Denver Stiffs: for Denver Nuggets fans: Recent Episodes
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The official home for audio programming from Denver Stiffs, SB Nation's community for fans of the Denver Nuggets.
The Nuggets endure a long road trip and win their first game back at home but not without a little drama. Checkout the latest episode for the lowdown on what the Nuggets really want for Christmas. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
On this episode of The Chick N' Nuggets podcast we have the great honor of speaking with long time basketball analyst and senior writer for the Action Network, Matt Moore. I pick Matt's brain on some of the major ongoing themes this season within the NBA and society as a whole. One of those themes being the GMs forming an association to support high ranking executives in situations such as the one Portland is going through at this time. Matt and I also discuss the Bol Bol phenomenon and where we gage this team is truly at, at this point in the season.
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Nuggets finally give up 100 to a depleted Sixers team. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
An episode recapping the Nuggets 4 game winning streak. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
With all the things going on in the world, with athletes across the Olympics taking a stand for their mental health, it seemed a good moment to ground the show and "Play Present," as sports psychologist, Graham Betchart would say. Graham is the author of the book "Play Present" and co-founded the mental skills website trainthemind.com with Nuggets power forward, Aaron Gordon. Graham works with athletes of all ages and across professional sports on mental skills training, with meditations and visualizations. Graham lends his expertise to the show to explain how deep the mental game goes in some of the most intense high pressure moments these NBA athletes experience. He speaks to the mental skills tools that players like Aaron Gordon, Ben Simmons, and Zach LaVine practice regularly and how the greatest players lean into their greatest fears. https://trainthemind.com @Grahamtheguide Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In this episode, Jena is joined by long time Denver Stiff writer, Gordon Gross and one of the newest members of the Stiffs, Asher Levy. The group reviews the last few games and dives into the Nuggets best win of the season against the Miami Heat. And of course the altercation that took place between Markieff Morris and Nikola Jokic towards the end of the game.
This episode was recorded prior to the news of Nikola's one game suspension. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The Chick N’ Nuggets Grilled opens the first episode of the season with one of the dopest reporters covering Denver sports, Aniello Piro from Mile High Sports. Aniello has covered Denver sports over the last several years and now host, The Denver Sports Betting show daily from 3-4pm on 98.1FM. Aniello was the perfect guest for this episode because he has great style and in this episode Jena and Aniello take a look at the newly released, city edition uniforms for the 2021-2022 season. The pair cover all the categories including: sickest, ugliest, best representation of the city, biggest risk gone right and wrong and laziest designs. And of course, their thoughts on the Nuggets jersey and latest games.
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Host, Vidavivadiva, welcomes fans back to another season of the Chick N' Nuggets Podcast. Theres plenty for fans to be excited about in 202, all while not knowing when superstar, Jamal Murray will return. Catch an overview of game 1 and look ahed to game 2 . Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In this episode we speak with Will Barton's childhood friend, E Sosa about Will's upcoming free agency as he turns down his player option. Sosa gives fans a behind the scenes look at Will Barton's time in Denver. We discuss Will's free agency options and speaks to the most important priorities for Will moving forward. Not only does E Sosa work closely with Will Barton and his music but he has several businesses of his own and gives fans advice about the difficulties in starting a business and making it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In the final episode of the 2021 post-season, Jena and Reilly reminisce on the Suns series, the season as a whole and the ups and downs of the last year. After a tough loss that led to a second round season sweep, it was a sad start to the week for Denver sports fans but, in the words of Michael Malone, “We are not going to let this series define the season.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jena has a conversation with long time Nuggets enthusiasts and host of the Colorado Sports Guy podcast. Jeff shares his journey through Nuggets fandom from a teenager who loved LaPhonso Ellis to commenting on FireGeorgeKarl.com to covering the years of Melo, Ty Lawson and now the MVP of the NBA, Nikola Jokic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In this episode, Jena and Reilly recap the Nuggets game 1 loss to the Suns and catch up with all the other major events happening around all the League. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In this episode we speak with Altitude Tv producer and editor, Taylor Vincek. She talks to us about her journey to working with the NBA and shares all the details on being behind the scenes with the Nuggets team in the bubble. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In this episode, Jena and Reilly dig into the first two games of the first round series between the Blazers and the Nuggets. After game 2 the series is all tied up and headed to Portland. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In this episode, Portland native, Sean Highkin of Bleacher Report joins the show to talk Blazers Nuggets. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The play-in tournament brings all the smoke! The games were electric and this podcast reviews all of the games thus far and focuses on the storylines that will directly effect the Denver Nuggets post-season match against the Portland Trailblazers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
On this episode, Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report joins Jena to talk about his new book, 'Built to Lose: How the NBA's Tanking Era Changed the League Forever'. Buy "Built to Lose" at https://www.amazon.com/Built-Lose-Tanking-Changed-Forever/dp/1629378712
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Tune in to this episode for the post-season conversations all your friends are having, a hot take on the play-in tournament and an even hotter take on LeBron from Reilly.
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Even with several lineup changes, due to injury, the Nuggets continue to win. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Host @vidavivadiva interviews @kendra__andrews. As they reminisce on the craziest year in all of our lives and tell you some of the wildest parts of covering an NBA team during a pandemic.
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A fun episode with some very serious topics of conversation. Nikola Jokic solidifies the MVP race. The national media finally gives the Joker some recognition, as Nuggets nation finds themselves on another roller coaster high, Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
This weeks episode of The Chick N’ Nuggets with Jena Garcia is filled with sorrow and sadness after Jamal Murray tears his ACL in Monday nights game against the Golden State Warriors. As if Steph going for 53 points, 21 in the first quarter wasn’t bad enough, Denver’s star point guard, Jamal Murray goes down with 58 seconds left in the game. o With Jamal out indefinitely, Jena and Reilly discuss the gravity of the loss to this team’s expectations for this season. It was just last week when the Nuggets were on an 8 game winning streak and feeling invincible and today couldn't feel further from that feeling. There were a lot of different angle to discuss in regards to Jamal’s injury, including the constant pressure on players to play in nationally televised game, a dilemma Jena and Reilly could not agree on.
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On this episode of, The Chick N’ Nuggets podcast with Jena Garcia, featuring Reilly Biller, the ladies talk about joys of being a Nuggets fan during the Aaron Gordon era. The Nuggets extend their streak to six games with a win tonight against Jerami Grant and the Detroit Pistons. Even with an impressive 29 point, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists, Grant and the Pistons were not able to overcome the Nuggets many reinforcements. And let’s not forget this 15 point win was done without Jamal Murray. There was plenty of takeaways to talk about now that Aaron Gordon is playing "meaningful basketball" every night and "getting the easiest buckets of his career," including; the impact on MPJ's game, the offense blooming, Jokic dominating and Jerami Grant trying to prove a point. It is a fun time to be a Denver Nuggets fan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Tonight’s episode of the Chick N’ Nuggets is coming to you a day late due to some members of the team living on the east coast but nonetheless it will not disappoint. Jena and Reilly dive deep in the trade deadline and how Aaron Gordon has completely opened up the Nuggets offensive and defensive potential. And even though Reilly is convinced the Heat won the trade deadline by acquiring, Victor Oladipo, there is a pretty good chance that the Nuggets will prove her wrong. It is a positive episode with your weekly dose of bickering, advice and wild takes that can span from Facundo Campazzo not being that good for this team to Bol Bol needing more minutes.
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In this week’s episode of The Chick N’ Nuggets Podcast, Jena and Reilly have lots to catch up on with the Nuggets recent loss to the Pelicans, win in Orlando and the NBA trade deadline looming. They discuss the recent loss to the Pelicans that shouldn't have been and their win last night in Orlando. While the Nuggets seem to be coming the team we think they are there are still some obvious concerns around their ability to maintain a lead against teams like the Pelicans and Orlando. Not that there isn't a ton to celebrate, this team does have an MVP candidate that continues to perform at a high level night in and night out. But with the trade deadline coming to a close Thursday, Jena and Reilly wonder what trade could improve this team and help them reach their championship aspirations. And that is how a wild game of would you rather breaks out in this episode. Check it out and enjoy! There is honestly so many topics covered your are really going to have to listen to it to know everything. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In the latest episode of, The Chick n’ Nuggets Podcast with Jena Garcia featuring Reilly Biller, the girls asks all the questions Nuggets fans are wondering. The Nuggets also playing better as of late, closing out the first half of the season with a four game winning streak and beginning to look like they have found a better fit for Michael Porter’s talents. Reilly and Jena talk about the key factors they believe the Nuggets need to reach the top tier of teams in the NBA. They discuss trade options that would best improve this team and take them to that next level, not that either is convinced the Nuggets will make a move at the deadline. And while Jena believes that championship team is centered around Nikola Jokic you will have to check out the pod to find out who Reilly thinks is the player to build around in the coming future. They debate the toughest upcoming matchups on Denver’s schedule heading into the trade deadline. Let’s just hope its a better deadline than getting rid of Malik Beasley and the basketball boy next door, Juancho Hernangomez for a handful of guys none of us can name and who didn’t make the team better. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
To everyone who has listened to the Pickaxe over the past four years I thank you. Those who were there at the beginning suffered through hours of lousy audio and rambling while I figured out how to do this whole podcast thing from scratch (ok, the rambling never really went away). It’s been an absolute pleasure to share Gordon and I’s discussions on the Denver Nuggets and whatever else we wandered off to with all of you. I hope that we were able to make you laugh and to make you think about the Nuggets and the multitude of aspects that go along with the day to day of an NBA team. If you told me when I started that we’d make 148 of these things and average over a thousand listens per episode I’d have said you were nuts. It truly was an honor to get to share all of this with you, thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping me accomplish a dream. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In today’s episode of the Chick N’ Nuggets host, Jena Garcia and co-host, Reilly Biller recap the Denver Nuggets’ recent back to back victories over the Chicago Bulls and Milwaukee Bucks. Both hosts were in high spirits after a recent uptick in Michael Porter Jr.’s game with 4 double doubles in his last 5 games and Jamal Murray’s efficient, 10 game streak with 20 or more points. Jena and Reilly give you a unique set of takeaways from Milwaukee and Chicago and of course Reilly had to eat some crow on her Jamal Murray takes. And each host speaks to this recent resurgence of the team and what has been going well over the last couple of games, while remembering that this team just lost to the Wizards for a second time and to the Kings three times this year. And there was a short detour in the pod where Jena explores the Reilly’s obvious lack of knowledge around former Rockies players. In fact, this pod is not just for avid Nuggets fans but a good laugh for Rockies fans as well. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Host Ryan Blackburn and Zach Mikash, deputy site manager of Denver Stiffs, break down a terrible, awful no good, very bad loss to the Washington Wizards that featured a high profile miscue in the final seconds. They talk about:
The final play
Poor execution leading up to the closing minutes
A bad night for almost everyone, from Will Barton and Nikola Jokic to Vlatko Cancar and Monte Morris
Then, they talk about the end of an era at Denver Stiffs, with the podcast network drastically changing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Host Ryan Blackburn shares details and thoughts about the transition from hosting 'Nuggets Numbers' and 'The Denver Stiffs Show' to a new podcast partnering with Mile High Sports titled 'Pickaxe and Roll.' He shares thoughts on the current state of affairs due to COVID, mental health, and the importance of "togetherness." Then, Ryan talks Nuggets, including how Denver must approach their final six games of the first half schedule and Tuesday's matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers:
More minutes for Jamal Murray at shooting guard next to a point guard facilitator
More minutes for Michael Porter Jr. at power forward next to Nikola Jokić
Keys to limiting Damian Lillard and the Blazers
...and much more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Host Ryan Blackburn brings on Jena Garcia, social media director of Denver Stiffs and host of multiple Nuggets podcasts, to talk about an incredible Jamal Murray performance.
What was the most impressive aspect of the 50 points?
Was this more or less impressive than what "Bubble Jamal" could do?
Is Jamal Murray fully back? Did he ever leave?
Then, Ryan and Jena spend some time discussing other parts of the game, from Nikola Jokić's birthday performance, to a solid Michael Porter Jr. game overall, to some general thoughts about the Nuggets in the short and long term.
What should Denver's goal be this season?
Has Porter shown enough to earn confidence?
How hard should the Nuggets push for wins given the condensed season?
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In a crossover episode with the Locked On Nuggets podcast, Matt Moore of The Action Network and host of LON and Ryan Blackburn discuss the Denver Nuggets season to date. How far away are the Nuggets from last year's team? How much do the Nuggets miss Jerami Grant and Mason Plumlee? Can they still be a Western Conference finalist? Then, they talk about Denver's current situation. How far does Michael Porter Jr. have to go? What more can Nikola Jokić even do? Where can the Nuggets squeeze more potential out of their roster for wins? Litigating Facundo Campazzo's minutes. All of that and more on the latest crossover episode between Locked On Nuggets and The Denver Stiffs Show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Host Ryan Blackburn breaks down what the Denver Nuggets did to win against the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday night, from strong performances by Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray to surprising performances from Zeke Nnaji and Facundo Campazzo. He then breaks down the lineup data of the first 26 games of the season, including takeaways from different groupings, how the Murray-Porter-Jokić trio is doing, and how to build out the rotation when everyone's healthy again. Finally, Ryan discusses the last 10 games of the first half of the regular season. Two separate four-game road trips with games against Portland and Washington in between. What Nuggets fans should expect and how the Nuggets can finish the first half strong. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Host Ryan Blackburn breaks down the win against the Cleveland Cavaliers and why it was so important for Denver to have a really great win:
Michael Porter Jr. gets back on track
Starting unit appears cohesive
Zeke Nnaji and R.J. Hampton captain the excitement from the bench unit
Then, Ryan breaks down where the Nuggets currently stand as a team:
Denver's path to this point in the year
Evaluating Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr.
