The Denver Nuggets have finally made a roster addition, signing Dario Saric away from the Golden State Warriors to be a big man off the bench. Ryan Blackburn discusses why the Nuggets went after Saric, what the team's rotation will look like next season with Saric out there, and what's next for the team this summer.…

Ryan Blackburn discusses the latest news and updates around the Denver Nuggets in Free Agency. The Nuggets still have 12 reported players on their roster and are hoping to make more additions, possibly including Russell Westbrook. Will the current Los Angeles Clippers guard be traded to the Nuggets? Who else is coming to Denver? Ryan discusses the …

Ryan Blackburn reacts to the news that Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is signing a 3-year, $66 million deal with the Orlando Magic. The Denver Nuggets lose their starting shooting guard and will look to replace him organically, headlined by the ascension of Christian Braun into the starting lineup. Are the Nuggets making the right decision? Is Braun read…

On the latest episode of Weekends with Swipa, Ryan Blackburn and Swipa go over all the crazy rumors, signings, and trade ideas that have happened in the last week for the Denver Nuggets. Is the Paul George or Klay Thompson rumor real? Are the Nuggets going to lose Kentavious Caldwell-Pope? Will they trade Zeke Nnaji? Ryan and Swipa make some predic…

Ryan Blackburn discusses a litany of moves made today, including Reggie Jackson getting traded, along with three second round picks, to the Charlotte Hornets in a pure salary dump. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope officially opted out of his contract, so could Jackson's money be used to help re-sign Caldwell-Pope? Ryan also discusses the reported four-year…

Ryan Blackburn reacts to the Denver Nuggets trading up to select Dayton center DaRon Holmes II with the 22nd pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Holmes is a perfect fit, and Nuggets general manager Calvin Booth ensured the Nuggets got their guy by trading multiple second round picks to secure Holmes. Ryan discusses the pick, what Holmes' role could look li…

Ryan Blackburn discusses at least 25 names the Denver Nuggets could add through a Trade or Free Agency. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is the first priority, but what happens if he leaves? How can the Nuggets fill his starting shooting guard spot? Could they trade for a wing like Bogdan Bogdanovic or Kevin Huerter? What about signing a new backup point g…

Ryan Blackburn is joined by Crown Hoops NBA Draft Analyst and Denver Nuggets fan CTFazio in a two-part podcast. In Part 2, Ryan and CT go over various point guard, shooting guard, and big wing prospects that the Nuggets might select in the 2024 NBA Draft next week. They also make predictions on what the Nuggets actually do with the 28th and 56th pi…

Ryan Blackburn is joined by Crown Hoops NBA Draft Analyst and Denver Nuggets fan CTFazio in a two-part podcast. In Part 1, Ryan and CT go over the 2024 NBA Draft and preview some of the most interesting prospects at the top of the draft. They also discuss the best candidates at Backup Center the Nuggets can find with the 28th overall pick.…

Ryan Blackburn reacts to the end of the 2023-24 NBA season that saw the Boston Celtics win the NBA Finals over the Dallas Mavericks. Why didn't the Denver Nuggets win it? What other takeaways were there from the season? Then, Ryan goes over the 2024-25 favorites and what to expect from teams taking the next step. Finally, he discusses the bench min…

Ryan Blackburn goes over the rise of the Boston Celtics, how they built their roster, and what the Denver Nuggets can learn from their success. Ryan discusses Denver's limited trade assets and future draft picks before debating whether a Nuggets vs Celtics NBA Finals is still possible after some missed opportunities.…

On the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn discusses the Denver Nuggets search for a roster upgrade this off-season. After losing Bruce Brown last year, the Nuggets missed everything he provided to the playoff rotation. The Nuggets didn't truly replace him last year. Will they make the same mistake this year? Ryan discusses the need …

(Recorded on Thursday afternoon LIVE from L'Eagle Denver) The NBA Finals are here, and the Denver Nuggets are sitting on the sidelines after a disappointing end to the season. What can the Nuggets learn from the Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks as they clash in the NBA Finals. How can the Nuggets look to improve the bench, and what does the NBA'…

