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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Ryan Blackburn shares additional thoughts on the Jamal Murray extension and how the Denver Nuggets are effectively locked into their current core for the foreseeable future. Then, he turns to Zeke Nnaji and what he can provide to the Nuggets in 2024-25 after a disappointing 2023-24. Could Nnaji find more opportunities than expected? Ryan discusses him and other frontcourt players the Nuggets will go to next year.

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Ryan Blackburn reacts to the news that Jamal Murray will sign a new contract extension with the Denver Nuggets through the 2028-29 season. After a longer delay than expected, Murray got his deal, and the Nuggets are set for the 2024-25 season with one fewer question. Was it a good deal? What can the Nuggets expect from Murray for the next five years? Ryan breaks it down.

Ryan Blackburn breaks down the importance of second-year wing Julian Strawther. The Denver Nuggets lost wing players in the offseason, and Strawther almost has to play by default. After shooting under 30% from three and looking uncomfortable as a rookie, can the Nuggets expect consistent production in his second season? Ryan discusses the incoming Strawther leap and whether it will be enough for the Nuggets when the playoffs occur.

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Ryan Blackburn discusses Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone. The championship winning coach is entering his 10th season with the Nuggets and is one of the longest tenured coaches in the NBA. Malone has good and bad traits all coaches do and shapes Denver's play style with his influences. What can he do to improve in the 2024-25 season so the Nuggets can bounce back after a disappointing finish the previous year? Is Malone actually in the hot seat? Ryan discusses it all.

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Ryan Blackburn breaks down the fit of newcomer Russell Westbrook to the Denver Nuggets rotation. What should the expectations be for Westbrook in his 17th season? How concerned should fans be about his 2024 playoff performance? What does he provide to the Nuggets bench unit? Ryan goes over the numbers, expectations, and more for Westbrook.

Ryan Blackburn breaks down the last two seasons of Michael Porter Jr. since returning from his third back surgery. MPJ was long believed to be a future star, but he's merely a solid starter at this stage of his career. Does Porter have more to offer during what should be his prime years? If so, how can the Nuggets help him achieve that level? An improved MPJ would improve Denver's title odds as well.