What changes the Nuggets might make to recover and become a top 4 seed
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Host Ryan Blackburn discusses the Denver Nuggets 125-112 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks and what to make of the general frustrations surrounding the team right now:
Will Barton's Jekyll and Hyde game capped off by a factor he simply can't control
Jamal Murray's tough night offensively
Nikola Jokić once again receiving limited help
The defense making sure none of Denver's offensive positives mattered
How to handle Michael Porter Jr. at this stage
Can Denver fix anything right now?
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The Denver Nuggets struggle in California Why are the Los Angeles Lakers such a bad matchup for the Denver Nuggets?
Why are the Sacramento kings so hard for them to beat?
Can the Nuggets turn it around on an upcoming homestand
What do you do to try and stop Giannis Antetokounmpo?
What’s an acceptable record on this four game home stand?
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Host Ryan Blackburn discusses where the Denver Nuggets went wrong in the 114-93 beatdown on national television at the hands of the Los Angeles Lakers.
Why was the first half so good?
Why was the second half a tire fire?
Is Michael Porter Jr. ready to impact this matchup? No.
Do the Nuggets need to prepare MPJ for impacting this matchup? Yes.
All of that and more on this episode of The Denver Stiffs Show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
It’s Thursday morning, and you know what that means? It's garbage day! In this episode of Garbage Takes, Host Jena Garcia has the tough task of judging the showdown of the season and it didn't involve Joel Embiid or Nikola Jokic. She has definitely beaten that dead horse. On this episode, The Action Network’s Senior NBA writer Matt Moore looks to challenge the reigning champ of Garbage Takes, the owner of the Bayless Award, and leader of the stiffest, Ryan Blackburn. Ryan has held the record for longest back to back wins. In the first episode he destroyed one of his newest employees without a second thought and in the second he his own Jedi master, leveling up to full Darth status. Ryan has had good competition but tonight he headed into the ring as the underdog. Matt Moore of the Action network has been covering basketball for the last 20 years while Ryan is barely 20 years old. This battle was sprinkled with playful metaphors, dramatic twists you would never expect and a lot of sports talk. The crew tackles 5 controversial topics from the NBA and a surprise Super Bowl question, are thrown into the ring in this one, including; LeBron vs. Jokic, trade talk and MPJ. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Host Ryan Blackburn discusses what happened at Ball Arena on Monday night to postpone the game between the Denver Nuggets and Detroit Pistons, pushing off the return of Jerami Grant and Mason Plumlee to the Mile High City. Ryan then shares his general thoughts on teams around the NBA, focusing in on record, net rating, and even how the bottom of the standings might impact the top some time soon. This includes Bradley Beal trade discussion and the Aaron Gordon ankle injury. Finally, Denver shares his thoughts about Nikola Jokić and his MVP candidacy:
Who are the biggest contenders for MVP?
Why it should be Nikola Jokić
Why on-off numbers matter less for Denver and Jokić than they do Philadelphia 76ers and Joel Embiid
What Jokić means to the Nuggets
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The Denver Nuggets are on a roll What was the key to winning four games out on the road?
Is Michael Porter Jr about to be a starter?
Who has to step up with the injuries?
Getting ready for the road again and Jerami Grant’s return
Did you expect this type of play from Grant this year? Why are the Detroit Pistons still not good?
What are their chances against the Los Angeles Lakers?
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Host Ryan Blackburn brings on Jeff Morton, OG Stiff and host of the Colorado Sports Guys podcast, to discuss the latest with the Denver Nuggets and their five-game winning streak.
Which former Nugget and former Bull does JaMychal Green remind Jeff of?
Establishing an identity with the starting and bench units
How the Nuggets should handle Paul Millsap's regression
Incorporating Michael Porter Jr. into things
Then, the two share their thoughts on Porter, Jamal Murray, and Nikola Jokić and how the trio can figure things out together by invoking another former Big Three drafted by the same team: Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden on the Oklahoma City Thunder. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Garbage Takes is the newest podcast added to the weekly lineup on Denver Stiffs. It is a fun, quick listen that is 100% worth the time. Five questions all Nuggets fans want answers to with two distinct views and plenty of disagreements. This podcast is goofy and out of the ordinary while packed with the most outrageous garbage takes Nuggets fans have ever had cross their minds. This week’s episode of Garbage Takes, hosted by Jena Garcia and featuring Ryan Blackburn and Zach Mikash, focused on the most interesting topics revolving around the Nuggets and their recent five-game winning streak. If you’re wondering if Malone will ever rest Jokic and Murray or if you think Jamal’s flagrant two was intentional you are going to want to hear these very stanky Garbage Takes! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Host Ryan Blackburn discusses the Denver Nuggets winning over the Dallas Mavericks, including a 30-point performance by Michael Porter Jr. and what it means going forward:
Starters good in first quarter, sluggish in third quarter
Bench picks up starting unit again in a win
When will Michael Porter Jr. be reinserted into the starting unit to help out Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokić as scorers?
What are the ramifications of such a move with the bench unit?
What to make of limited info from the PJ Dozier hamstring injury
That and more on this episode of Nuggets Numbers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Are the Denver Nuggets back on track
Are the Phoenix Suns not as good as their start? What were the differences this time around versus when these teams played each other a couple weeks ago?
The difference Michael Porter Jr makes. Is it more to the Nugget advantage to have him come off the bench to start the game but then finish the game with the starters?
Finishing out the road trip
Team you are more concerned about, the Miami Heat or the Dallas Mavericks? Should we be concerned at all given that both teams are dealing with some major roster issues? Should Luka Doncic still be the MVP favorite?
How are the San Antonio Spurs still competitive? Are you worried that this could be a trap game particularly if Denver is 4-0 on the road trip to that point?
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Host Ryan Blackburn discusses the best win of the season for the Denver Nuggets, a 130-126 overtime victory that saw Denver come from behind after an abysmal start defensively:
What led to the early deficit?
Was this the best scoring of the season from Gary Harris and Will Barton?
Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray looked great in crunch time
What to make of Michael Porter Jr.'s return
Have the Nuggets found their groove yet?
All of that and more in a Saturday episode of Nuggets Numbers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Host Ryan Blackburn and Bright Side of the Sun contributor Sam Cooper discuss the Phoenix Suns and Denver Nuggets in-depth.
Are the Phoenix Suns really the fourth best team in the West?
How has Chris Paul changed the culture and expectations?
What are the matchup advantages and disadvantages between both teams?
Can Denver solve its biggest weakness before the playoffs begin?
If the Suns and Nuggets matched up in the playoffs, which team would win?
All of that and more in the latest episode of The Denver Stiffs Show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Host Ryan Blackburn explored the first 13 games of the Denver Nuggets season through the use of lineup data:
Which lineups have played the most? Which have been most or least successful?
Which players play best next to Nikola Jokić? Who should play more?
The combinations that should anchor Denver's starting and bench units
Then, Ryan discusses the eventual return of Michael Porter Jr. and how it should be handled:
Is he a starter?
Who comes off the bench?
How can Denver help Porter succeed? How can Porter help Denver succeed?
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The Denver Nuggets continue to be inconsistent
Strong road trip ended in disappointment. The Denver Nuggets got some luck but then couldn’t finish strong against the Brooklyn Nets.
Weekend games against the Golden State Warriors and Utah Jazz were a tale of two teams. After playing their most complete game of the season the Nuggets fall apart in the second half again and take another frustrating loss.
Thoughts on the four team trade that sends James Harden to the Brooklyn Nets and Victor Oladipo to the Houston Rockets. How does it affect the Nuggets?
The Nuggets start to enter a tough portion of the schedule
The Oklahoma City Thunder is the last easy game for a while. The Nuggets absolutely need to take care of business against a team they should beat no matter what their record says
The Phoenix Suns remain legit but are going through some major COVID struggles. Will Michael Porter Jr be back for this game and how can he be the cure for what ails Denver?
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Host Ryan Blackburn brings on social media director Jena Garcia and senior writer Brandon Ewing, both of Denver Stiffs, to discuss the Denver Nuggets win over the Golden State Warriors on Thursday night. They talk about:
Nikola Jokić is having an MVP caliber season and it's time to lead the charge
Jamal Murray struggled shooting but did everything else
Another (brief) start for Bol Bol
Will Barton and PJ Dozier doing their thing
Monte Morris and JaMychal Green leading the bench charge
All of that and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Host Ryan Blackburn brings on T.J. McBride, host of the Rocky Mountain Hoops podcast, to react to the four-team trade centered around James Harden to the Brooklyn Nets.
What to make of Cleveland and Indiana getting involved
Did the Houston Rockets get enough of a return?
What to make of Brooklyn's new Big Three of Harden, Kevin Durant, and Kyrie Irving
Then, they pivot to Denver Nuggets discussion:
How does the Harden trade impact the Nuggets?
What to make of the Michael Porter Jr. situation
Will the Nuggets make a trade of their own?
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Host Ryan Blackburn spends time on the two wins the Denver Nuggets accumulated over the weekend before performing the first 10-game breakdown of the season:
Were the Nuggets lucky to catch the Philadelphia 76ers with only seven players? (yes)
Were the Nuggets lucky to play a New York Knicks offense to help stabilize their defense? (yes)
Did Denver accomplish what they needed to accomplish to get back on track? (yes)
Then, the 10-game breakdown, with numbers, inferences, concerns, and hope. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Host Ryan Blackburn breaks down the Denver Nuggets losing to the Dallas Mavericks in overtime after Nikola Jokić hits a game-tying buzzer beater to get Denver there. He discusses:
Jokić attempts 31 shots, garners just four assists
Luka Doncic was excellent, and the Nuggets had nobody to stop him
Is Denver's defense just plain bad? Is there more behind the struggles to begin the year?
Ryan also discusses the extended absence of Michael Porter Jr., according to The Athletic, that will prolong Porter's return to action for at least another 10 days. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Host Ryan Blackburn breaks down the Denver Nuggets win over the Minnesota Timberwolves with 10 notes on the victory:
Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray continue to impress
Nuggets set season high for three-point attempts
Facundo Campazzo and JaMychal Green made major contributions off the bench
Then, Ryan delves into the game on Tuesday night against the same T'Wolves team and discusses what's going on with the Nuggets on a macro level with Michael Porter Jr. still out while Gary Harris and Will Barton continue to struggle. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The Denver Nuggets get back to winning
What was different about the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves vs the Sacramento Kings and Phoenix Suns? Is it simply a matte of talent or was there something different about the way the Nuggets approached Sunday’s game?
What’s the biggest issue facing Denver right now? How can they go about fixing it? Can they go about fixing it at all?
A very winnable 4 game stretch coming up
What adjustments do you make considering you are seeing the exact same team back to back?
Who is a more likely MVP candidate Luka Doncic or Nikola Jokic? Does Dallas have the right roster built around Luka to win at the highest level?
Are you buying this hot start from the Philadelphia 76ers? Does the fact that both teams have the right players to match the other an advantage or disadvantage for the Nuggets?
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Host Ryan Blackburn spends time breaking down the Denver Nuggets loss to the Phoenix Suns to drop to 1-4. He discusses:
Game notes, including great Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokić chemistry
The new guys need to get in gear, but it's important to give them some time to get there
Why Gary Harris and Will Barton are in the second chance stage of their Nuggets tenure
...and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Host Ryan Blackburn discusses the Denver Nuggets win over James Harden, Christian Wood, and seven other players, AKA the Houston Rockets. Final score was 124-111, and Ryan broke down:
MVP caliber performance from Nikola Jokić with 19 points, 18 assists, and 12 rebounds
Jamal Murray getting the jump shot working again
Gary Harris and Paul Millsap each had good games
Michael Porter Jr. still has a lot to learn against top perimeter scorers
Denver's staggered bench rotation
Three things to monitor going forward
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The Denver Nuggets open the season 0-2
What happened in the losses to the Sacramento Kings and Los Angeles Clippers? Why can’t Denver seem to stop anyone at the perimeter
What’s the biggest issue facing Denver right now? Is Gary Harris able to be fixed or are we already at the point where he shouldn’t be starting
How can they turn it around?
A very winnable 4 game stretch coming up
What to predict from an entirely unpredictable Houston Rockets team? Where does the Rockets lack of player availability expose their roster?
Who do you like more long term, the Phoenix Suns or Minnesota Timberwolves? Which team is better suited to matchup with the Nuggets and are either legitimate playoff contenders?
What should Denver do different this time around against the Kings? Is it simply a matter of executing better down the stretch?
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The Dig is back after a brief three month hiatus to preview the upcoming NBA season, the Western Conference, and the Nuggets' chances to win it all (for real). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Host Ryan Blackburn shares his notes from the Denver Nuggets season opener, a wild 124-122 buzzer-beating loss in overtime to the Sacramento Kings. He discusses:
Foul trouble
Jamal Murray's poor night
Defensive contain and rebounding struggles
Nikola Jokić's MVP caliber performance
Michael Porter Jr.'s up and down night
And much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Host Ryan Blackburn brings on writer and site draft expert Daniel Lewis to break down the entire Western Conference from the bottom of the standings to the top.
Which teams at the bottom will over and underperform?
Disagreements on Minnesota, Phoenix, and the LA Clippers
Where the Nuggets will finish in standings and record
Then, the two dive deeper into the Nuggets and make a variety of season predictions surrounding Denver's roster. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The Denver Nuggets preseason is over
Do you think there is a competition for the starting small forward spot between Michael Porter Jr. and Will Barton?
Most impressive newcomer? Is it going away Facundo Campazzo or do Isaiah Hartenstein and Zeke Nnaji?
What’s up with the Portland Trail Blazers? Are they not a playoff threat?
The regular season is here
Are the Sacramento Kings a playoff contender? Does Marvin Bagley have to break out for them to take the next step or is there someone else on the roster who can step up next to De’Aaron Fox
Who will be the better team this season, the Nuggets or the Los Angeles Clippers? Are Serge Ibaka and Nicolas Batum and upgrade over Montrezl Harrell and JaMychal Green?
How will you watch five straight games of basketball on Christmas?