Ryan Blackburn discusses the Denver Nuggets offseason and presents several fake trade ideas from Nuggets fans. Do they make the Nuggets better or worse? How does the new CBA and the second tax apron affect what the Nuggets can do? Ryan goes over all of the details, discusses trades involving Zeke Nnaji, Reggie Jackson, Michael Porter Jr., and other…

In the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn goes through the veterans on the roster in his final Season-In-Review episode for the week. Aaron Gordon and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope were exactly what the Nuggets needed, but what about the other veterans? Reggie Jackson? Justin Holiday? DeAndre Jordan? Did the Nuggets have enough veteran t…

Ryan Blackburn goes over the 2023-24 seasons for the Denver Nuggets young guys. Prospects Christian Braun, Peyton Watson, Zeke Nnaji, Julian Strawther, Jalen Pickett, and Hunter Tyson played varying roles for the Nuggets, and all are under contract for next season. Which players impressed? Which players regressed? Is there a future starter among th…

Ryan Blackburn begin Season In Review content for Pickaxe and Roll with evaluations for Denver Nuggets Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Michael Porter Jr. as the team stars. Did the trio meet expectations? Where can they be better? Most importantly of all, can they be the leading trio on a championship team? Ryan discusses it all with a realistic lo…

On the latest episode of Weekends with Swipa, Ryan Blackburn and Swipa go over the latest comments from Calvin Booth, Josh Kroenke, and Michael Malone on the future of the Denver Nuggets. Will there be major changes going forward? What's up with the free agency of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope? How do the Nuggets become better prepared for the playoffs …

Ryan Blackburn shares his thoughts on the end of the 2023-24 NBA Season for the Denver Nuggets. What were the moments worth remembering? What moments were forgettable? Ryan discusses the plan heading into the season and whether there were problems from the outset. Did Nuggets general manager Calvin Booth do the right thing by going young? Ryan goes…

Ryan Blackburn reacts to the Denver Nuggets stunning 98-90 Game 7 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Nuggets led by 20 points early in the fourth quarter before an offensive collapse led to a competitive fourth quarter. The Timberwolves, led by Anthony Edwards, simply made more plays than the Nuggets. Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic showed up fo…

Ryan Blackburn previews Sunday's Game 7 matchup between the Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves. The Nuggets hosted practice on Saturday, and Ryan discusses what was said and what went down. After that, he goes through the Nuggets history of Game 7's. Then, Ryan shares his keys to victory for Sunday night, what Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, Mic…

Ryan Blackburn reacts to the Denver Nuggets 115-70 blowout loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 6 as the series evens up at 3-3. Nuggets-Timberwolves will go to Game 7 on Sunday. Ryan discusses the struggles of Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr., and the bench regressing to the mean on the road. Nikola Jokic was fine, but even a spectacular Jok…

Ryan Blackburn reacts to the Denver Nuggets 112-97 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 5 to take a 3-2 lead in the playoff series. Nikola Jokic was incredible with 40 points, 13 assists, and zero turnovers after receiving his third MVP award pregame. Jokic attacked Rudy Gobert, Karl-Anthony Towns, Naz Reid, and every player in front of him …

On the latest episode of Weekends with Swipa, Ryan Blackburn and Swipa react to the Denver Nuggets crucial Game 4 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. Nikola Jokic was spectacular, Aaron Gordon was immaculate, and Jamal Murray hit the biggest shot of the game, a halfcourt buzzer beater, to propel the Nuggets to a tied series. What happens next? Can…

Ryan Blackburn reacts to the Denver Nuggets big 117-90 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves to take Game 3 and make this matchup a series. Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic bounced back in a major way, Michael Porter Jr. was back to his efficient shooting ways, and the Nuggets defense contained Anthony Edwards and the T'Wolves nicely. Can Denver use thi…

Ryan Blackburn reacts to the announcement of Nikola Jokic winning his third MVP of the last four seasons, one of the most dominant runs of any player in NBA history. Ryan discusses Jokic's place among the NBA Greats, then he looks more closely at Game 3 and how the Nuggets can get back into their series against the Minnesota Timberwolves.…

