Lakers, Suns, Nuggets, and the strongest contenders in the West

Mark Schindler on the NBA Finals, Nuggets NBA Draft prospects: Ryan Blackburn is joined by Mark Schindler of Premium Hoops to discuss Game 1 of the NBA Finals with the Suns taking a 1-0 lead over the Bucks. They discuss Giannis, Chris Paul's brilliance, Jrue Holiday's struggles, and whether the Bucks have what it takes to win this series.Then, they transition into NBA Draft coverage, discussing five interesting prospects that have/will be covered at Denver Stiffs: Chris Duarte, Usman Garuba, Tre Mann, Terrence Shannon Jr., and Miles (Deuce) McBride. by Pickaxe and Roll

80 min listen

Which free agents should the Nuggets target?: Ryan Blackburn breaks down the salary cap situation for the Denver Nuggets entering the 2021 offseason, including the impacts of Will Barton and JaMychal Green accepting or declining their upcoming player options. Then, Ryan shares his thoughts on the 2021 free agent class through the lens of what the Nuggets could realistically do. Could the Nuggets afford the full mid-level exception? Which position group should they look to improve? Who are the top players they could add? Ryan discusses a variety of names, from Reggie Bullock, to Alex Caruso, to Nicolas Batum, to Boban Marjanovic. by Pickaxe and Roll

64 min listen

10 pitfalls that will stop the Denver Nuggets from winning a title: Ryan Blackburn discusses the 10 biggest pitfalls for the Denver Nuggets entering the 2021-22 season. Will Nikola Jokić stay healthy? Can Jamal Murray be the player the Nuggets need him to be when he returns? What if Michael Porter Jr. doesn't make the leap others assume he will make? Ryan discusses those scenarios and more, the biggest pitfalls that may prevent the Nuggets from winning the 2021-22 NBA championship. by Pickaxe and Roll

40 min listen

Bones Hyland makes his summer league debut, a discussion about backup center: In the 100th episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn shares his thoughts on the Denver Nuggets loss to the Boston Celtics in the second summer league game, including the debut of Bones Hyland and the return of Zeke Nnaji. Ryan shares his thoughts on those two, Bol Bol's strong performance, and notes on other players making an impression. Then, Ryan discusses the backup center debate, from why the Nuggets haven't gone with a traditional backup to who makes the most sense as the primary relief option for Nikola Jokić in the regular season. by Pickaxe and Roll

42 min listen

The Milwaukee Bucks are NBA champions, Nuggets fans should celebrate with them: Ryan Blackburn breaks down Game 6 of the NBA Finals that saw the Milwaukee Bucks move from pretender to champion in the blink of an eye. He shares thoughts on Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, Jrue Holiday, the Bucks' long, winding road, and how Nuggets fans can feel knowing the Bucks succeeded. Finally, Ryan shares his way-too-early NBA season predictions for 2021-22. by Pickaxe and Roll

46 min listen

The Least of the East with Justin Rowan: Ryan Blackburn and Justin Rowan, co-host of The Chase Down Podcast, preview the non-contenders of the Eastern Conference. From disagreements on actual playoff contenders to who the cellar dwellers will be, Ryan and Justin discuss Charlotte, Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit, Indiana, Orlando, Toronto, and Washington, along with some brief thoughts on the New York Knicks. The East is certainly getting stronger than before, but will the teams at the bottom be strong enough to contend? by Pickaxe and Roll

65 min listen

JaMychal Green opts out, big free agency rumors, my Nuggets draft big board: Ryan Blackburn shares his thoughts on JaMychal Green opting out of his player option for the next season to become a free agent. What does it mean for Denver? Will he be back? Can they replace him? Ryan shares his thoughts on where the roster stands prior to the NBA Draft. Then, he goes over free agency rumors surrounding Bradley Beal, Ben Simmons, and the crazy point guard market in free agency that involves Lonzo Ball.Finally, Ryan shares his 2021 NBA Draft big board from 1 to 35 that is entirely Nuggets focused. by Pickaxe and Roll