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Host Ryan Blackburn and deputy site manager Zach Mikash go in depth on the Denver Nuggets preseason and the takeaways from Denver's first two games.
Every player is good. Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray look great
Michael Porter Jr. is still balancing fitting in and shooting everything
The starting lineup quandary and Will Barton's comments about starting
Where is Bol Bol and will he get an extended opportunity to shine?
The bench backcourt dilemma with Facundo Campazzo and P.J. Dozier
...and much more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Welcome to the debut episode of Garbage Takes, a new show on the Denver Stiffs podcast feed that will air every Thursday during the NBA season. Jena Garcia hosts a debate style show that pits two guests against each other. Several topics are discussed, arguing ensues, and guests fire off their best takes on the spot. In this episode, Jena hosts Ryan Blackburn and Gage Bridgford, two Stiffs that love to argue, in a debate of the following topics:
Is Giannis Antetokounmpo signing a super-max extension with the Milwaukee Bucks a good thing?
The biggest crutch for the Denver Nuggets this season
Which non-playoff team in the West is ready to make the leap?
Will Barton has no interest in coming off the bench. Should he be a starter?
Are the Portland Trail Blazers actually bad?
We hope you enjoy! Let us know how you like the new show! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Host Ryan Blackburn does a deep dive on the factors in the Denver Nuggets rotation that will change how their offense and defense should perform in the 2020-21 season. He discusses:
Roster changes and varying roles
How those players will affect Denver's play on both sides of the ball
Projected Offensive, Defensive, and Net Rating
Then, Ryan answers some Twitter questions about a range of topics, including:
James Harden for Michael Porter Jr.?
Could Nikola Jokic win an MVP this year?
Denver's best 2-man, 3-man, and 5-man units
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The Denver Nuggets season has officially opened
Thoughts on Monte Morris’ new extension? How does he fit in next to Facundo Campazzo?
Is the slow start from the starting group outside of Nikola Jokic a concern? Should they even bother playing Jokic any more minutes that don’t count?
Does the bench unit have enough scoring? Who will the Nuggets have to turn to if Will Barton is still hurt?
The last two preseason games
What is the main thing the Nuggets are trying to accomplish? Do you use this as a rehearsal or as a chance to get the younger guys some minutes?
Is anyone fighting for a rotation spot? Where does Bol Bol and P.J. Dozier fit into the rotation?
NBA Season predictions? Is Jokic an MVP candidate and can anyone knock off the Los Angeles Lakers?
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Host Ryan Blackburn brings on social media director Jena Garcia and contributing writer Evan Fiala to discuss a litany of Denver Nuggets topics. On ESPN's player rankings:
Should Nikola Jokić rank higher than 10th overall? Does he have a case?
Is Jamal Murray in the right spot at 21?
What is there to make of Michael Porter Jr.'s 51st overall ranking?
Then, the three delve into training camp discuss and play "Real or Not Real" with the latest gossip:
Is Michael Porter Jr. looking dominant something to watch?
What to make of Facundo Campazzo and PJ Dozier
Bol Bol hype!
Finally, they preview Saturday's game against the Golden State Warriors and predict the first starting lineup of the season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Host Ryan Blackburn and Matt Moore of The Action Network and co-host of Locked On Nuggets discuss the Monte Morris contract extension and the landscape of the Western Conference. On Morris, they discuss:
The contract itself: three years, $27 million
How Morris fits with the rest of the guard rotation
What Denver's starting lineup and bench units may look like on Saturday in Denver's first preseason game.
On the Western Conference, the two discuss:
Which teams at the bottom could make some noise in the playoff picture
Did the Suns, Blazers, Warriors, Jazz, or Mavericks make enough improvements to pass Denver?
Can the Nuggets still compete with the Lakers and Clippers without Jerami Grant?
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Host Ryan Blackburn brings on Social Media Director Jena Garcia and new Social Media Intern Reilly Biller to discuss a variety of Denver Nuggets topics on a Friday night:
Will Barton's comments on starting and whether he will get his wish
The merits of offense versus defense next to Denver's stars
The NBA schedule dropped; were the Nuggets snubbed?
Nuggets training camp positional battles to watch, from Facundo Campazzo vs Monte Morris to Michael Porter Jr. vs Michael Porter Jr.
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Host Ryan Blackburn breaks down what's happening with the Denver Nuggets prior to the first day of training camp on Tuesday, going into detail about the process, new players, and the biggest questions:
What Michael Malone, Monte Morris, and JaMychal Green have to say
What to expect from the newest additions of the roster
Which Nuggets are healthy, unhealthy, or absent
What to make of Denver's backup point guard situation
Will Michael Porter Jr. be the starting small forward from the outset?
All of that and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Host Ryan Blackburn brings on Zach Mikash and Daniel Lewis of Denver Stiffs to discuss Thanksgiving and the Denver Nuggets:
What we are thankful for
Conducting a Fantasy Draft to create the perfect Thanksgiving table
Who the fans predict will start on opening night
Who Ryan, Zach, and Dan predict will start on opening night versus who SHOULD start
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Host Ryan Blackburn spends some time discussing the majority of the new Denver Nuggets roster additions and subtractions for the 2020-21 season:
How impactful is the loss of Jerami Grant in the regular season versus the playoffs? Does JaMychal Green mitigate that?
Isaiah Hartenstein and Zeke Nnaji as additions to the frontcourt
RJ Hampton and Facundo Campazzo as additions to the backcourt
What's up with Monte Morris and Will Barton now?
How Denver's moves signal a larger role for Michael Porter Jr. and even Bol Bol in the upcoming season
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Recap the Draft and free agency
Thoughts on Zeke Nnaji and RJ Hampton? Overall draft grade?
How big of a shock was the Jerami Grant signing with the Detroit Pistons?
Thoughts on how the Denver Nuggets rounded out the roster?
Looking towards the beginning of training camp
Where are the weaknesses in Denver’s roster?
Is there a trade you’d like to see before season start?
Best guess at a rotation?
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Host Ryan Blackburn dives into the free agency questions by explaining the Denver Nuggets salary cap situation and doing a Q&A with questions from Twitter. He discusses:
What is the worst case scenario?
Jerami Grant's free agency status
How the Nuggets plan to fill out the rest of their frontcourt
A major Facundo Campazzo rumor
Monte Morris and Will Barton and their futures in Denver
Potential targets for Denver in the frontcourt and on the wing
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Host Ryan Blackburn brings on Zach Mikash and Gordon Gross of Denver Stiffs to discuss the events of the 2020 NBA Draft.
What does Arizona big man Zeke Nnaji bring to the Denver Nuggets?
What does USA'er playing in Australia RJ Hampton bring to the Denver Nuggets?
A surprise addition of Marquette's Markus Howard to a two-way contract
Did the Nuggets do the right thing drafting two first rounders?
What this means for 2020 free agency and the future of the Nuggets organization
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Host Ryan Blackburn and Jeff Morton of Mile High Sports (King of Thornton) react live to Jrue Holiday being traded to the Milwaukee Bucks as well as other major pieces of free agency. They discuss:
Milwaukee goes all in, New Orleans gets a treasure trove of assets
Where do the Denver Nuggets stand now that Holiday is off the market?
Chris Paul traded to Phoenix, Robert Covington traded to Portland
Where does James Harden go? Would the Nuggets trade Jamal Murray or Michael Porter Jr. for Harden?
What challenges do the Nuggets face in the coming free agency period?
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The NBA Draft is here
Who do you like for the Nuggets at #22?
Do you think they will keep the pick? If not what type of deal do you expect them to make?
Other trades you think we might see?
Free Agency is next
Jerami Grant is priority number one in free agency
Outside of Grant, what’s the biggest need the Denver can fill in free agency
What type of player can the Nuggets get with their mid level exception?
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Host Ryan Blackburn discusses the Minnesota Timberwolves with Jake Paynting of SB Nation's Canis Hoopus and how the Wolves will approach the offseason:
Who is Minnesota building around outside of Karl-Anthony Towns and D'Angelo Russell?
What's going on with the first overall pick?
What's the latest on Malik Beasley's legal situation?
How are Juancho Hernangomez and Jarred Vanderbilt doing?
What are the similarities between the Wolves and Nuggets?
What's the formula for building around a star point guard and center duo?
Which players in this draft class could help both the Wolves and Nuggets succeed long term?
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Host Ryan Blackburn brings on Gordon Gross, senior writer for Denver Stiffs, to discuss Jrue Holiday in depth:
What does he bring that makes him so intriguing?
Are the Denver Nuggets top level contenders if they add Holiday to the mix?
What will it cost to acquire the New Orleans Pelicans combo guard?
Plus, they discuss the NBA Restart becoming official and the NBA Draft:
72 games starting on December 22nd
How does that affect Denver's plans in the draft and free agency?
Who are players Denver might target?
Apologies for Gordon's audio during the Jrue Holiday discussion. He never left the bubble. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Host Ryan Blackburn breaks down Bol Bol's rise from an injured and forgotten second round pick to a lottery level talent that the Denver Nuggets acquired for basically nothing.
What does Bol Bol's ideal role in the rotation look like?
Can Bol handle the physicality of a full NBA season?
Is he best used as a trade chip to acquire a piece that puts the Nuggets over the top?
Ryan also discusses the 2020-21 NBA season and whether the players and owners will come to an agreement. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Host Ryan Blackburn brings on Denver Stiffs draft expert Daniel Lewis to discuss the 2020 NBA Draft in great detail.
What are the needs for the Denver Nuggets in the 2020 NBA Draft? Guards? Wings? Bigs?
Dan goes through his top 10 list with some cross examination
Ryan goes through his top 10 list with some cross examination
Listen to find where Poku, Xavier Tillman, Tyler Bey, and other popular options rank on the draft boards. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Host Ryan Blackburn offers the 101 class on different 2020 NBA Draft prospects that the Denver Nuggets might select this year:
Nine guard/wing prospects, including Desmond Bane, Tyrese Maxey, Cole Anthony, and others
Nine wing/forward prospects, including Saddiq Bey, Tyler Bey, Josh Green, and others
Four big prospects, including Aleksej Pokusevski, Xavier Tillman, and others
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Host Ryan Blackburn is joined by Denver Stiffs deputy site manager Zach Mikash to discuss the news and notes of the last week for the Denver Nuggets, including:
KSE partnering with the Ball Corporation and all of the innuendos you were hoping to hear
A report from Yahoo Sports about reported interest from the Denver Nuggets regarding Jrue Holiday
What players are actually untouchable in trade talks
Then, they rank the top 10 NBA championship contenders of the 2021 season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Host Ryan Blackburn spends some time discussing the rise of Monte Morris in Denver as the savior of the 2017 NBA Draft night debacle before delving into roster trade value rankings:
Who can and can't the Nuggets trade this offseason?
Which young players hold the most value?
How many untouchable players are on Denver's roster?
Do the Nuggets have enough ammunition to acquire a star on the trade market?
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In this episode, Host Ryan Blackburn brings on T.J. McBride of Mile High Sports to discuss the most important offseason topics for the Denver Nuggets this year:
Will Nuggets ownership be willing to dip into the luxury tax and pay for championship contention?
Will Jerami Grant and the Nuggets agree to a new contract?
What does it cost to acquire a major upgrade on the trade market?
How will the Nuggets find sustainable defense going forward?
Can the Nuggets maintain team chemistry while also finding ways to make the team better?
Part 2 of our discussion can be found with T.J. at Rocky Mountain Hoops. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Host Ryan Blackburn spends time discussing Will Barton's five and a half seasons with the Denver Nuggets on The Climb along with what's next for the Baltimore native before delving into Denver's championship odds next season:
Who are the Western Conference contenders in 2021?
How do the Nuggets match up with each contender?
Could Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Michael Porter Jr. be good enough without any changes?
What additions could the Nuggets make to help against different contenders?
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Host Ryan Blackburn introduces "The Climb" to Nuggets Numbers listeners, which is a fancy title for an offseason article series pertaining to Denver's journey to a championship. His first segment is on Jamal Murray making the leap and why it's such a big deal for the Nuggets as a franchise. Then, Ryan moves into discussion on Jerami Grant's free agency:
How many players in the NBA can actually do what Jerami Grant does
How many can Denver acquire without trading Michael Porter Jr.?
Which teams will go after Grant and compete for his services
How much money Grant will command this offseason
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Host Ryan Blackburn brings on former Stiff and current Mile High Sports radio host Jeff Morton (also host of the Colorado Sports Guys podcast) to break down the end of the 2019-20 Denver Nuggets season and where they go from here:
A developing identity and the benefits and detriments of resilience and toughness
Michael Malone's growth as a head coach
A game of 'Real or Not Real' on several Nuggets topics
Offseason predictions on re-signings, trades, and the next Denver Nuggets Starting Five
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Host Ryan Blackburn spends 10 minutes focusing on the ups and downs of the 2019-20 season and the joy the Denver Nuggets gave to their fans for an incredible run before transitioning into the offseason content everyone wants to hear about. He breaks down the top 10 questions fans asked him, some at surface level and some going into depth:
Denver's big decision coming up with Jerami Grant
How his free agency affects Paul Millsap, Mason Plumlee, and Torrey Craig
Denver's "other guys" on the roster: Bol Bol, Vlatko Cancar, and Keita Bates-Diop
How Denver utilizes their first round draft pick
Deciding on Gary Harris, Will Barton, or someone else at starting SG
Trading for a star vs filling in depth around the roster
Players Denver could add in free agency
Players Denver could add in trades
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Denver Nuggets fall to Los Angeles Lakers - What happened? - How different is the series if Anthony Davis doesn’t hit the game winner in Game 2? - Overall feelings on the season Moving forward - The free agents: Jerami Grant, Paul Millsap, Mason Plumlee, Torrey Craig - Can they get any sort of contributor out of the draft? - Trade ideas? Is Jrue Holiday destined to be a Nugget? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Host Ryan Blackburn breaks down the Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Lakers playoff series, focusing on what went wrong in Game 4 and how the Nuggets can adjust in Game 5.
