryan discusses the Nuggets-Mavericks game, Jokic's greatness, and more.

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Ryan Blackburn breaks down the impending return of Denver Nuggets point guard Jamal Murray. How has his absence impacted the Nuggets, and what can he do to fit in to what the Nuggets have accomplished since he left? Then, Ryan previews Nuggets matchups this weekend against Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat and Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks. Finally, he goes over the standings around the NBA and surprising placement for Nikola Jokic on early MVP ballots.

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On the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn discusses the incredible win from the Denver Nuggets over the Oklahoma City Thunder. Without two starters, the Nuggets fought back and made it work anyway, with Nikola Jokic leading the way. Russell Westbrook also had a good game though he didn't close again. Denver's young players, Christian Braun, Peyton Watson, and Julian Strawther, all played a part, with Watson making the game-saving block on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

Are the Nuggets back?

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Ryan Blackburn goes over the Denver Nuggets big clutch win over the Toronto Raptors. With Jamal Murray out and Aaron Gordon exiting early, the Nuggets were forced to rely on Christian Braun, Julian Strawther, and Peyton Watson in the clutch. Those three made big plays and helped with Denver the game. Ryan discusses them, Russell Westbrook, Nikola Jokic, and a watershed moment in his mind about the youth.

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Ryan Blackburn shares final thoughts on the Friday/Saturday back-to-back the Denver Nuggets played against the Timberwolves and Jazz. He goes over some initial season takeaways for Nikola Jokic, Christian Braun, and others. Then, he shares how the Nuggets can be successful on a difficult home stand this week that includes Toronto, Oklahoma City, Miami, and Dallas.

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Ryan Blackburn previews the Denver Nuggets anticipated matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night. The last time the Nuggets were in Minneapolis for real, they lost by nearly 50 points in Game 6. Will Denver look for some revenge in this matchup? Or do Anthony Edwards and the Timberwolves have their number? Ryan breaks down the game and makes some predictions.

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Ryan Blackburn briefly goes over the Denver Nuggets overtime win over the Brooklyn Nets and why it's not great but also understandable why the Nuggets have struggled with the Raptors and Nets wins. Then, Ryan discusses the biggest overreactions to the Nuggets first week of the season and how real those takes will end up being. From Russell Westbrook's up-and-down play to Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. struggling to the Nuggets needing a trade. Finally, Ryan looks around the NBA.

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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?

Ryan Blackburn breaks down the Denver Nuggets OT win over the Toronto Raptors. Nikola Jokic had his second 40-point game in a row. Jamal Murray hit a clutch layup despite struggling to score efficiently. The Nuggets won ugly, but they still won. Ryan breaks down the starting lineup, the bench minutes, and what he expects in the next matchup against the Brooklyn Nets tonight.

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Ryan Blackburn discusses the Denver Nuggets 109-104 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers, including what was a truly abhorrent offensive performance until Nikola Jokic took over the game. The Nuggets still lost, but did they figure anything out in the process? Ryan discusses Jamal Murray, Russell Westbrook, Michael Porter Jr., Peyton Watson, and much more. Then, he previews the Nuggets three-game road trip with the Toronto Raptors tonight.

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Ryan Blackburn recaps the Denver Nuggets 102-87 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder that wasn't that close. Nikola Jokic played well, and Christian Braun had a solid starting lineup debut, but that was it for Nuggets that played well. Why were the Thunder in another class as a team? How concerning is it for the Nuggets future? What to make of Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. struggling? Ryan delves into it.

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Ryan Blackburn previews the Denver Nuggets Season Opener against the Oklahoma City Thunder tonight. In the first game of the season, will the Nuggets bounce back from a rough preseason? How will they fare against another elite squad? Will the battle of Nikola Jokic vs Shai Gilgeous-Alexander be as advertised? Ryan goes over all the details and nuances and makes a prediction.

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Ryan Blackburn goes over the new contract extension Aaron Gordon signed last night with the Denver Nuggets to keep him on the team through the 2028-29 season. It's a 4-year, $133 million deal and surprisingly advantageous to the Nuggets, especially early on. Will Denver take advantage? Ryan also discusses the new construction project around Ball Arena being approved and previews NBA Opening Night.

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Ryan Blackburn goes over Premiere Week in the NBA and makes Bold Predictions for the 2024-25 Season. Where will the Denver Nuggets finish in the West? Could a surprise team miss the playoffs? Who wins MVP? Ryan breaks it down, discusses what playoff seed the Nuggets need, and shares the teams he's keeping an eye on early.

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Ryan Blackburn reacts to the Denver Nuggets first preseason win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday night. Julian Strawther was dynamic and showed some toughness. Jamal Murray was great in a reminder effort. The Nuggets looked better, and Ryan's a bit more relaxed after this one. He discusses everything from last night's game and more.

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On the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn shares brief thoughts on the Top 100 Player Rankings for ESPN and The Ringer and where the Nuggets reside. Then, he gets into 10 Reasons why this Nuggets season will be fun and interesting. Ryan's been too negative lately and he knows it, so this is an opportunity to put a more positive spin on the upcoming season. Here's what Nuggets fans have to look forward to!

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Ryan Blackburn performs a Stock Watch for some of the Denver Nuggets top rotation players heading into the regular season. How impressive is Michael Porter Jr.? What's up with Jamal Murray? Where does Russell Westbrook fit into the picture? Ryan shares news and notes from Monday's practice about Christian Braun and others as well.

