10 pitfalls that will stop the Denver Nuggets from winning a title

Ranking Michael Porter Jr. among the top NBA small forwards in 2023: In this episode, Ryan Blackburn asked Denver Nuggets fans what they want to see happen in the 2023-24 NBA season that DIDN'T happen for the Nuggets in the 2022-23 season. Nuggets fans shared their takes on Jamal Murray becoming an All-Star, Michael Porter Jr. dominating, and the bench guys stepping up. Then, Ryan ranks the Top 10 Small Forwards in the NBA, defined by players that also guard other small forwards (So, no LeBron James or Kevin Durant). Where does MPJ rank among Luka Doncic, Jayson Tatum, Jimmy Butler, and other players at his position? by Pickaxe and Roll

52 min listen

The Nuggets can still win a championship if Michael Porter Jr. is out: Ryan Blackburn shares the 10 biggest reasons why the Denver Nuggets can still win a 2021-22 NBA championship even if Michael Porter Jr. doesn't play another game. With Nikola Jokić still on the roster and Jamal Murray eventually returning, the Nuggets still have a championship foundation in place, and Ryan discusses how Denver can still find that next gear. From the three-point shooting already improving, to the pecking order shifting for the better, to the rest of the West remaining open, there are reasons to remain hopeful in the face of despair. by Pickaxe and Roll

42 min listen

Michael Porter Jr. is more important than Denver Nuggets fans realize: Ryan Blackburn discusses Michael Porter Jr. and how he performed returning from a back injury during the 2022-23 NBA season. The Denver Nuggets won a championship, and MPJ was more important to their title chase than many realize. Ryan breaks down the numbers, the questions and concerns, and the hopes for Porter going forward. He offers career comparisons for Porter like Peja Stojaković and Danilo Gallinari. Finally, Ryan breaks down the health, contract, and role Porter will likely have during the 2023-24 season. by Pickaxe and Roll

40 min listen

Weekends with SwipaCam season premiere - Ultimate Nuggets Preview: Ryan Blackburn and SwipaCam answer the 10 biggest questions about the Denver Nuggets prior to the 2023-24 NBA Season. From Nikola Jokić dominating, to Jamal Murray becoming an All-Star, to Michael Porter Jr. expanding his role, to other contenders around the NBA, Ryan and Swipa break down all of the pressing questions facing the Nuggets. by Pickaxe and Roll

66 min listen

Nikola Jokić wins second straight MVP: Ryan Blackburn discusses the news from Monday morning that Nikola Jokić will be the MVP of the 2021-22 NBA season, laughing at those that think he isn't deserving. Ryan then discusses where Jokić can still improve as a player and leader for the Nuggets in their quest for a title going forward. Finally, where does Jokić rank among the NBA greats now that he's just the 13th back-to-back MVP winner in NBA history? by Pickaxe and Roll

44 min listen

The push and pull between Malone and MPJ: Ryan Blackburn reacts to Tuesday's Denver Nuggets practice, including brief pressers with Michael Malone, Nikola Jokić, and Bones Hyland. Malone had plenty of areas where the Nuggets need to be better, but it was his comments about Michael Porter Jr. and shot selection that really stood out. Ryan discusses it all, as well as the annual GM survey from NBA.com. The Nuggets were represented reasonably well. by Pickaxe and Roll

35 min listen

The Nuggets forward rotation has potential to be elite in 2023: Ryan Blackburn shares his thoughts on the Denver Nuggets forward rotation and how they performed during the 2021-22 season. Michael Porter Jr. missed the vast majority of the season, so Aaron Gordon and Jeff Green assumed larger roles, while Zeke Nnaji and Vlatko Cancar had opportunities to show what they can do. Were the forwards successful this year? Where must they be better? Does a healthy MPJ solve all of Denver's issues? by Pickaxe and Roll

52 min listen

Where the Nuggets stand after 10 games: Ryan Blackburn breaks down the first 10 games of the season for the Denver Nuggets, using both numbers and rhetoric to explain Denver's 7-3 start. Ryan discusses Nikola Jokić, Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr., the bench lineups, and much more. Then, he gives an overview of the rest of the NBA and where Denver stands among contenders to begin the 2022-23 season. by Pickaxe and Roll

51 min listen

A quiet Nuggets trade deadline: Ryan Blackburn recaps the Denver Nuggets moves (or lack thereof) leading up to Thursday's NBA trade deadline. Why didn't the Nuggets make a deal? Who were they targeting? What happens now? Ryan discusses the ins and outs of a quiet trade deadline, what it means for Denver's expectations this year, the rotation going forward, Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr., and much more. by Pickaxe and Roll