How the Nuggets got to this point
Quarter-by-quarter breakdown of how Denver lost Game 4
Reasonable adjustments to make in Game 5, including a starting lineup change
Changes to make for individual Nuggets players
Ryan also spends the last segment discussing why it's okay for Nuggets fans to step back and enjoy the scenery of a Western Conference Finals appearance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Host Ryan Blackburn goes player by player on the Denver Nuggets roster to evaluate what went wrong and what went right in the first two games against the Los Angeles Lakers:
Can Nikola Jokic get going from the perimeter?
Does Jamal Murray need to play 48 minutes?
What Gary Harris, Jerami Grant, and Paul Millsap have to contribute to the starting lineup
Should Denver mix and match lineups with their bench more often?
Does Michael Porter Jr. need to be unleashed?
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The Denver Nuggets fall down 0-2 to Los Angeles Lakers
Lakers bigs predictably causing problems. Nikola Jokic is doing a masterful performance fighting through it but Anthony Davis, Javale McGee and Dwight Howard are giving the Nuggets everything they can handle on the glass and disrupting the Nuggets offense.
Have to find ways to maximize Michael Porter Jr. He appears to have found his groove in this series and the Nuggets bench is still their biggest advantage. Have to wonder if he was in the game in the final moments does he get that rebound off the Alex Caruso miss.
Strong performances from PJ Dozier. The free throws hurt but he was so good everywhere else. Gives the Nuggets a lot of options in terms of offseason moves
How can Denver bounce back in game 3
Have to stop having energy lapses. Game 1 was lost after the refs took the Nuggets off their game, Game 2 was lost with a poor start.
This is a must win. Never count the Nuggets out but going down 0-3 to the Lakers would be disastrous. Giving LeBron James 4 chances to close you out is a bad recipe for success
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Host Ryan Blackburn is joined by social media director Jena Garcia and senior writer Gordon Gross to break down the Denver Nuggets Game 1 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference Finals:
A million fouls in the second quarter takes Nikola Jokic out of rhythm
Jamal Murray looks good but it's not nearly enough
Anthony Davis appears unstoppable
What can the Nuggets do to bounce back?
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Host Ryan Blackburn is joined by Deputy Site Manager Zach Mikash and the founder of Denver Stiffs Andrew Feinstein to discuss the Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Lakers from a historical angle:
Why Nuggets-Lakers has been one-sided in the playoffs
The most memorable and painful Lakers matchups
What makes the 2020 Nuggets different from every other team in franchise history
How elite leadership can change everything
What to expect in this series from both teams
Predictions
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The Nuggets have given us so much this bubble season, and never has it been more welcome. Listen in as The Dig hosts and a special guest put the media on blast, praise the greatness of Jokic and Murray, and pump up the volume to celebrate the greatest moment in Nuggets' history (so far). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Host Ryan Blackburn is joined by senior writer Brandon Ewing and writer/podcaster extraordinaire Nick Hertzog to break down an unbelievable comeback by the Denver Nuggets to advance to the Western Conference Finals for the first time since 2009. They discuss:
The sweetness of proving the doubters wrong
Nikola Jokic's insane performance
Jamal Murray dropping 40
Giving credit to Michael Malone for the work he has done
Kawhi Leonard and Paul George not showing up
Role players making shots when needed
After, they spend a short time on the Los Angeles Lakers, LeBron James, and Anthony Davis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Host Ryan Blackburn breaks down the journey of the Denver Nuggets through the regular season and into the playoffs before delving into Game 7, discussing:
Regular season roller coaster of moments
Resiliency from Nikola Jokic
Jamal Murray's potential coronation
What to expect from the stars in Game 7
Which role players could turn the tide
What happens if Denver wins or loses
It's okay to crow about it if they win
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The Denver Nuggets stay alive once again
Nikola Jokic is unstoppable
Jamal Murray is doing what he should
Michael Porter Jr. comments
What will it take to win Game 7 over the Los Angeles Clippers
Keep feeding Jokic
Need a secondary scorer in 20 points
Stop Paul George
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Host Ryan Blackburn is joined by Jena Garcia, Social Media Director of Denver Stiffs, and Gordon Gross, Senior Writer for Denver Stiffs, to discuss the improbable Denver Nuggets comeback victory in Game 5 to prevent elimination against the Los Angeles Clippers. They discuss:
Big takeaways
The Michael Porter Jr. dynamic
"The Lineup"
Paul Millsap showing up in a big way
Where Denver's resilience comes from
Long term prospects with Porter, Jamal Murray, and Nikola Jokic
Can Denver do it again in Game 6?
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Miroslav Ćuk, host of a new Serbian Nuggets podcast that's already gained a large following, cohosts this episode of The Dig. On the heels of a frustrating Game 4 loss and the frustrated comments of Michael Porter Jr. after the game, Nick and Miroslav discuss how the Nuggets pick up the pieces, how the Nuggets can set the stage for next season, and what in the world is a "Cheesecake Factory." NOTE: Nick's audio is wonky until about the 8-minute mark, so skip there if it's too much to handle. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Host Ryan Blackburn breaks down what went wrong for the Denver Nuggets in Game 3 to lose to the Los Angeles Clippers and go down 2-1 in the series:
Fourth quarter offense
Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray struggled in the fourth quarter
Flurries of turnovers at inopportune moments
Can't stop the Clippers when they made contested shots
Ryan then goes over how the Nuggets can bounce back in game 4, including more minutes and maybe a starting spot for Michael Porter Jr. going forward. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Host Ryan Blackburn is joined by Sabreena Merchant of Clips Nation to discuss how the Denver Nuggets bounced back to beat the Los Angeles Clippers in Game 2. They talk about:
Kawhi Leonard appears human for once
Denver's defense ratchets up the intensity and execution
Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray start off hot and dish to role players late
LA's bench with Lou Williams and Montrezl Harrell was limited
What to expect in a Game 3 matchup
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In this shorter episode of the Denver Stiffs Show, host Ryan Blackburn is joined by two Stiffs, social media director Jena Garcia and senior writer Brandon Ewing, to recap an excellent Denver Nuggets win in Game 7 over the Utah Jazz. They discuss:
Nikola Jokic's game winner over Rudy Gobert
Gary Harris' incredible defense
An elite defense that saved some confusing rotations from Michael Malone
A hobbled Jamal Murray fights through the pain (he gets a pass because duh)
There's also a short conversation on the Los Angeles Clippers, who the Nuggets will face in Game 1 on Thursday night. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Host Ryan Blackburn brings on Adam Mares, former site manager of Denver Stiffs and current VP of Creative Production at DNVR to discuss all things Game 7 between the Denver Nuggets and Utah Jazz. They delve into:
Jamal Murray's elevated performance
Nikola Jokic off-ball versus in the action
Denver's role players and rotations
How to defend Donovan Mitchell
Can Denver at least slow down Mike Conley?
Relying heavily upon Michael Porter Jr. in the biggest moments
Starting Lineups and Closing Lineups
This was a doozy of a podcast that you won't want to miss. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
We react to the Denver Nuggets big win over the Utah Jazz in game 6. Topics included Jamal Murray and his rise to stardom, Michael Porter Jr finding ways to be a positive even on an off shooting night, how the Jazz are now the ones having to work to get every basket and how much of a difference Gary Harris makes for Denver’s perimeter defense. For the second half of the show we look forward to Game 7 and talk about what adjustments, if any, each team might make to try and win the series. Lastly, we wrap up with our predictions on who is going on to play the Los Angeles Lakers and who is headed home from the bubble. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Host Ryan Blackburn brings on Quenton Albertie, writer and contributor for Denver Stiffs, to discuss the NBA news and Quenton's experience as a black man.
The NBA is setting a great example
Changes from the top down
Quenton's personal experience dealing with police
How white people can continue to be allies for change
They also discuss Game 6 between the Denver Nuggets and Utah Jazz at the end, which will most likely be moved to Sunday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
This is a double upload episode between Ryan Blackburn of Denver Stiffs and Brian Preece and McCade Pearson of HomeCourt Press talking Game 5 between the Denver Nuggets and Utah Jazz. They discuss:
Jamal Murray's explosion offensively
Denver's clutch offense focused on Murray and Nikola Jokic
Why the Utah Jazz struggled to score in the second half
Can the Nuggets force a Game 7?
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Host Ryan Blackburn breaks down the lineup data from the first four playoff games between the Denver Nuggets and Utah Jazz. He discusses:
The lineups that haven't worked, from the initial starting unit to non-playmaking lineups around Nikola Jokic
The lineups that are undecided, primarily Denver's newest starting group
The lineups that could aid Jokic and Jamal Murray and win the Nuggets the playoff series
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This episode of the Pickaxe goes on all in on the Denver Nuggets tough loss to the Utah Jazz in Game 4. We discuss some suspect officiating particularly late in the game, whether coach Michael Malone has reached his peak, if being down 3-1 is any different in the bubble vs normal, will the Nuggets be able to ever stop Donovan Mitchell on a pick and roll, can Denver find any help for Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray on offense and a host of other topics. Come commiserate with us. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Host Ryan Blackburn discusses the issues for the Denver Nuggets at length in Game 3 before moving into some tactical adjustments:
Getting Jamal Murray going at the expense of Michael Porter Jr.
Rough offense all the way around
Nikola Jokic and effort/engagement
Mike Conley gets hot immediately
Joe Ingles and Royce O'Neale are unperturbed
Why isn't Jerami Grant starting over Paul Millsap?
What the Nuggets can do to bounce back
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After getting run off the bubble court in Game 2, the Nuggets have to treat their wounds and regroup quickly. Should Grant get the start over Millsap? Can the Jazz really continue to shoot THIS well? Are Jeremy and Nick still arguing? Listen now to a battle royale episode of The Dig. (Recorded 8/19) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
This episode is a double upload of the Home Court Press podcast with Brian Preece (@bpreece24) and McCade Pearson (@McCadeP8) that Ryan joined on Tuesday morning following Denver's Game 1 victory over the Utah Jazz. They discussed:
Donovan Mitchell's 57 points and what the Nuggets can do to slow him down
Jamal Murray's strong performance
The Murray-Jokic two-man game that was unstoppable in crunch time
Nikola Jokic v Rudy Gobert
Denver's role players shooting a high (unsustainable?) percentage on three-pointers
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Host Ryan Blackburn breaks down Denver's victory in Game 1 over the Utah Jazz, discussing:
Jamal Murray's unstoppable 4th Quarter and Overtime
Nikola Jokic outplays Rudy Gobert in Game 1
Donovan Mitchell's 57 points aren't enough
Michael Porter Jr.'s slow start
How the role players performed
What's next for Game 2 from both teams?
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This week’s Pickaxe focuses briefly on recapping the Denver Nuggets eight seeding games and the emergence of Michael Porter Jr. The majority of the show we talk the Utah Jazz, how much having Mike Conley out to start the series hurts them and whether they can come up with a gameplan to stop the versatility of Porter, Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Host Ryan Blackburn brings on Zach Mikash, Deputy Site Manager of your Denver Stiffs and host of the Pickaxe Podcast, to discuss a wide array of topics:
Appreciation for Damian Lillard and Questions for Zion Williamson
Takeaways from matchups with the Lakers and Clippers
Zach takes listeners "inside the bubble"
Playoff races in the East and West at length
Finishing up with one of many Nuggets v Jazz playoff previews
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The first post-bubble podcast for The Dig features some catching up, a bit of debate about MPJ’s role in the coming rounds and whether Paul Millsap has been worth his $30m extension. The hosts also share the curious existence of malaphors and their unheralded place in the accidental comedy pantheon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Host Ryan Blackburn spends some time talking about the Denver Nuggets and their loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. He discusses:
Jamal Murray's post game
Bench mob vs Lakers starters
LeBron and AD were good, not perfect
MPJ needs more play calls with Jokic and Murray
He then discusses seeding in the NBA playoffs, what the Nuggets need to do to get the 2 or 3 seed, and why it may not matter where they end up at all. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Host Ryan Blackburn is joined by Jena Garcia, Denver Stiffs' Social Media Director, and Jeff Morton, the OG King of Thornton himself, to discuss the loss to the Portland Trail Blazers and a wide range of topics:
Was this loss intentional with Nikola Jokic sitting the fourth quarter?
MPJ continues to dominate
Other impressive Nuggets in the bubble
Takeaways from Denver's first four games
Injuries are more concerning than ever
A quick glance at the rest of the Western Conference
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Host Ryan Blackburn is joined by Denver Stiffs writers Brandon Ewing and Daniel Lewis to break down the Denver Nuggets victory over the San Antonio Spurs. They discuss:
MPJ's elite performance and his status as a playoff starter
Nikola Jokic's performance as "a reincarnation of Larry Bird"
Other standout performances from Denver's supporting cast
What the starting lineup will look like going forward
MPJ vs Zion vs Ja
Predictions for Denver's game against Portland on Thursday night
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Host Ryan Blackburn breaks down the most important news and notes from the Denver Nuggets 121-113 OT win vs the Oklahoma City Thunder, including:
Michael Porter's Jr.'s massive breakout scoring game
Nikola Jokic's triple-double and clutch takeover ability in overtime
Monte Morris' bounce back performance
A new prospective lineup vs the Lakers and/or Clippers
Bench struggles and shooting struggles
Ryan then looks ahead to what's next for the Nuggets, including what happens to Porter when the entire rotation is healthy again. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The seeding games have begun
Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr were promising in the final scrimmage
The Denver Nuggets flat out ran out of gas against the Miami Heat
Is MPJ ready for big minutes?