Ryan Blackburn reacts to the epic meltdown last night as the Denver Nuggets lost 106-80 to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Jamal Murray was horrible and chucked a heat pack on the floor. Nikola Jokic was flustered all night by the size/physicality of the T'Wolves defense. Michael Malone nearly tried to fight Marc Davis. It was a no good, very bad day f…

Ryan Blackburn reacts to the Denver Nuggets 106-99 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 1. Anthony Edwards was incredible. Nikola Jokic was merely good. Jamal Murray was held scoreless in the first half. The Nuggets had chances to win the game at the end, but the Timberwolves outplayed Denver in clutch time decisively. Ryan goes over what hap…

The Denvengers are back! Ryan Blackburn, Swipa, Adam Mares, and Matt Moore combine forces to preview the upcoming playoff series between the Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves. Will Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray continue to dominate in the two-man game? Can the Nuggets slow down Anthony Edwards? Who will be the X-Factors for each team? The f…

Ryan Blackburn shares his final Hangover takes from the Denver Nuggets vs Los Angeles Lakers playoff series and goes briefly around the NBA with takes on the rest of the playoffs. Then, he does his first deep dive into the Minnesota Timberwolves. Just how dangerous are they? What do the Nuggets need to know heading into the second round series? Are…

Ryan Blackburn reacts to the Denver Nuggets 108-106 win over the Los Angeles Lakers to take Game 5 and the series. Jamal Murray hit an epic game-winning shot with three seconds left, his second of the series. Michael Porter Jr. was outstanding. Nikola Jokic did enough. Aaron Gordon and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope filled in the gaps. The Nuggets needed…

Ryan Blackburn and Swipa react to the Denver Nuggets losing Game 4 to the Los Angeles Lakers, prolonging the first round series until at least Game 5. What kind of concerns are there following the loss? Has Jamal Murray's struggles shooting been a big deal or a little deal? What kind of effort should the Nuggets expect from the Lakers in Game 5? Us…

Ryan Blackburn reacts to the Denver Nuggets 112-105 win over the Los Angeles Lakers to take Game 3. The Nuggets are now up 3-0 in the series over the Lakers, who are reeling from their ELEVENTH (11) straight loss to the Nuggets. Everyone played a part in this victory for Denver, with Michael Porter Jr, and Aaron Gordon stepping up in a big way. Rya…

Ryan Blackburn answers mailbag questions for Pickaxe and Roll on a variety of topics surrounding the Denver Nuggets. Can they defeat the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 3? What will it take for a SWEEP? What version of Jamal Murray will the Nuggets get? Who can help the Nuggets off the bench? Ryan goes over all of the fun questions before going around t…

Ryan Blackburn reacts to the Denver Nuggets 101-99 win in which Jamal Murray, after starting the game poorly, ended up the game with an epic buzzer beater over Anthony Davis. The Nuggets were down by as many as 20 points but fought back in the second half for an opportunity to take the lead. Murray was clutch. Nikola Jokic was amazing. Michael Port…

On the latest episode of Weekends with Swipa, Ryan Blackburn and Swipa break down the Denver Nuggets 114-103 Game 1 win over the Los Angeles Lakers, giving the Nuggets a 1-0 lead in the first round series. Nikola Jokic was incredible. Jamal Murray was a playmaker. Michael Porter Jr. made an impact, and the team did enough to combat great games from…

Anthony Irwin of Lakers Lounge joins Ryan Blackburn to preview the Denver Nuggets vs Los Angeles Lakers first round playoff series from the enemy perspective. Do the Nuggets really have a mental advantage over the Lakers? What can the Lakers do to counter Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray? What are the most important keys for both sides? Anthony and Ry…

Ryan Blackburn reacts to the Los Angeles Lakers defeating the New Orleans Pelicans in the Play-In Tournament on Tuesday night, earning the seventh seed. They will face the second seed Denver Nuggets in the first round of the NBA Playoffs. Ryan reacts to the game, initial thoughts on the Nuggets and Lakers and how they match up, and discusses the We…