37 min listen

The Denver Nuggets are READY to make their championship run: Ryan Blackburn shares his thoughts on Denver Nuggets practice from Tuesday and the ensuing injury report. Then, Ryan focuses in on Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon, and Michael Porter Jr. as more than support characters for two-time MVP Nikola Jokić. Finally, Ryan previews the final 23 games of the Nuggets regular season and the goals for the team in the coming weeks. by Pickaxe and Roll

58 min listen

The Denver Nuggets are ready for the 2023 NBA Finals: Ryan Blackburn breaks down the events and festivities of NBA Media Day, including how the Denver Nuggets handled the day and their practice. Then, Ryan goes to the mailbag to answer NBA Finals questions about the Nuggets and the Miami Heat. Are the Nuggets ready for the moment? Can they trust the bench? Is this a Michael Porter Jr. series? Can Nikola Jokić dominate the Bam Adebayo? Ryan breaks it all down and more in the latest episode. by Pickaxe and Roll

57 min listen

Let’s see if we can fix the bench unit: Ryan Blackburn goes over the news and notes of the off day, from Nikola Jokić's Player of the Week award to a growing Nuggets injury report. Then, he hones in on the bench and why none of the regular combinations have worked so far, providing some insight and new ideas. Could Michael Porter Jr. be the answer when he returns? And if not him, then who? Finally, Ryan goes over Denver's next 13 games on the schedule and emphasizes how Denver's currently in an inflection point on the season. by Pickaxe and Roll

46 min listen

Practice updates, Nikola Jokić the leader, and mid-season big man grades: Ryan Blackburn recaps the events of Denver Nuggets practice, from no progress on Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. to discussions on DeMarcus Cousins' role and Nikola Jokić's leadership. Then, Ryan does his final mid-season grades on the bigs, including Jokić, Cousins, JaMychal Green, and Zeke Nnaji. Finally, Ryan answers mailbag questions about the long term fit of Bones Hyland, whether this season will be a success or failure, and more. by Pickaxe and Roll

65 min listen

Jamal Murray's moment, NBA resumes play, Goodbye to Luka and Dame by Open Floor: SI's NBA Show

72 min listen

Evaluating Tim Connelly and Michael Malone: 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. by Pickaxe and Roll

52 min listen

Grades for the Nuggets at the Quarter Mark: Ryan Blackburn hands out grades for Denver Nuggets rotation players through the first 21 games of the season. by Pickaxe and Roll

46 min listen

All-Star Rosters + Is Joe Cronin going to make a move at the trade deadline?: The NBA All-Star rosters are set for for 2022 game in Cleveland. Did the coaches get it right? Or did they deeply bungle the reserve nominations? Okay they mostly got it right. There's a couple quibbles that might be quickly fixed by injury replacements. There will be no Trail Blazers represented at this year's All-Star festivities, but it's still worth looking closer at the teams as a snap shot of league this season. Plus, Blazers interim (for now) GM Joe Cronin spoke to Mark Medina of NBA.com. The interview is largely a nothing-burger chock full of platitudes and cliches. But maybe just maybe Cronin tipped his hand. This interview coupled with what Jusuf Nurkic told The Athletic in January is pointing towards the Blazers trying to build the team around Nurkic, Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum. Again. That can't possibly be right? But what if it is? Did Cronin let us in on the secret or just give a PR mouthful by Locked On Blazers – Daily Podcast On The Portland Trail Blazers

30 min listen

Who will be the best NBA player of the 2020's?: In this episode, Ryan Blackburn breaks down the last four years of NBA hoops and discusses who the best NBA players have been in the 2020's so far. From Nikola Jokić, to Giannis Antetokounmpo, to Stephen Curry, to Luka Dončić, which players have been the best and will continue to be the best going forward? Ryan breaks it down in several categories, discusses different players, and projects the defining players of this generation. Then, Ryan goes over the biggest threats to the Denver Nuggets to repeat as title winners in the 2023-24 NBA season. by Pickaxe and Roll

39 min listen

Gordon Gross offers an injury update on Vlatko, MPJ, and Murray, plus rotation ideas: Ryan Blackburn brings on Gordon Gross, senior writer at Denver Stiffs, to help update and inform Denver's injury situation for several players, including Vlatko Čančar, Michael Porter Jr., Jamal Murray, and Markus Howard. He and Ryan also discuss the rotation and how the Nuggets can get more creative with Nikola Jokić's minutes. Finally, they discuss recalibrating expectations for the Nuggets in the 2021-22 season and what fans should be hoping for at the trade deadline in February. by Pickaxe and Roll

62 min listen

Is Damian Lillard unhappy in Portland? Nuggets big man rotation: 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. by Pickaxe and Roll