Previewing the Oklahoma City Thunder
Denver will be missing their wings again
Don’t sleep on the Thunder
Quick look at the games against the San Antonio Spurs, Portland Trail Blazers and Utah Jazz this week
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Host Ryan Blackburn is joined by Miami Heat writer Nekias Duncan, formerly of Bleacher Report and Five Reasons Sports among other outlets, to talk about the opening matchup between the Denver Nuggets and Miami Heat. They delve into:
Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo as stars
The Heat supporting cast and elite shooting
Who guards Butler on Saturday? Who guards Nikola Jokic? Who guards Jamal Murray?
Nekias on Denver's title chances
Nekias on Murray, Jokic, Michael Porter Jr., and former Heat legend Bol Bol
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Host Ryan Blackburn breaks down the Denver Nuggets scrimmage against the Orlando Magic, covering:
Jamal Murray's special performance
Will Barton looks rusty
Michael Porter Jr.'s bubble debut
Nikola Jokic taking no shots
And much more. Ryan also shares several takeaways from Denver's three scrimmages, including words about Porter, Bol Bol, Monte Morris, Mason Plumlee, turnovers, etc. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The Denver Nuggets are playing actual basketball
It’s all about Bol Bol
Does Troy Daniels deserve a spot in the rotation? Does Bol?
How much can we actually glean from these giant lineups?
One more scrimmage, then the games count
Do you expect coach to use the last scrimmage as a dress rehearsal?
Are you worried about the guys who got to the bubble late jumping into games that count as their first action?
How do you think Denver matches up with the Miami Heat?
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Host Ryan Blackburn is joined by Denver Stiffs social media director Jena Garcia and senior writer Gordon Gross to discuss Bol Bol at length.
The surprise factor for how good he was
The single best Bol Bol moment
Confidence level in Bol Bol in both the present and future
His best role with the Nuggets in future seasons
After that, Ryan and Gordon continue on discussing other scrimmage stories and news.
Standout performance from Troy Daniels
Point Jokic
Gary Harris and Torrey Craig sighting
When will MPJ arrive?
A game of "Bol Bol and MPJ for _____"
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Host Ryan Blackburn checks in on the Denver Nuggets quarantine roster following a report that Gary Harris and Torrey Craig were making their way to the bubble. Afterwords, Ryan shares his thoughts on the scrimmages, including:
Will there actually be only nine players available in the first scrimmage? Who's hurt?
When will reinforcements arrive? When is too late?
Who starts in place of Gary Harris?
What to expect from Bol Bol?
Will Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray be better versions of themselves?
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Training camp kicks off in the bubble
The Denver Nuggets are all starting to trickle in to Disney World
What do you make of the Bol Bol hype?
Are there any other players who you think can make the most of this training camp/pre-season?
The Nuggets will play actual opponents this week
What are you hoping to glean and what should be Denver’s goal in these exhibition games, starting with the Washington Wizards?
Should they be more concerned with getting off all the rust or keeping guys fresh and healthy for when the games actually count?
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Host Ryan Blackburn is rejoined by Denver Stiffs social media director Jena Garcia to discuss the following:
How the Orlando bubble (campus) is holding up so far
The best bubble content we have seen online
Jerami Grant's press conference on Wednesday and the social justice messaging problem the NBA is going through
When the Nuggets will have their full roster again
Bol Bol and all the hype possible
What to expect in next Wednesday's scrimmage against the Washington Wizards
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Host Ryan Blackburn flies solo to discuss the news of the day, that Michael Porter Jr., Gary Harris, Torrey Craig, and Monte Morris are all outside of the Orlando bubble. How does it impact the Nuggets in their chase for a title? Is that even important right now? Then, Ryan moves to discuss every player on the roster, in the bubble or not, and what they have to gain or lose from these playoffs. From roster spots, to playing time, to a new contract, every Nuggets player is playing for something. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
We back The Pickaxe is back to a weekly pod!
Denver Nuggets arrive in the Bubble
It appears several players, key players, are still missing
Nikola Jokic en route
A week away from games
Exhibition schedule just a week away, Nuggets will warm up against Magic, Pelicans and Wizards.
Will Denver have enough time to get everything set so it doesn’t cost them games?
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Host Ryan Blackburn is joined by Big Stiff Andrew Feinstein and King of Thornton Jeff Morton to discuss the following:
Excitement for the NBA again after a long break
Comparing the bubble playoff to the 1998-99 lockout season
Dark horse playoff contenders throughout the NBA
Opining the trade machine
That time when Masai Ujiri and Josh Kroenke stopped by Stiffs Night Out
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Host Ryan Blackburn discusses quarantine news and how the Nuggets will handle their entry into the quarantine bubble before diving deep into lineup discussion. He breaks down 13 lineups in depth, including:
The starting unit's strengths and weaknesses
The bench unit the Nuggets may have settled upon before the break
The importance of Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic in almost every lineup
How Michael Porter Jr. and Jerami Grant fit into things and why they more often than not go together
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In this episode, hosts Ryan Blackburn and Gordon Gross spend time talking about head coach Michael Malone's press conference on Wednesday and how he can be a great leader during the Orlando playoffs. They also discuss Bol Bol's reverse 360 windmill dunk and a second bubble for non-playoff teams in Chicago. Then, they dive into a Twitter Q&A, answering questions from Stiffs readers on:
Michael Porter Jr.'s ideal role
How the time off will affect the Nuggets
If Denver's defense is playoff ready
How the Nuggets can avoid being a "good-not-great" team moving forward
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In this episode, host Ryan Blackburn is joined by T.J. McBride (@TJMcBrideNBA) of Mile High Sports to discuss the latest Denver Nuggets news. They hit on the two positive coronavirus cases within Denver's traveling party and what possible ramifications could be. Then, they go through the bubble playoff schedule and talk about NBA players they are excited to watch, including Michael Porter Jr. discussion. At the end, they hit on The Last of Us 2 and why the video game has taken the world by storm. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Hosts Ryan Blackburn and Zach Mikash discuss the following Nuggets basketball topics:
What it means that Nikola Jokic tested positive for coronavirus
PJ Dozier's new contract and potential role with the team
One bench, rotation, and starting player we are each most excited to watch in the bubble
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Part 2 of a discussion between Ryan Blackburn and Denver Stiffs' own Daniel Lewis about the 2020 NBA Draft. In this episode, Ryan and Dan discuss:
Should the Nuggets keep or trade their draft pick?
Seeking out a quality starter with bust potential versus a safer role player in this class
How many starters on a championship team could there be past ~ the 20th pick
Then, they delve into specific players:
Center candidates: Daniel Oturu, Xavier Tillman, etc.
Forward candidates: Saddiq Bey, Tyler Bey, Paul Reed, Patrick Williams, etc.
Guard candidates: Aaron Nesmith, Jahmi'us Ramsey, etc.
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Part 1 of a discussion between Ryan Blackburn and Denver Stiffs' own Daniel Lewis about the 2020 NBA Draft. In this episode, Ryan and Dan discuss:
Our first experiences as NBA draft analysts
Re-evaluating talent from the 2016 and 2017 drafts
Anthony Edwards, Onyeka Okongwu, Obi Toppin, and other top 10 draft picks
Who Dan and Ryan think will become stars from this class
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Hosts Ryan Blackburn, Zach Mikash, and Gordon Gross spent the first segment talking about video games new and old:
The Last of Us 2
Best video games of our past and present
Why sports video games aren't the same (or all the same)
Then, they discuss Michael Porter Jr. and make predictions for his return to play this season:
What kind of potential does he have?
Will he be part of the regular rotation?
What are the best ways to utilize him?
How many minutes does he play in a playoff setting?
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Host Ryan Blackburn spends some time talking about head coach Michael Malone opening up about having coronavirus last March before heading into a Twitter Q&A:
Will the games be shown on Altitude?
First video games I ever played
The perfect playoff picture for the Nuggets to win a title
The perfect fit around Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Michael Porter Jr.
And there's more where that came from... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Ryan Blackburn, Zach Mikash, and Gordon Gross hop on the pod to debate whether being skinny is best for Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets. They also discuss:
Playoff bubble questions and restrictions
Safety versus Money and the NBA playoffs
Confidence level in the Nuggets being a title contender
Playoff minute predictions for every rotation player (except Jokic and Jamal Murray)
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In this episode, Ryan Blackburn discusses what happened at Jamal Murray's presser last Friday and why Nuggets fans should be encouraged when the season returns. Then he discusses several narratives about the Nuggets and how true they really are:
Do the Nuggets have enough depth?
Will 4-pack Nikola Jokic be dominant?
Is Jokic still a bad defender?
Can the Nuggets beat the top teams?
Is Murray good enough?
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In this episode, Ryan Blackburn and Zach Mikash are joined by Andrew Feinstein, Founder of Denver Stiffs, to discuss the following: Current Events
COVID-19 and Protests throughout the United States
How the city of Denver has handled a tumultuous period
How individuals can bring about societal change
NBA Back
Was the timing right to talk about the NBA again?
Excitement levels for the NBA's return
Why 22 teams?
Who are the favorites to win a championship?
Denver Nuggets tidbits
Best player in franchise history
Favorite players to watch in franchise history
Thoughts about the 2019-20 Nuggets and how good they really are
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In this episode, Ryan Blackburn discusses the horrific events of the past week in the first segment and a call to action. After that, Ryan discusses Jerami Grant's free agency after he shared some thoughts in a now deleted podcast with Yahoo Sports' Chris Haynes. Finally, three different playoff rotations are discussed against three Western Conference playoff teams: the Utah Jazz, Los Angeles Clippers, and Los Angeles Lakers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In this episode, Ryan Blackburn, Zach Mikash, and Gordon Gross discuss the benefits and detriments of each playoff format:
Resume the regular season?
Playoff tradition vs innovation?
World Cup format
Re-seeding 1 to 16
Then, they debate the teams in each individual tier and which team is best suited to win a title:
Which Tier 1 team is best?
Boston vs Denver (and Kemba Walker vs Jamal Murray)
What if Kevin Durant comes back?
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In this episode, Ryan Blackburn discusses the looming restart for the 2019-20 season:
Going straight to the playoffs
Expanding the playoff field
Resuming the regular season
Re-seeding playoff teams 1 to 16
Which option best suits the Denver Nuggets' odds for a championship? Also, Ryan projects Denver's playoff rotation vs Houston, Dallas, and Oklahoma City Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Could the NBA really be coming back? In this episode, Ryan Blackburn, Zach Mikash, and Gordon Gross come together to discuss the recent news from Adrian Wojnarowski and Shams Charania about momentum toward finishing the 2019-20 NBA season.
Mandatory return and target dates in June and July
Which teams are best positioned for a playoff?
Will the Nuggets rotation be the same?
Will Michael Porter Jr. play consistent minutes?
Does playing at sea level hurt the Nuggets in the playoffs?
Could Denver win a championship against all odds?
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In this episode, Ryan Blackburn is joined by Matt Moore (@HPbasketball) of The Action Network and Locked On Nuggets to break down Michael Porter Jr. and everything that changes with him in the fold. They discussed:
MPJ as a growing star
Whether MPJ would play in the playoffs
Minutes and team role going forward
How trading for a star changes the team dynamic
MPJ vs Jamal Murray going forward
Championship hopes for the Nuggets
How they become a true contender
Make sure to check out all of Matt's great work at The Action Network including a Nikola Jokic article set to come out soon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In this episode, Ryan Blackburn breaks down Nikola Jokic's numbers and where he ranks in the NBA today in Segment 1. Then, Adam Mares, VP of Creative Production at DNVR and former Big Stiff, joins Ryan to discuss Jokic in depth.
Being first on the Jokic bandwagon
How Jokic's 2016-17 season was so special
How Denver revitalizes their offense to reach elite levels around Jokic going forward
The best players to pair with Jokic long term
How the Nuggets can win a championship with Jokic at the helm
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In this episode, Ryan Blackburn, Zach Mikash, and Gordon Gross spend some time talking about trades, discussing:
Stars the Denver Nuggets could look to acquire, including Bradley Beal, Jrue Holiday, Chris Paul, and more
Which star fits best in the short and long term
Non-stars the Nuggets should pursue in the offseason
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In this episode, Ryan Blackburn looks at Mason Plumlee's 2019-20 season, discussing:
Per game numbers and advanced metrics
Shot profile of backup centers today
Plumlee's viability in the regular season and playoffs
What a Plumlee contract could look like in free agency
Then, he answers some Twitter questions about Plumlee, Monte Morris, Michael Porter Jr., and Michael Malone Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
This week, the SB Nation podcasts are taking a small break from basketball and instead focusing on Marvel Week, entered around Marvel movies and various topics around superhero culture. In this episode, Ryan Blackburn and Gage Bridgford discussed their favorite movies from the Marvel Cinematic Universe. They agreed on some movies, like Captain America: Civil War. They disagreed on others, from Thor: Ragnorok to Captain America: The First Avenger. Come enjoy the nerd out session as the two rank all 22 MCU movies, even Thor 2. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In this episode, Ryan Blackburn and Zach Mikash discuss the following "What If" scenarios throughout Nuggets history:
What if Carmelo Anthony went to the Detroit Pistons in 2003?
What if Carmelo Anthony never asked out of Denver?
What if the Nuggets draft OG Anunoby at 13?
Then, they turn to the 2020 offseason:
Which players will be back?
Which players will the Nuggets let go?
Picking between Paul Millsap, Mason Plumlee, and Noah Vonleh
Picking between Torrey Craig, Keita Bates-Diop, and P.J. Dozier
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In this episode, Ryan Blackburn does a full breakdown of Paul Millsap's season statistically, discussing:
Per game numbers and advanced metrics
Where Millsap ranks among starting power forwards today
What Millsap's playoff run would have been like
2020 Free Agency decisions
Why Nuggets fans should be thankful for Millsap no matter what
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In this episode, Ryan Blackburn, Gordon Gross, and Zach Mikash discuss:
Denver Broncos taking wide receiver Jerry Jeudy in first round on Thursday night
Denver Nuggets 2020 draft team needs
Draft prospects the Nuggets could target, including Devin Vassell, Saddiq Bey, and more
Ranking top 10 prospects from the 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 draft
Spirited discussions on where Michael Porter Jr. ranks
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In this episode, Ryan Blackburn breaks down the 2019-20 season of Torrey Craig, discussing:
Craig's per game numbers and advanced metrics compared to other bench small forwards
Is it fair to grade Craig's season by the numbers?
