Pickaxe and Roll

Ryan Blackburn discusses the two NBA Finals participants, the Milwaukee Bucks and the Phoenix Suns, how they match up, and predicts the outcome of the series. Then, he shares his thoughts on NBA playoff trends and how they apply to the Denver Nuggets, most importantly the value of scoring guards and forwards that play small ball center. Finally, Ryan breaks down the connections between the Bucks of two years ago and the Nuggets now. Can Denver learn anything from Milwaukee's successes and failures?

Ryan Blackburn breaks down every angle of the impending Michael Porter Jr. extension. From how many players earn the max, to how the Nuggets can continue building a contender around three large contracts, to what happens if the Nuggets don't offer the deal, Ryan shares his wide ranging thoughts on a pivot point for the Nuggets franchise. Ryan also discusses which players Denver may target in a trade if they are unwilling to offer Porter a max deal.

Ryan Blackburn shares his thoughts on the insane number of injuries that have affected the 2021 NBA playoffs. From Jamal Murray and your Denver Nuggets to Giannis Antetokounmpo going down in Game 4 of the ECF on Tuesday night.

From there, Ryan also discusses the ECF and WCF series before diving deep into the performances of head coach Michael Malone and president of basketball operations Tim Connelly for the Nuggets during the 2020-21 season. From the draft and free agency all the way through losing to the Suns and everything in between.

Ryan Blackburn discusses the messy situation surrounding the Portland Trail Blazers and Damian Lillard. Who's to blame? What's going to happen? Should the Denver Nuggets try to get involved?

Then, Ryan wraps up his end-of-season evaluation series with some thoughts on the Nuggets big man rotation. Will Paul Millsap be back next year? Should JaVale McGee have played more minutes? Is Zeke Nnaji in line for a breakout season? How can Nikola Jokić get more rest? Ryan discusses it all and more.

Ryan Blackburn brings on Jake Coyne, data scientist and NBA analytics freelancer (@BroncoSquatch on Twitter), to dive deep into the Denver Nuggets forward rotation and offseason decisions. How will the Nuggets handle extension talks with Michael Porter Jr. and Aaron Gordon? Will JaMychal Green, Vlatko Čančar, or Bol Bol be back in Denver? What do the Nuggets need at forward beyond those players? Ryan and Jake share their brief thoughts on forward targets in free agency as well.

Ryan Blackburn breaks down the NBA Draft lottery results and how each of the teams at the top have had their fortunes altered by the night's results, including the Detroit Pistons winning the first overall pick. Then, Ryan shares thoughts on Suns-Clippers Game 2 and how this simply may be Phoenix's year to go all the way. Finally, he continues his deep dive covering every player on the Denver Nuggets. This episode, Ryan discusses Will Barton, Facundo Campazzo, Austin Rivers, and Shaq Harrison, including whether each player will remain in a Nuggets uniform.

Ryan Blackburn breaks down aspects of the Denver Nuggets guard rotation, focusing in on Player Grades for the 2020-21 NBA season. Ryan shares his thoughts on Jamal Murray, Monte Morris, P.J. Dozier, and Markus Howard. What were the biggest surprises, disappointments, and questions surrounding those four guards?

Part 2 featuring Will Barton, Facundo Campazzo, Austin Rivers, and Shaq Harrison on Wednesday.

Ryan Blackburn shares his thoughts on the wave of international talent in the NBA and how it will continue to define the next era of basketball at the highest level. From Nikola Jokić, to Giannis Antetokounmpo, to Luka Dončić, to other foreign born stars, why are all of these players surrounded by such drama right now? Ryan speculates what will happen with various international players as well as the possibility of forming super teams with this group that likes and respects each other.

Ryan Blackburn and Jena Garcia, social media director of Denver Stiffs, discuss the long and arduous 2020-21 season. From a basketball perspective, they delve into the Nuggets and the highs and lows experienced throughout the year and how the championship expectations were completely valid. From a media perspective, they discuss what it was like to cover the team on Zoom in the Bubble and in empty arenas for the last year. Finally, they share thoughts on the future of the Denver Nuggets organization and where they go from here.

Ryan Blackburn discusses the final game of the Denver Nuggets season, a 125-118 loss to the Phoenix Suns in Game 4 to complete the series sweep. Nikola Jokić was ejected, and the Nuggets hung around anyway because that's who they are, led by Will Barton in tonight's contest. Ryan discusses the game, the Jokić ejection, the resiliency of the Denver Nuggets, and the best parts of the 2020-21 season. Finally, Ryan initiates some offseason discussion.