59 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

KFS POD | Most Improved Plan for Game 2 w/ Mike Vorkunov of The Athletic: In this episode, Jon opens by celebrating the announcement that Julius Randle is the 2021 NBA Most Improved Player before welcoming Mike Vorkunov of the Athletic to discuss the Knicks/Hawks series. Topics include: Who is the better team? Thibs vs Nate McMillan How to stop Trae Young Why #6 is still starting & if he will start game 2 How Randle's struggles in game 1 could affect his future Taj Gibson's impact RJ Barrett's playoff debut Mitchell Robinson's absence James Dolan apparent patience by Knicks Film School

53 min listen

NBA Media Survey + Nuggets defensive improvements: Ryan Blackburn goes over the mid-season media survey released by NBA.com on Wednesday, sharing some interesting content and takes from beat writers across the association. How do the Nuggets fare? How does Nikola Jokić fare? Who represents the West in the NBA Finals. Ryan reacts to some interesting answers before pivoting to Denver's defensive improvement over the last 12 games. What's working well? What's real vs not real? Are the Nuggets capable of this defense for the rest of the season? by Pickaxe and Roll

39 min listen

Lakers playoff series was the most important in Nuggets franchise history: Ryan Blackburn goes over the details of the 2022-23 NBA Western Conference Finals between the Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Lakers. He goes back over individual plays, moments, and schemes deployed in what was possibly the most important playoff series in Nuggets franchise history. From Nikola Jokić's greatness to Jamal Murray's leap to superstardom, the Nuggets found a way to sweep LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Lakers. Than, Ryan shares his final thoughts on Damian Lillard and being a small market superstar in today's NBA. by Pickaxe and Roll

40 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

LOCKED ON BULLS, 6/5/2018 - Chicago Bulls meet with Mikal Bridges and Wendell Carter Jr., evaluating both prospects game and fit with Bulls: You have stumbled across the best Chicago Bulls show on the air. The voice of true Chicago Bulls fans lies here in this show. Hosts Jordan Maly and Matt Peck provide you with a daily dose of Chicago Bulls news and stories. We are Locked On Bulls. Locked On Bulls is back to discuss the Chicago Bulls latest workout of NBA prospects, the two most important being Villanova's Mikal Bridges and Duke's Wendell Carter Jr. The guys expand their conversation on both players, how do they feel about the Bulls taking a player with experience rather than a project? The guys talk about leadership and media training in the NBA Draft process, how some players are more readily prepared than others. Jordan makes the case that this shouldn't be a knock on some prospects while Matt has some concerns about players who find themselves getting taken out of context. What by Locked On Bulls - Daily Podcast On The Chicago Bulls

30 min listen

Denver Nuggets 2022-23 rotation preview: Ryan Blackburn previews the Denver Nuggets rotation for the 2022-23 season, including the wrinkles involved when Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. are forced to rest. How will the Nuggets approach the beginning of the season? What will they look like when they're fully healthy. Ryan shares his thoughts on several lineup combinations, including Denver's most important groups for both the regular season and the playoffs. by Pickaxe and Roll

45 min listen

Previewing Nuggets season opener + Award predictions: Ryan Blackburn reacts to Tuesday's practice and various comments by Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokić. Then, he previews the season opener matchup between the Denver Nuggets and Utah Jazz. Though Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell are out, there are still enough quality Jazz veterans to upset the Nuggets on opening night. Finally, Ryan makes award predictions for MVP, DPOY, MIP, and more. by Pickaxe and Roll

36 min listen

Nuggets struggle with physicality in loss to Knicks: Ryan Blackburn recaps the Denver Nuggets 106-103 loss to the New York Knicks that Nikola Jokić and Aaron Gordon both missed due to sickness. Jamal Murray played well for three quarters but struggled in the final frame. Michael Porter Jr. didn't play well in any of the quarters. The Nuggets struggled to match New York's intensity to close the game, and Ryan discusses why that matters (and doesn't matter) in a matchup without their superstar. by Pickaxe and Roll

42 min listen

The moments when the Nuggets will be BACK: Ryan Blackburn discusses the improvements the Denver Nuggets made to their defense, focusing on Nikola Jokić and his limitations, and whether it will make a tangible difference to Denver's playoff chances. Then, he discusses the impending moments in the 2022-23 season when the Nuggets will feel either back to normal or better than ever. by Pickaxe and Roll

35 min listen

Discover this podcast and so much more

10 pitfalls that will stop the Denver Nuggets from winning a title

10 pitfalls that will stop the Denver Nuggets from winning a title

Description

Titles in the series (100)

More Episodes from Pickaxe and Roll

Related podcast episodes