Where Craig ranks at his position group (bench small forward)
How he and the Nuggets would fair in the playoffs
Will he be back for the 2020-21 season?
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In this episode, Ryan Blackburn, Zach Mikash, and Gordon Gross are joined by the King of Thornton himself: Jeff Morton. They discuss:
The formation of Denver Stiffs and how we got here
More Arturas Karnisovas talk and the Nuggets front office structure
The Mount Rushmore of the Nuggets franchise
Michael Porter Jr. in depth
Next season's starting lineup
Are big changes coming?
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In this episode, Ryan Blackburn breaks down Will Barton's bounce back 2019-20 season, discussing:
Per game stats and advanced metrics
Barton's place among starting small forwards
What Barton looks like in a playoff setting
Can Barton succeed as a SF at the highest level?
How the Nuggets and Barton will operate going forward
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In this episode, Ryan Blackburn, Zach Mikash, and Gordon Gross come together to discuss the following:
Arturas Karnisovas accepting a role with the Chicago Bulls and leaving the Nuggets
How the move affects the Nuggets on and off the court
The best Nuggets in franchise history
Debating Nikola Jokic vs David Thompson
Overrated and Underrated Nuggets players historically
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In this episode, Ryan Blackburn discusses his Michael Porter Jr. article along with how he can best develop into a star. Then, Ryan breaks down Monte Morris in-depth, discussing:
Raw numbers and advanced metrics
Morris' standing among backup point guards. Is he elite?
What Morris can do to be more efficient
How the playoffs last season are still the most important point of discussion
What Morris can be for the Nuggets going forward. A 6th man or something more?
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March is finally over, and what a year it was.The Dig has been in isolation along with the rest of Colorado, but it’s finally time for us to take back some normalcy from this virus. Frankly, it took us awhile to get our situations sorted out and to figure out what to do with the show. We still aren’t sure exactly where we’ll end up, but please know that we want to do our very small part in trying to make this situation a bit more bearable for everyone stuck at home, working essential jobs, or caring for the health of themselves or their family. If our show gets even one laugh or elicits a single positive thought for any of our Stiffs' listeners, it'll be worth it. We love you all, and we wish the best to you and your loved ones. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In this episode, Ryan Blackburn discusses Gary Harris and his role with the Denver Nuggets, including:
Raw numbers and advanced metrics
Shot profile and how Harris may need to change his game offensively
Strong defense and All-Defensive team potential
Where Harris ranks among starting shooting guards
How the playoffs look with Gary Harris on the floor
What to expect from Harris going forward, including if a trade is coming
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Some details about how the NBA would re-start emerge
How would playing at a neutral site without fans affect the Denver Nuggets?
While other leagues struggle to restart perhaps any idea of playoffs at all is fool’s gold.
Previewing the playoff opponents
Can Denver topple the small ball Houston Rockets?
If the regular season is restarted, how would Denver do against another playoff opponent like the Oklahoma City Thunder?
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In this episode, Ryan Blackburn, Zach Mikash, and Nick Hertzog discuss the following:
What personal life has been like lately
Favorite video games right now
Jamal Murray and expectations changed by his contract
Jerami Grant and whether the Nuggets should bring him back
The ideal starting five
Hypothetical playoff scenarios if the season does or doesn't return
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In this episode, Ryan Blackburn sifts through the numbers on Jerami Grant, diving deep into:
Per game statistics and shooting metrics
Grant's place among both starting and backup power forwards
Long term strengths and weaknesses
Is Jerami Grant a playoff player?
How he fits into Denver's future with Jamal Murray, Nikola Jokic, and Michael Porter Jr.
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Coronavirus hits Denver
Denver Nuggets organization member positive with COVID-19
Jamal Murray social media gaffe
Previewing the upcoming….?
What kind of restart to the NBA season would we be looking at?would we be looking at?
Is the season lost?
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In the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic, the Denver Stiffs podcast network is pivoting toward offseason content. For Nuggets Numbers, that means detailed player evaluations. In this episode, Ryan Blackburn breaks down Jamal Murray and his 2019-20 season, including:
Raw numbers and Advanced stats
Murray's shot profile being a strength and a weakness
Where Murray ranks among point guards today
Whether he's a "16-game player" and can excel in the playoffs
What to expect from Murray going forward
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In this episode, Ryan Blackburn is joined by Jena Garcia and Brandon Ewing to discuss the following topics:
NBA season suspended due to COVID-19 outbreak (coronavirus)
How the NBA handled the situation
Our reactions to the cancellation
The Nuggets season in review
Our takeaways from a year filled with expectations
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In this episode, Ryan Blackburn dives into the following topics:
Win vs Milwaukee Bucks, from Jamal Murray's star performance to Michael Porter Jr.'s lackluster one
Murray and Nikola Jokic and Denver's playoff ceiling with that star tandem
The final 18 games of the regular season and where Denver will finish in the standings
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Denver Nuggets have tough week
Nuggets lose to Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers, what is wrong?
What’s going on with the rotation?
Previewing the upcoming week
Where do you think this team ends up when the playoffs start? How far can they go?
How confident are you in their ability to beat the Milwaukee Bucks tonight?
Do you like the Nuggets chances against the Dallas Mavericks in a playoff series?
Prediction of record this week
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In this episode (we apologize for being one day late), Ryan Blackburn and Zach Mikash hop on pod to discuss:
Signing Troy Daniels, in the running for Iman Shumpert and Joakim Noah
Win over Charlotte Hornets, from Jamal Murray's game winner to Michael Porter Jr.'s DNP
Jerami Grant's versatility and importance
Ranking players in Denver's rotation by projected performance, i.e. our confidence in the rotation
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The Golden State game didn't tell us anything we didn't already know about the Nuggets -- and that's what's so concerning. The Nuggets need some tough love, and The Dig is here to give it to them. Coach Malone takes the brunt of the criticism, but there are plenty of leftovers for Gary Harris, Jamal Murray, the Front Office, and even ourselves. It’s all out of love, though. Promise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In this episode, Ryan Blackburn dives deep into the remaining questions the Denver Nuggets must answer in the final 22 games of the season, including but not limited to:
Taking care of their healthy and injured players
Winning games they are supposed to win
Chess matches with potential first round opponents
MPJ's minutes and role
All of that and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
It was an awesome watch party, but in the end, the Denver Nuggets were blown out by the Los Angeles Clippers on national television. That will go a long way in the minds of the national media, and there are important takeaways. Ryan Blackburn and Jena Garcia were joined by Jake Shapiro of the Denver Post and honorary Stiff Luke Hutchinson to discuss the loss. They talked about:
No answers for Kawhi Leonard and Paul George
Nikola Jokic's strong performance that had to be stronger
Denver's perimeter defense struggles
The bench and a distinct lack of Michael Porter Jr.
Hot takes
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With one of the NBA’s toughest schedules to close out the year, the Nuggets have their work cut out for them. Can they topple the Lakers for the one seed? Do they need to make changes to their rotation to better address matchup disadvantages? Is Malone stubborn or principled? It’s all here, right now, in this week’s episode of The Dig. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In this episode, Ryan Blackburn answers the questions of Nuggets Numbers listeners. Some of the topics include:
Load Management for Nikola Jokic and others
Jokic's spot in Denver Nuggets franchise history. Is he the GOAT?
Teams Nuggets should want to play or want to avoid in the first round
Are the Nuggets true title contenders? How they can win a ring
MPJ and the rotation
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Denver Nuggets go 1-1 out of the break
Okay with 1-1 against Oklahoma City Thunder and Minnesota Timberwolves?
Michael Porter Jr. out of the rotation?
Previewing the upcoming week
Who even plays for the Detroit Pistons?
Can the Denver Nuggets get over the top of the Los Angeles Clippers?
How are the Toronto Raptors still a top team?
Prediction of record this week
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Host Ryan Blackburn is joined by Zach Mikash of The Pickaxe Podcast and Nick Hertzog of The Dig to discuss the Nuggets’ 113-101 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Stiffs also play Buy or Sell to make some bold predictions about the stretch run and then look ahead to what the Nuggets are facing in the upcoming week. In addition to whining about the Nuggets’ offensive inconsistencies, topics include the following:
Takeaways from the OKC loss
The role of rust
Should Gary Harris be benched?
Is MPJ going to average more than 20 MPG moving forward?
Can the Nuggets set a franchise win record?
Preview of upcoming games against the Timberwolves, Pistons, and Clippers
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In this episode, podcast hosts of the four individual shows on Denver Stiffs came together for a podcast summit. Gordon Gross of the Pickaxe Podcast, Ryan Blackburn of Nuggets Numbers, Jena Garcia of Chick N Nuggets, and Nick Hertzog of The Dig gathered together during the All-Star game to have some Chicken Tortilla Soup and talk basketball. They discussed:
NBA All-Star Game and the spectacular Elam Ending format
Nikola Jokic's performance
Who Denver's next All-Star will be
Twitter Questions
The Nuggets rotation going forward
Where Denver will finish in regular season
Who plays in the playoffs? Particularly Michael Porter Jr.
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In this episode, Ryan Blackburn, Jena Garcia, and Brandon Ewing discuss:
Losing to the Los Angeles Lakers in overtime
Nikola Jokic's struggles
Bad calls by refs
How Denver matches up with LeBron and AD in a playoff series
How the Nuggets match up with other playoff teams
Stepping back and enjoying a 38-17 record
What this team looks like in their final form
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In this episode, Ryan Blackburn discusses the following:
Paul Millsap and Jamal Murray jumpstarting a Nuggets comeback versus the San Antonio Spurs
The value of Monte Morris
Fourth/Fifth options on offense doing what they're asked to do
Quiet shooting hot streak for Torrey Craig
Murray's stardom, balancing aggressive and passive scoring
Previewing the Los Angeles Lakers game on Wednesday
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Denver Nuggets go on winning streak through the NBA Trade Deadline
How does the Malik Beasley and Juancho Hernangomez trade change the Nuggets?
Incredible win against Utah Jazz, 3-0 week
Jamal Murray’s resurgence
Previewing the upcoming week
Can the Denver Nuggets get over the top of the Los Angeles Lakers
Is there anyone outside of the L.A. teams that scares you in the playoffs now??
Prediction of record this week
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In Part 2 of this episode, Ryan Blackburn and Brandon Ewing discuss the following:
D'Lo for Wiggins trade and how it impacts both Golden State and Minnesota
Other non-playoff teams that made significant moves at the deadline
Memphis and Iguodala
Is there upset potential facing Dallas or Oklahoma City?
How Denver matches up with the other teams in their tier: Houston and Utah
Does Denver stand a chance against the teams in Los Angeles?
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In this two-part podcast, Ryan Blackburn and Brandon Ewing hop on to break down the following during Part 1:
The 4-team MegaTrade and Denver's part in it
The Shabazz Napier for Jordan McRae swap and how it's an excellent move
Are Noah Vonleh and Keita Bates-Diop good additions?
How the trades impact Denver's rotation
Denver's spectacular performance in Utah
Appreciation for Torrey Craig and P.J. Dozier
Part 2 will come out early Saturday morning. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Huge thanks to Neil Olstad of Wolvescast on Canis Hoopus for joining The Dig to go through the players involved in this 12-player mega deal, and what Nuggets fans can expect from their new acquisitions (and their departing fam) in the coming months. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In this episode, Ryan Blackburn hops on an emergency episode to break down the 12-player trade that just went down. Malik Beasley, Juancho Hernangomez, and Jarred Vanderbilt are going to Minnesota. Bench reserves and a first round pick are coming back. What does this mean for the Nuggets going forward? Do any of the players acquired play a role? Is this a springboard for another potential deal? How do the Nuggets now look in the playoffs? All that and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
As the NBA Trade Deadline edges ever closer, the Denver Nuggets find themselves in an interesting spot. They may acquire a player, they may move current players to free up time in the rotation. There are many questions surrounding the Nuggets, the first of which being if they think they can win a championship either as currently constructed or if they are one trade away. In this episode, Ryan Blackburn discusses the following:
An extended conversation on Jrue Holiday and whether he fits in Denver
Brief discussions of other players Denver may be looking to acquire, including Robert Covington
If Denver moves Malik Beasley or Juancho Hernangomez and where they could go
Five rotation questions before the deadline to discuss where the Nuggets currently stand
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Denver Nuggets have a mixed week
Was it a positive week or a negative week?
Injuries piling up
Nikola Jokic an all star, Michael Porter Jr. a rising stars snub
Previewing the upcoming week
Another big week of game with Utah Jazz and Portland Trail Blazers
Will the Nuggets land Jrue Holiday at the NBA Trade Deadline?
Prediction of record this week
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In this episode, Ryan Blackburn and Jena Garcia discuss a variety of topics, including:
Kobe news on Sunday while at Pepsi Center
Denver's injured players and when to expect them back
Jerami Grant and Michael Porter Jr. stepping up when needed
All-Star reserve picks in both conferences
Denver's playoff rotation
Which players are on the outside looking in?
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In this episode, Ryan Blackburn takes some time to discuss the life of Kobe Bryant, what he means to the NBA, and how the superstar will be remembered. Then, Ryan breaks down where the Denver Nuggets currently stand in the Western Conference playoff picture, what a playoff series would look like against other West teams. From Denver's style battles with the Houston Rockets and the Utah Jazz to the talent deficit against the Los Angeles Clippers and Lakers. Finally, some words about Michael Porter Jr., from his last month as a shooter to how he impacts the Nuggets in a playoff series this season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Denver Nuggets strong week overshadowed by Kobe Bryant tragedy
Thoughts on Kobe Bryant
Satisfied with the split with the Houston Rockets?