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Ryan Blackburn is joined by Vinny Benedetto of the Denver Gazette to break down the Denver Nuggets 118-114 loss to the Phoenix Suns backups. The Nuggets played their starters and had to work through some tough minutes but ultimately were outscored by 33 points from behind the three-point line. How much of an issue is it? Do the Nuggets have enough shooting to keep up with teams this year? What's up with Jamal Murray? Ryan and Vinny break down last night's matchup.

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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.

Ryan Blackburn continues his 20Q series and discusses the expectations for Jamal Murray in 2024-25. He asks Nuggets fans to turn the page on last season before sharing what he thinks will happen with Murray this year. Can he be an All-Star? Will he stay healthy? Can he lead the Nuggets to a championship next to Nikola Jokic? Ryan delves deep before previewing Sunday's preseason game against the Phoenix Suns.

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Ryan Blackburn continues his 20Q series by discussing the most important lineups the Denver Nuggets will play this season. Ryan discusses Michael Malone's trends as a head coach, where he has to improve this season, and why it's important to stagger more starters consistently. Then, Ryan goes through audience suggestions for lineup and predicts their level of success.

Ryan Blackburn continues his 20Q series breaks down the list of biggest threats to the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference this season. How does the Julius Randle trade affect the Minnesota Timberwolves? Do the Oklahoma City Thunder have enough to slow Nikola Jokic? Are Nuggets fans underrating the Dallas Mavericks? Ryan breaks it all down.

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Ryan Blackburn breaks down the Denver Nuggets losses to the Boston Celtics and whether he's concerned about the bench after a blowout loss on Sunday. He picks a Spicy Nugget of the Week to focus on where Denver can be better before sharing one take on every Nuggets roster player to play in Abu Dhabi.

Matt Brooks of Nuggets.com joins the show to help break down the Denver Nuggets 107-103 preseason loss to the Boston Celtics in Abu Dhabi. The starters played one half, and Nikola Jokic looked good. Russell Westbrook made his debut. There was CONTROVERSY on the scoreboard at the end of the game. Ryan and Matt share their takeaways from the preseason opener and what to look for going forward.

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Ryan Blackburn goes into the Pickaxe and Roll Mailbag to answer questions about the Denver Nuggets. From expectations in Abu Dhabi against the Boston Celtics, to Rotation questions, to what happens if things go wrong? Ryan goes in-depth on Nikola Jokic, Russell Westbrook, Jamal Murray, and the rest of the Nuggets roster.

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Apologies for the echo!

Ryan Blackburn breaks down the Karl-Anthony Towns trade to the New York Knicks and how it affects the Western Conference. He discusses the recent days for the Denver Nuggets, including several takeaways from training camp. He discusses expectations for Russell Westbrook, a surprise player excelling at camp, and watching the Nuggets final scrimmage before their trip to Abu Dhabi. Finally, Ryan shares some "Dreamer Takes" for what would make an excellent Nuggets season.

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Ryan Blackburn breaks down his takeaways from Denver Nuggets Media Day, discussing the introduction of Russell Westbrook and Dario Saric to the team, the battle for the starting shooting guard spot, Calvin Booth and Aaron Gordon on an extension, some general surliness from Jamal Murray, and more. Ryan also says Nuggets fans should be more excited for this season after hearing from the team.

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On the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn shares his most pressing questions facing the Denver Nuggets heading into tomorrow's Media Day festivities. What's next for Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray? Will Michael Malone offer Christian Braun the starting spot immediately? Which players are on #MuscleWatch? Ryan asks one question about every player, coach, and even the front office.

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On the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn continues his 20Q series, focusing on Nikola Jokic. Could the Denver Nuggets superstar actually win a fourth MVP award? He would join even more incredible company than he's already in if he did. Should Nuggets fans WANT him to win if it means less of a chance for a championship? Ryan discusses, making a prediction for how long Jokic can keep playing at this level as well.

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On the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn breaks down the Denver Nuggets Game 7 blowout loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder and what went wrong for Denver in this game and this season. The Nuggets are back in the same situation they were last year losing a game before the Western Conference Finals. What will it take for Denver to go from that level to winning it all? Ryan breaks down the Nuggets' loss, the actual problems facing Denver, and what's next for the Nuggets amid an offseason of uncertainty.

Ryan Blackburn shares the newest City Edition jersey and NBA Cup Court leaks for the Denver Nuggets. Then, he continues the 20Q Preview Series with a look at Jalen Pickett and Hunter Tyson. Neither played significant minutes last year. Could that change in the 2024-25 season? Ryan shares his thoughts.

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On the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn continues the 20Q series with a breakdown of the opponent the Denver Nuggets lost to in the playoffs last season. Are the Minnesota Timberwolves still a dangerous threat? Have the changes the Nuggets made done enough to oust the T'Wolves? Ryan goes over changes for both teams and how it would impact a possible playoff series, then discusses the building rivalry between Denver and Minnesota.

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Ryan Blackburn continues the 20Q series with a breakdown of Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon. What can Nuggets fans expect from Gordon this season? Will he be a long term piece for the Nuggets? He's eligible for extension on September 27th. Will the Nuggets try to get a deal done? Is he a sneaky trade candidate if the Nuggets aren't willing to pay him? Ryan discusses every scenario.

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