51 min listen

Markus Howard signs two-way, Bones Hyland shines in Summer League: Ryan Blackburn shares his thoughts on the Denver Nuggets bringing back guard Markus Howard on a two-way contract for a second season, including the team's depth chart, further needs, and how Denver plans to fill that second two-way roster spot. Then, Ryan goes in-depth on Bones Hyland and his performance at Summer League thus far, including walking back some hot (and negative) takes made on draft night. Ryan also discusses Zeke Nnaji, Caleb Agada, Zylan Cheatham, and other players on Denver's SL roster. by Pickaxe and Roll

45 min listen

Olympics update, Nuggets offseason timeline: Ryan Blackburn shares his thoughts on the NBA Finals and the Game 3 win by the Milwaukee Bucks over the Phoenix Suns, including the dominance of Giannis Antetokounmpo. Then, he pivots to discussion on the Olympics, from the previous qualifying tournaments to news and notes about the scrimmages, including Nigerian national team guard Caleb Agada who will play for the Nuggets in Summer League. Finally, Ryan discusses the timeline of events the Nuggets will face over the next four weeks that will direct their offseason. by Pickaxe and Roll

46 min listen

Mailbag: Top Nuggets free agency targets, draft predictions, championship windows: Ryan Blackburn answers listener questions about the Denver Nuggets on a wide variety of off-season topics focused on the NBA Draft, free agency, and trades. He shares thoughts on Michael Porter Jr., how the Nuggets can continue to get better, why Reggie Bullock should be Denver's top free agency target, and much more. by Pickaxe and Roll

52 min listen

Are the Nuggets trading up? NBA Draft primer with Brandon Anderson: Ryan Blackburn is joined by Brandon Anderson of The Action Network (@wheatonbrando) to discuss the 2021 NBA Draft. Which prospects does Brandon believe in? Is Jaden Springer a star in hiding? Can the Denver Nuggets actually trade up, per reports from earlier today?Then, Ryan and Brandon discuss a wide range of combo guards and wings that could be available for the Nuggets at 26. Which players are the most talented, the best fit, or the bust waiting to happen? From Deuce McBride to Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, they discuss several names connected to the Nuggets at various points. by Pickaxe and Roll

77 min listen

The 10 most interesting Nuggets games of the regular season: Ryan Blackburn evaluates the 2021-22 Denver Nuggets regular season schedule from multiple angles, including the most important games and the most important stretches. He breaks down the top 10 most interesting Nuggets games of the regular season before pivoting to general stretches that will define the narrative surrounding the Nuggets. In addition, when Jamal Murray returns will play a big part of Denver's regular season. by Pickaxe and Roll

40 min listen

Nikola Jokić reminds the NBA why he’s the best there is: Ryan Blackburn recaps the Denver Nuggets 102-96 victory over the San Antonio Spurs that saw Nikola Jokić dominate at an MVP level. Jokić scored 36 points, grabbed 16 rebounds, dished out 7 assists, and picked up 3 steals and a block for good measure in an all-around exemplary performance against the Spurs. Ryan discusses Jokić, a so-so starting unit, and an improved bench that still has some questions in this latest episode. by Pickaxe and Roll

39 min listen

Nuggets Free Agency Primer Part 2 - How the Nuggets can get better using the MLE: Ryan Blackburn shares his thoughts in Part 2 of the Denver Nuggets free agency primer, going around the league to identify players at different positions the Nuggets could sign using the mid-level exception. From Alex Caruso at guard to Reggie Bullock at wing to Otto Porter Jr. at forward, there are 50 total options discussed in this episode. Plus, Ryan makes his predictions on what the Nuggets will ultimately decide to do. by Pickaxe and Roll

59 min listen

Where do the Nuggets rank in the Western Conference now?: Ryan Blackburn shares his thoughts on the Denver Nuggets as they approach Summer League having missed several practices due health and safety protocols. What does this two-week stretch mean for Bol Bol, Markus Howard, Zeke Nnaji, Bones Hyland, and others on the roster? Then, Ryan goes around the league to discuss the biggest offseason changes before sharing an initial list of the Western Conference tiers, ranking each team's likelihood of winning the West next season. by Pickaxe and Roll