Has Michael Porter Jr. earned regular rotation minutes even when everyone is healthy?
Previewing the upcoming week
Us the game against the Utah Jazz the biggest of the year thus far?
Can Denver go 2-1 on their road games?
Prediction of record this week
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An argument can be made that the Nuggets' best chance to win a championship is this year. In Episode 11, hosts Nick Hertzog and Jeremy Poley discuss whether the Nuggets should be all in this year, what all in means, and what moves could put them over the top. Topics include: Michael Porter Jr., Gary Harris, and trade candidates to be named in the second segment. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In this episode, Ryan discusses how the Denver Nuggets fared against the Indiana Pacers and Minnesota Timberwolves on a back-to-back, including the lineups used, Michael Porter Jr.'s growth, and more. Then, Ryan delves into the world of fake trades to discuss the trade deadline at great length. You sent in fake trade proposals, and Ryan graded them. In this, Ryan also discusses what kind of team the Nuggets want to be. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Denver Nuggets can’t finish out sweep of week
How Jamal Murray getting hurt affects the Nuggets
Denver blows the game against the Indiana Pacers
Michael Porter Jr.’s media coverage
Previewing the upcoming week
How will they handle tougher than it looks three game road trip against the Houston Rockets, Minnesota Timberwolves and New Orleans Pelicans?
Big week for staying ahead in the standings
Prediction of record this week
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We are officially 41 games in! The midpoint! The Denver Nuggets are 29-12 at the halfway mark of the season, and the entire stretch of 41 games has taught the world about just how great and interesting this team can be. Nikola Jokic is a superstar. Jamal Murray has his flashes. Michael Porter Jr. has brought something new. In this episode, I grade every Nuggets player on the roster as well as head coach Michael Malone. The guards are in the first segment. The forwards are in the second segment. The centers and Malone are in the final segment. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
As soon as Jamal Murray went down with an injured ankle in front of the Charlotte Hornets bench on Wednesday night, Pepsi Center went into a hush with some frantic whispers. The Denver Nuggets being without their point guard could potentially be dire, on top of Denver's other significant injuries. By the end of the game though, it was Denver's two rookies who provided some relief. Yes, Michael Porter Jr. had those expectations, but P.J. Dozier did not. The South Carolina product played his ninth career game on Wednesday night and filled in admirably off the bench. That was the story of Denver's 100-86 win over Charlotte. In this episode, Ryan Blackburn and Brandon Ewing discuss the game, Denver's rotation going forward, and where the Nuggets currently stand within the Western Conference. Can they be a title contender? Do they need a trade or two to get there? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
As the Denver Nuggets approach the midway point, statistical projections have begun to appear less like conjecture and more like fact. The Nuggets, ranked 7th in Offensive Rating and 13th in Defensive Rating, are taking shape as one of the main powers in the Western Conference to match LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard, and the supposed juggernaut teams in Los Angeles. To begin, I shared five statistical tidbits that help the Nuggets even the playing field with these other teams, including winning percentages, Michael Porter Jr.'s growth, and more. Then, I delved into the weeds of lineup ratings, first starting with Denver's best units overall and working my way toward Denver's best units offensively. How does Denver score with Nikola Jokic off the floor? Where does Jerami Grant fit in? Can Michael Porter Jr. really play down the stretch? All that and more in this episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Denver sandwiches a dud between two quality wins
Was the Dallas Mavericks victory the best of the season?
What happened against the Cleveland Cavaliers?
Nice bounce back against the Los Angeles Clippers
Previewing the upcoming week
How do the Denver Nuggets avoid let downs against the Charlotte Hornets and Golden State Warriors?
Can the Nuggets repeat their success against the Indiana Pacers?
Prediction of record this week
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Surprise! A bonus episode of Nuggets Numbers is here for your listening pleasure. In this episode, I go over the Western Conference All-Star picture and discuss which players deserve the nod and which players are on the outside looking in. I started with a Twitter experiment in which I asked people to send me their All-Star ballots to frame the exercise. Some players were unanimous, but some decisions were too close to call. After that, I shared my personal All-Star ballot, including the debate between Nikola Jokic and Kawhi Leonard for the third starter spot, whether the Utah Jazz deserve two All-Stars, and whether any of Karl-Anthony Towns, Russell Westbrook, Rudy Gobert, or Devin Booker are left out of the game. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Well, he did it. Again. With the game on the line and the Nuggets down one, Nikola Jokic beat the mismatch in the post and hit and shot in the paint with eight seconds left. That proved to be the difference in Denver's victory against the Dallas Mavericks. Jokic continues to showcase his mettle as an elite closer, so Jena Garcia, Zach Mikash, and Nikola Jokic talked about him at length. First, they discussed Wednesday night's game winner versus Dallas. Next, they ranked his seven game winners in the last two years. Finally, the trio discussed Denver's most important players in a playoff series that are on the roster. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The Denver Nuggets desperately needed a victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Monday night, and the best way for Nikola Jokic to make that happen was to simply dominate. Dominate he did, as the Serbian center scored 47 points, a career high, on Serbia's Christmas day, a wonderful gift to Jokic's countrymen and women. He showcased exactly why he's the best center in the NBA and why the bar for his performance has just been increased. In this episode, I discuss Jokic's amazing night, along with the rest of the Denver-Atlanta game, including some worrisome defense once again. Finally, I do a mini Q&A from questions I received on Twitter concerning Jokic, Paul Millsap, and Denver's defense at large. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In Episode 10 of The Dig -- "The one about MPJ" -- Nick Hertzog and Jeremy Poley discuss the rookie's minutes moving forward, what his emergence means for the front office, and whether he or Jamal Murray will average 20 PPG first. We end with rumors about the The Rise of Skywalker and the growing divide between audiences and critics. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Happy New Year from Denver Stiffs to you! Let's make 2020 the best year Stiffs has ever had. In this episode, Ryan Blackburn and Brandon Ewing link up to discuss Denver's loss to the Houston Rockets, ranging from the defense for offense debate, Michael Porter Jr.'s impressive scoring, and Jamal Murray's struggles. Then, they discuss New Year's resolutions for every Nuggets player. From great health, to shooting more threes, to being traded, every Nuggets player has a goal in 2020, and Ryan and Brandon discuss what they think those can and should be. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
2019 is almost at an end. The Denver Nuggets will face the Houston Rockets tonight in their last game of the calendar year, and what a year it has been. I took over as Site Manager just under four months ago, and ever since then, the ride has been absolutely crazy. Thanks to all of the listeners of the Denver Stiffs podcast network. We appreciate each and every one of you. In this episode of Nuggets Numbers, I spend the first segment discussing what Denver's future may look like with Michael Porter Jr. as a key member of the team. His debut as a starter sent ripples around the NBA and showcased just a bit of his potential as a versatile scorer. Then in the second segment, I discuss my 10 favorite Nuggets moments of 2019 at length, ranging from scoring outbursts from Jamal Murray to playoff growth for Nikola Jokic and the rest of the team. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Another strong week overall
How much does the Denver Nuggets bounce back seven game win streak speak to their maturity as a team?
What can Denver do to stop getting killed by big wings like Brandon Ingram?
Nuggets trade rumors heating up, is Jrue Holiday worth the price?
Michael Porter Jr’s first start
Previewing the upcoming week
Do you think Denver can repeat their previous performance against the Houston Rockets?
Are the Indiana Pacers dark horse finals contenders?
Prediction of record this week
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The Denver Nuggets winning streak has reached seven games. Five "take care of business" wins at home, a beatdown of the Lakers in Los Angeles, and a thriller in Phoenix against the Suns. The Nuggets proved a lot over these last seven games, so I decided to break down the numbers of the seven game win streak for each rotation player. I discussed a bit of Michael Porter Jr. in the rotation as well and took a stance on his rotation spot that may surprise some people. Apologies for the rough voice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Denver Nuggets back to streaking
Perfect week before the outcome of the Nuggets game is determined - better execution by Denver or just home cooking against lesser opponents?
Comeback against Orlando Magic a good sign or concerning they had to go on a 24-0 run to pull it out?
How much will Denver’s home court feature in their postseason positioning, considering they don’t play to the altitude as much as in years past?
Los Angeles Lakers thoughts (though it’s hard to take too much from it with LeBron James out)
Previewing the upcoming week
Can Denver get up for playing at the Phoenix Suns on Monday after this LA game?
Home vs. New Orleans Pelicans on Christmas - good to have a national Christmas game or bad to have so many games this week?
Saturday vs. Memphis Grizzlies or the SEGABABA vs Sacramento Kings, both in Denver - which concerns you more?
Prediction of record this week?
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If you're anything like the hosts of The Dig, you've spent long hours pondering which Star Wars character Nikola Jokic would be. In Episode 9, Nick Hertzog and Jeremy Poley connect all the Nuggets and Star Wars dots, in addition to waxing philosophical about objectivity vs. subjectivity, Star Wars' place in our culture, and silly fan theories. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Denver Nuggets back to streaking
Concerned about the nuggets bombing the road trip?
Should Denver retire Carmelo Anthony’s jersey?
Is it safe to say Nikola Jokic is back to his old self?
Previewing the upcoming week
Who concerns you more in the Orlando Magic and Minnesota Timberwolves?
How big is the Los Angeles Lakers game?
Win loss predictions for the week
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December 15th is right around the corner, and with it comes NBA trade season. 40% of the NBA will be eligible for a trade come Sunday, and the Denver Nuggets are one of the teams that could be heavily involved. In the first segment (2:30), Ryan Blackburn, Jena Garcia, and Gage Bridgford discuss Denver's 1-3 road trip, including what went wrong, Nikola Jokic's performances, and how the Nuggets can fix things. In the second segment (23:00), they discuss the bench rotation and the limitations of Denver's current lineup. In the third segment (38:00, and it's a long one) the group delves into trade talk, discussing the type of players Denver may look to acquire and which players make the most sense, from Andre Iguodala to J.J. Redick. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The season is long, arduous, and ever changing. At 14-7, it feels like the Denver Nuggets have endured a roller coaster ride of a season, with high points featuring Nikola Jokic game winners, and low points featuring a broken offensive system. At various points, the Nuggets have thrived. For now, they are in a low point. 21 games feels ripe for establishing an initial look at Denver's roster, from Michael Porter Jr.'s brief stints to Jamal Murray's heavy burden. I looked at the 12 players to amass greater than 100 minutes played and evaluated them on a 100 scale. But before that, I answered some Twitter questions from Stiffs readers, mostly centered around Nikola Jokic but also some questions about lineups, three-point shooting, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Rough week out east What did the Los Angeles Lakers loss tell us?
Is there anything that can be salvaged from the losses against the Boston Celtics and Brooklyn Nets?
Previewing the upcoming week? How does Denver come up with a victory at the Philadelphia 76ers?
What do you think the reception will be like for Carmelo Anthony and the Portland Trailblazers?
Win loss predictions for the week
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As a follow-up to Nick’s Nuggets article this week, the hosts of The Dig discuss some of the Nugget’s more head-scratching offensive problems. Also discussed: urban coyotes, 16-year-old "hoochananny," and sociopath GMs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
LeBron James and Anthony Davis are coming to town, and they aren't messing around lately. The Los Angeles Lakers are 17-3 and will enter tonight as the Western Conference's top seed. The Denver Nuggets are second. The fireworks will be fun. I preview that game in segment three, but first, I had some thoughts about Nikola Jokic and the brushback he has received over the last month. In here, I put together some statistics on "November Jokic" and why I think he's in line for a bounce back month now that the games really start to matter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Denver Nuggets close out week with disappointing loss
Any lasting impressions from the Washington Wizards game?
How do you explain the loss to the Sacramento Kings?
Can the Nuggets have sustained success with a less aggressive Nikola Jokic?
Previewing the upcoming week
Thoughts on the new City jerseys?
How big is the Los Angeles Lakers game?
Toughest test on the upcoming east coast road trip?
Win loss predictions for the week
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Happy Thanksgiving to our Denver Stiffs readers and listeners! We hope you have a great off day from work, consume a ton of food, and be thankful for what life has to offer. In this episode, Ryan is joined by Zach Mikash and Gage Bridgford (in his Denver Stiffs podcast debut) to discuss Thanksgiving food takes. Is turkey overrated? Best side? Mac n Cheese or Mashed Potatoes? Oh, and they talk some Nuggets too.
Can Gary Harris achieve First Team All-Defense?
Should anyone be worried about Nikola Jokic?
How to solve bench woes
And much more. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Host Nick Hertzog is joined this week by Ryan Blackburn to discuss whether the Denver Nuggets have all the pieces they need to win a championship this year. Topics include the Jokic/Murray duo, leadership, defense, and wildcards. Ryan also comes with a few hot takes including a particularly spicy opinion about Kobe Bryant. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
There's a lot going on with the Denver Nuggets right now, not the least of which is their 12-3 record and 7th ranked offense in the last six games. Ryan goes solo to discuss Denver's win over the Phoenix Suns and some notes from an extra viewing session of that game. Then, he goes over the five most important changes the Nuggets could make to help the offense improve while not impacting the defense extensively. Spoiler alert: it still includes Michael Porter Jr., but barely. Finally, what does the current landscape of the Western Conference look like? Ryan provides an impromptu power ranking of the top 6 teams in the West right now. The other nine don't matter. They aren't winning a playoff series. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Denver Nuggets are streaking
Which win was more impressive, Boston Celtics or Houston Rockets?
Deciding factors in the win against the Phoenix Suns
Is there any reason not to consider the Nuggets finals contenders?
Previewing the upcoming week
Is Isaiah Thomas’ comeback legit?
Does the Sacramento Kings game scare you at all?