Ryan Blackburn and Swipa react to the Denver Nuggets 126-111 win over the Memphis Grizzlies in the final game of the regular season. Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray were great. The Nuggets secured the 2-seed after the Minnesota Timberwolves lost their final game, meaning Denver will face the winner of the Play-In Game between the New Orleans Pelicans…

Ryan Blackburn discusses the Denver Nuggets horrible, no-good, very bad loss to the San Antonio Spurs at the buzzer. The Nuggets were up 23 points but lost 121-120 after Devonte' Graham hit a floater over Jamal Murray in transition. Ryan discusses the game, who to blame for the collapse, and what a loss means for Denver. The Nuggets were all set to…

Ryan Blackburn reacts to the Denver Nuggets 116-107 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves to reclaim the top seed in the Western Conference. Nikola Jokic was spectacular, scoring 41 points and dominating his individual matchup with Rudy Gobert. Jamal Murray played well and gave the Nuggets a boost. It was Christian Braun and Peyton Watson that sealed…

Ryan Blackburn breaks down the Denver Nuggets 111-95 win vs the Utah Jazz. Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic were dynamic, and the Nuggets got some help from Christian Braun and Peyton Watson. The win sets up a big matchup tonight against the Minnesota Timberwolves for first place in the Western Conference. Both teams are on a back-to-back. Which team …

On the latest episode of Weekends with Swipa, Ryan Blackburn and Swipa pick every individual NBA award for the 2023-24 NBA Season. From Nikola Jokic for Most Valuable Player, to Victor Wembanyama for Defensive Player of the Year, to All-NBA teams, they go over their official awards ballots of the 2023-24 season.…

Ryan Blackburn reacts to the Denver Nuggets dominating 142-110 win over the Atlanta Hawks in Jamal Murray's return to the floor. Murray had a solid performance, while the entire Nuggets rotation made 23 three-pointers, the most of the season. Nikola Jokic had another triple-double, and the bench played very well. The Nuggets are in control of their…

Ryan Blackburn breaks down the Denver Nuggets 102-100 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday night. The Nuggets had plenty of chances to win but didn't execute well enough down the stretch. The bench woes didn't help, and despite a masterclass performance from Nikola Jokic, the Nuggets couldn't get it done. Ryan goes over the game, the All-De…

Ryan Blackburn breaks down the Denver Nuggets 110-105 win over the San Antonio Spurs, a matchup between the best player in the league in Nikola Jokic and the future of the league in Victor Wembanyama. The Nuggets survived an off shooting night with the help of a clutch Michael Porter Jr. three-pointer, Aaron Gordon's impact, and Christian Braun's p…

Ryan Blackburn and Swipa go over the Denver Nuggets dominant blowout win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Easter Sunday, focusing on Nikola Jokic making an MVP statement. The Nuggets shot the ball well from three-point range, and the offense was humming. Ryan and Swipa discuss Michael Porter Jr. and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope shooting well, Reggie Jac…

Ryan Blackburn discusses the Denver Nuggets 111-98 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in which the T'Wolves were prepared and the Nuggets were not. Denver didn't play well, and without Jamal Murray, weaknesses in Denver's offense are beginning to emerge. Are the T'Wolves a problem for the Nuggets in a playoff series? Ryan discusses, while also disc…

Ryan Blackburn reacts to the Denver Nuggets 104-97 loss to the Phoenix Suns, Denver's second home loss to Phoenix in just under three weeks. Nikola Jokic was comfortable making the passes out to shooters, but the Nuggets didn't hit enough shots around him. This is the second game vs the Suns with a similar script, so should the Nuggets be concerned…

Ryan Blackburn reacts to the Denver Nuggets dominant 128-103 win over the Memphis Grizzlies. Nikola Jokic was in control, the young guys like Christian Braun and Peyton Watson stepped up. It was an impressive performance without Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon. Ryan reacts to the win, credits the unsung heroes, and credits the team for doing what he'…