52 min listen

Around the league, Preparing for the end of the preseason: Ryan Blackburn shares his thoughts on several teams around the league that are either impressing or underwhelming in preseason so far. Then, he discusses the Nuggets and what to watch for in the upcoming trip to Oklahoma City to face the Thunder twice. Does Will Barton look healthy? Do the starters dominate? What does the bench unit look like? Finally, Ryan shares his thoughts on the Ben Simmons and Kyrie Irving situations that are overshadowing what should be a fun NBA season. by Pickaxe and Roll

44 min listen

Jeff Morton on Wes Unseld Jr., the NBA Finals, and the Nuggets: Ryan Blackburn and Jeff Morton, host of the CSG Podcast, discuss the potential loss of Wes Unseld Jr. to the Washington Wizards before discussing Game 4 of the NBA Finals and what comes next for both the Milwaukee Bucks and Phoenix Suns. Then, Ryan and Jeff discuss the Michael Porter Jr. extension, Aaron Gordon, Will Barton, and JaMychal Green. Basically, every player in line for a significant contract this offseason. by Pickaxe and Roll

64 min listen

What to make of Bol Bol, the Nuggets guard rotation: Ryan Blackburn discusses the latest Summer League game for the Denver Nuggets, a 90-84 loss to the Phoenix Suns that saw Bol Bol, Zeke Nnaji, and Bones Hyland all struggle to varying degrees. Are there any causes for concern with Denver's rostered players? Who else stood out? Then, Ryan shares his thoughts on the guard rotation and the impending decisions for Michael Malone. With Jamal Murray out for a significant chunk of the season, the Nuggets will need to find creative ways to support Nikola Jokić and Michael Porter Jr. on both ends of the floor. by Pickaxe and Roll

42 min listen

Will Barton declines player option, offseason gets interesting: Ryan Blackburn discusses Will Barton declining his player option and choosing to explore free agency. What are the ramifications for the Denver Nuggets? Who will go after Will Barton? How hard should the Nuggets work to re-sign him?Then, Ryan discusses the next crop of NBA Draft workouts on Monday for the Nuggets before sharing his thoughts on Game 5 of the NBA Finals. by Pickaxe and Roll

53 min listen

The Nuggets are doubling down on Aaron Gordon: Ryan Blackburn shares his thoughts on the Denver Nuggets and Aaron Gordon agreeing to a four-year contract extension worth up to $92 million that could keep Denver's core together for years to come. Ryan discusses the contract value in a vacuum, why the Nuggets did the deal, what their other options were, and what's next for the Nuggets franchise. Hint: it's the luxury tax! by Pickaxe and Roll

37 min listen

Nuggets complete 5-0 home stand with blowout win over Blazers: Ryan Blackburn recaps the Denver Nuggets 124-95 blowout win over the Portland Trail Blazers to complete a 5-0 home stand. Nikola Jokić was dominant in three quarters. Aaron Gordon and Monte Morris helped the Nuggets get started. The bench, led by Bones Hyland and Facu Campazzo, scored 63 points to close out any hope of a Blazers rally. Ryan shares his thoughts on the starters, the bench, and the character of this Nuggets team in adverse situations. by Pickaxe and Roll

38 min listen

Nuggets Free Agency Primer Part 1 - Will Barton and Denver's own free agents: Ryan Blackburn shares his seemingly unending thoughts on the 2021 free agency period, first looking around the NBA to discuss the most important teams, players, and decisions to be made over the next few days. Then, Ryan talks about the Denver Nuggets specifically, starting with who they have on roster, what their resources are, and what they need to become better. Finally, Ryan shares whether each of Denver's seven free agents the Nuggets should keep or let go. by Pickaxe and Roll

57 min listen

Bones Hyland to the Denver Nuggets; reacting to the NBA Draft with Gordon Gross: Ryan Blackburn is joined by Gordon Gross, senior writer at Denver Stiffs, to discuss the 2021 NBA Draft and the Denver Nuggets selecting Nah'Shon "Bones" Hyland at 26th overall. They talk about the strengths and weaknesses, player comparisons, what this means for the Nuggets in free agency, and more. Then, they revisit the rest of the draft and share their takes about the rest of the league. by Pickaxe and Roll

69 min listen

10 lineups that will help the Nuggets win a title: Ryan Blackburn goes over the news of the last week while on vacation, including the Michael Porter Jr. and Aaron Gordon contract extension reports and what they mean going forward. Then, he goes over the 10 five-man lineups that will help the Denver Nuggets win a championship, either this coming season or going forward. Lineups include perspective on the roster before and after Jamal Murray returns to the fold some time in February, March, or perhaps April. by Pickaxe and Roll

53 min listen

The gang's back together again...oh and hey Jeff Green?!: Ryan Blackburn breaks down the four signings the Denver Nuggets agreed to during the first several hours of free agency. Will Barton and JaMychal Green re-upped with Denver on two-year deals with modest raises. Austin Rivers also returned on a one-year deal. The biggest surprise was Brooklyn Nets forward Jeff Green signing a two-year deal worth $10 million. Ryan shares his thoughts on all of the signings, Michael Porter Jr. not being signed at the first opportunity, and the initial look at Denver's 15-man roster following the first day. by Pickaxe and Roll

39 min listen

Stop worrying about a Ben Simmons trade: Ryan Blackburn attempts to calm the masses of Denver Nuggets fans worrying about whether the team may decide to trade Michael Porter Jr. or even Jamal Murray for Ben Simmons. It's not going happen. Stop trying to make the trade happen.Then, Ryan previews the final day of Media Week and what he wants to hear from Michael Malone, Tim Connelly, and perhaps Jamal Murray himself, alone with the rest of the Nuggets who have yet to speak to the media. by Pickaxe and Roll

43 min listen

Media Day hype, player rankings are clickbait: Ryan Blackburn shares his thoughts on the third day of player interviews for media week that included Aaron Gordon, Will Barton, Jeff Green, Austin Rivers, and Michael Porter Jr. in a stacked session. Gordon was chill, Barton was excited, Green was professional, Rivers was insightful, and Porter showed readiness to take the leap. Then, Ryan discusses the ESPN player rankings that are filtering out and what they had to say about the Nuggets and Nikola Jokić. by Pickaxe and Roll

61 min listen

Schedule drop, extension talk, and Nuggets betting futures: Ryan Blackburn covers several different topics in this episode, beginning with the tidbits of schedule news released that cover the preseason, opening week, and Christmas Day. The Nuggets not getting a Christmas game was weird. Then, Ryan rehashes extension discussions about Michael Porter Jr. and Aaron Gordon before transitioning into awards discussion, including Ryan's favorite Nuggets award bet at this moment. by Pickaxe and Roll

43 min listen

Jaden Springer, Deuce McBride, and NBA Draft Superlatives with Brandon Ewing: Ryan Blackburn and Brandon Ewing of Denver Stiffs share their extensive thoughts on the 2021 NBA Draft in the form of Draft Superlatives. Who will be the best player? The biggest bust? The surprise star? The perfect Denver Nuggets selection? Ryan and Brandon run through much of the 2021 draft class and share their thoughts on the Nuggets throughout the episode. by Pickaxe and Roll

95 min listen

Nuggets send a message to the Suns in the season opener: Ryan Blackburn recaps the Denver Nuggets 110-98 road win over the Phoenix Suns in the season opener. Nikola Jokić looked like an MVP once again. Michael Porter Jr. adapted his game well. Will Barton played well with the starters and saved the bench unit in the second half, a group that appeared hapless in the first half. Aaron Gordon and Monte Morris helped fill in the gaps. There were a lot of positive indicators for Denver in the first game of the season, and Ryan discussed them all. by Pickaxe and Roll

36 min listen

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Lakers, Suns, Nuggets, and the strongest contenders in the West

Lakers, Suns, Nuggets, and the strongest contenders in the West

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