Win loss predictions for the week
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It wasn't pretty, and it came down to the wire, but the Denver Nuggets brought it once again while facing the Boston Celtics on Friday night. Jena, Brandon, and Ryan break down the 96-92 victory along with all of the major talking points:
A clutch Jamal Murray performance and his All-Star campaign
Paul Millsap's importance to this team
The starters finding their groove
The bench...not finding much of anything
How to handle Michael Porter Jr.'s situation going forward
And much more! From the player of the week, to Denver's sturdy defense, to if the Nuggets are championship contenders. Enjoy! (P.S. Apologies for the echo) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
With 8 out of the next 13 games against Eastern Conference teams, The Dig takes a look at the major storylines on the other coast. Included in Episode 5, “The Wild Wild East,” co-hosts Nick Hertzog and Jeremy Poley give some love to the Raptors and Bucks as well as some snark to the Knicks and Sixers. The Dig is also excited to introduce a new segment again this week where the hosts show off their acting chops. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
This is Nuggets Numbers, so let's get analytical, shall we? In this episode, Ryan shares his research on the Denver Nuggets season so far, discussing the 12 most important stats related to why Denver is 9-3, whether they should be better or worse, and where they will go from here. From one of the easiest schedules to date to one of the best starting lineups in the entire NBA, the numbers range far and wide. If you want to know why the Nuggets are where they are today, this is the episode for you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Denver Nuggets close out week on a positive note
Do you just wash away the Atlanta Hawks loss?
Juancho Hernangomez inserted into the rotation
Have we started to see Denver’s offense click?
Previewing the upcoming week
Carmelo Anthony’s Nuggets legacy
Tougher matchup on the homestand - Houston Rockets or Boston Celtics
Win loss predictions for the week?
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Happy Friday! Need a boost heading into the weekend? The Denver Stiffs Show has your back. After a 2-1 week featuring an overtime win over the Minnesota Timberwolves, a brutal loss to the Atlanta Hawks at home, and a gut check victory over the Brooklyn Nets, Jena and Ryan have some thoughts about where the Nuggets currently are. Why do the Nuggets always start slow? What's up with the offense? Has anyone been more consistent than Paul Millsap or Will Barton thus far? Did the Nuggets find a formula on their bench with Juancho Hernangomez? Jena and Ryan discuss all of that and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In Episode 4 of The Dig’s second season, co-hosts Jeremy Poley and Nick Hertzog propose a reset on this season, both for certain players and for the media and fans who might be needing it just as much. If you haven’t checked out The Dig yet, give it a listen. If nothing else, you’ll get to hear some great music by a talented local artist, Midi Mansion. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Rundown 3-0 Week
Which win was the most impressive
Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic powered the Denver Nuggets through the week
Michael Porter Jr. cracks the rotation
Previewing the upcoming week
Are the Atlanta Hawks going to make a jump this season?
How dangerous are the Brooklyn Nets when they don’t have Kevin Durant?
Does the Memphis Grizzlies game concern you at all?
Win loss predictions for the week?
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Good news, everyone! The Nuggets are 5-2 and tied for 2nd in the Western Conference— right where we all thought they’d be! Not exactly. In Episode 3 of the The Dig, co-hosts Nick Hertzog and Jeremy Poley play “Are We Sure?” and “Buy or Sell” to figure out what and who this team truly is going into an interesting early season test with the 76ers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Six games is too early to draw a statistical conclusion, but the numbers are starting to form trends, and we're here to tell you why. Ryan and Zach dive into the numbers to discuss Denver's defense to start the season. It has been stellar in four games and brutal in the other two. Which performances represent Denver's true defensive abilities? Is the current performance sustainable? After defensive talk, Zach and Ryan discuss each rotation player thus far, picking one stat and predicting whether the number will be real or not real at the end of the season, from Nikola Jokic’s three-point percentage to Jamal Murray’s assists per game. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
After starting the season with three victories, the Denver Nuggets have fallen back down to earth. The offense remains a work in progress while the defense has taken a major step back. Nikola Jokic doesn't look like the MVP candidate he became last season, and shooting the basketball efficiently is more challenging than ever before. To break down these problems, Ryan and Brandon hopped on to discuss the individual players, to Michael Porter's exciting professional debut, to the concern level Nuggets fans should have at the beginning of the season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The Nuggets are 3-1. That should be good news, right? So why does it feel so ... meh? In Episode 2 of the second season of The Dig, co-hosts Nick Hertzog and Jeremy Poley slog through their own early season slump, which resembles the Nuggets’ offense. Nick blows the introduction; Jeremy fumbles a metaphor; both hosts struggle with coherence. But just like the Nuggets, the end result is a W, thanks to a game-winning MPJ discussion.
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In Episode 2 of Breaking Basketball: A Nugglife Story, a promising season takes a series of unexpected turns that challenge the team—and even the media who follow them. By the All-Star break, the Nuggets' championship aspirations will be tested by injury, locker room upheaval, and league actions. As this heat gets cranked up on the team, everyone around them feels the pressure, too.. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The Denver Nuggets have played three games. They have won three games. Nuggets fans should be happy with such a strong start, but there are major concerns with the offense on the starters and the bench unit. In the first of two segments, Ryan broke down the three Numbers to remember and evaluated Denver's 101-94 victory against the Sacramento Kings. Then, in a time when small sample size affects all, Ryan produced four takeaways, including some concerning numbers shooting the ball as a team and scoring while Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray are off the floor. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
2-0 to Start
How good was Nikola Jokic this week?
Surprised about zero minutes for Michael Porter Jr.?
Are you concerned about how close the game with the Phoenix Suns was?
Previewing the upcoming week
Concerned about the Sacramento Kings even with their slow start?
Who will go down as the better player Jokic or Luka Doncic?
Which road game concerns you more Orlando Magic or New Orleans Pelicans?
Win loss predictions for the week?
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The group talks about the Denver Nuggets victory over the Phoenix Suns, getting into the elite defense on this team and the strong performances of Jamal Murray Nikola Jokic and Jeremi Grant. They discuss the absence of Michael Porter Jr. and then do a rapid fire of questions about the week. Player of the week, Player who should forget the week, is this the rotation you expected, will Michael Porter Junior play by Halloween, and is this the Nuggets team you expected in week one. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In the first episode of Season 2, Jeremy Poley and Nick Hertzog discuss what the Nuggets need to do in order to win a championship this year. A new segment is also introduced. “Are We Sure?” allows The Dig hosts to take credit for hot takes that land without having to own up to those that don’t. They also play Fill in the Blank before giving rapid fire predictions about MVP, MIP, one seeds, and who will win it all. . Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
One. Day. Away. Today's Nuggets Numbers focuses on two separate items. First, the Denver Nuggets did not come to terms on extensions with either Malik Beasley or Juancho Hernangomez. I did my best to explain rookie extension process, why there was no deal, and what happens now with each player. Then, I dove into the meat of the podcast, offering up 20 predictions for the Nuggets season that I firmly believe. These are my real takes, nothing fabricated, and I'm high on Denver's outlook this season. I believe they will go deep into the playoffs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Wrapping up the preseason
Which one of the Denver Nuggets the most with the preseason?
Who did the least?
What do you think the rotation is coming out of preseason?
Start of the regular season
Malik Beasley/Juancho Hernangomez extensions
Are the Portland Trail Blazers someone who will contend for a division title?
Are the Phoenix Suns ready to turn it around?
Win loss predictions for the week?
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Finally, the preseason is over, and all that stands in the way of Denver Nuggets fans and the regular season if five measly days. The Nuggets will play the Portland Trail Blazers next Wednesday night to kick off the 2019-20 NBA season. In their first visit to Pepsi Center for a Nuggets game in over five months, Jena and Ryan break down what transpired in the last preseason game and the majority takeaways before delving into the most pressing topics: who will start at small forward on opening night? Will Michael Porter Jr. be part of the rotation? Are the Nuggets ready to get off to a fast start with an easy schedule to begin the regular season? Jena and Ryan discuss that and more in this one. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Breaking Basketball: A Nugglife Story recounts the upcoming 2019-20 NBA season. In Episode 1, the story begins in the preseason, where the small forward position has become the major question mark for the Denver Nuggets. But the other Western Conference contenders have plenty of questions themselves. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
With Denver Stiffs continuing to evolve in our podcast commentary, we are trying some new ideas, segments, and even new styles of podcasting going forward. Nuggets Numbers will remain largely unchanged except for segment one. In segment one, I discussed some of the major points of yesterday's Stat of the Week regarding Denver's offense focusing heavily on floaters. They are both good and bad, and I spent some time on why they are important statistically for Denver. Then, the three numbers to remember for this week: 35, 73, and 26.1 In segment two, I discussed the game and how the Nuggets won 107-102 against the Suns on Monday night, it was important to discuss various moments of that contest, from Torrey Craig and Jerami Grant fitting well with the starting unit to Michael Porter Jr. once again answering the call on who deserves rotation minutes at small forward. And in segment three, I give my thoughts on the small forward competition and who will start or come off the bench. You may be surprised by my thinking. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Storylines from the first two gamesSF CompetitionAre you convinced Michael Porter Jr. is for real?Malik Beasley looking strong Finishing up the preseasonJerami Grant vs. Paul Millsap rotationHow many minutes does Nikola Jokic need?What is your opening day rotation? Season predictionsMVPFinalsDenver Nuggets wins Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The Denver Nuggets were tested by a strong Los Angeles Clippers squad on Thursday night, illuminating some of their weaknesses on both ends of the floor in the starting unit. To break down the game, Ryan and Zach hopped on call to discuss the finer details, including the small forward rotation, the down performances from Jamal Murray and Gary Harris, and the strong bench play, featuring both Juancho Hernangomez and Michael Porter Jr. at backup small forward. Is the starting small forward competition over already? Can Porter sneak into the Nuggets rotation? We discussed it all. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
After nearly two years of waiting to play basketball, Michael Porter Jr. finally returned to the court and showed Denver Nuggets fans exactly why they should be excited about the 2018 first round pick. His strong scoring performance, coupled with the strong debut of backup power forward Jerami Grant, offered Nuggets fans hope for the 2019-20 season and beyond. Ryan dissected the entire preseason game against the Portland Trail Blazers, from the starting minutes of small forward Will Barton to the importance of Jamal Murray learning to let shots fly. Even with Nikola Jokic sitting, there's lots to talk about with this Nuggets team and many players who will contribute to Denver's success going forward. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Training Camp Wrap upSo long Elijah Millsap/Jorge GuiterrezSF Competition Preseason Game 1 previewWhat are important things to watch for in game 1?What are you expecting to see out of Michael Porter Jr.? Preseason Over Unders20 minutes a game for Nikola Jokic13.5 ppg for MPJ1.5 Technical fouls for Michael Malone Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
With Denver Nuggets training camp wrapped up in Colorado Springs, all that remains between now and the start of the regular season is four exhibition games. Nuggets fans are gearing up for an exciting preseason with the debut of Michael Porter Jr., the first minutes of Jerami Grant in a Nuggets uniform, and the return of Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, and many more. To break down the end of training camp and where Denver goes from here, Ryan was joined by Jena Garcia and Gordon Gross in Colorado Springs to hit on the major takeaways. The group had five main takeaways to discuss and four major questions left to answer. After that, the trio discussed their biggest hot takes they actually believe on the 2019-20 season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The predominant storyline in training camp so far has been the competition for both the starting and backup small forward positions in the Denver Nuggets every day rotation. Thus far, Will Barton has been limited by a hamstring injury, while Torrey Craig and Juancho Hernangomez have spent significant time with the starting unit. The ever important presence of Michael Porter Jr. complicates matters as a talented rookie who needs time to develop that the Nuggets may not have the luxury to offer. To break it all down, I brought on Gordon Gross to discuss the small forward position in its entirety. From the fit in the starting unit next to Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray to the fit playing next to Monte Morris and Mason Plumlee, each spot in the rotation has different responsibilities and expectations. Which players fit where? Does MPJ play? Will players upset the locker room culture if they don't achieve their goal? To end the podcast, we also gave our predictions for who would start the first preseason game as well as be the starter and reserve on opening night. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Welcome in to the inaugural episode of the Denver Stiffs Show! This is the newest podcast on the Denver Stiffs podcast network and will feature the commentary of writers, reporters, and contributors at Pepsi Center every week. This podcast will usually appear on Friday during the season, but instead, the podcast debuted today with the Media Day festivities. Today, myself (Ryan Blackburn), Zach Mikash, Jena Garcia, and Brandon Ewing covered the event for Denver Stiffs, collecting videos, asking questions, and taking in the atmosphere at Pepsi Center. This episode will feature the major takeaways from the festivities, including reacting to an open competition at small forward as described by Michael Malone. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Media day headlinersNo G League team until 2021?What will be the team’s expectations for the season? Biggest names going into media dayMichael Porter JrNikola JokicBol Bol Media Day Over UndersHow many times will Michael Malone say “to your point”?Total minutes of Paul Millsap’s press conference?Fewest words in a Jamal Murray answer?Number of players who don’t speak to the media? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Ah, player rankings, ye ol' faithful content producer. Every year at the end of the offseason, major news and analysis outlets release their annual NBA Player Rankings articles, and every year, the internet argues about it. In the final podcast before Denver Nuggets media day, I decided to bring on Adam Fromal, founder and editor of NBA Math and quality editor at Bleacher Report to discuss the rankings produced by Sports Illustrated and ESPN. First, we discussed the rankings process, from whether rankings matter at all to the criteria each of us believe should be most important. Then, we dove into the SI rankings, starting with the top 10 players and the Nikola Jokic vs Joel Embiid vs Anthony Davis debate. We talked about the rest of the Nuggets, including Jamal Murray and his placement among young star guards, as well as touching on the rest of the Nuggets roster. Finally, we moved into the ESPN rankings and expressing our concern for how that list came out. It was very weird. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The hype around the Denver Nuggets is steadily building before the 2019-20 season. Player rankings are coming out, predictions articles are slowly appearing, and Nuggets Nation is getting antsy to get this show on the road. The NBA world has their takes about the Nuggets, ranging from well-informed to not so much To help me get the pulse of the well-informed side of the national audience, I invited on Josh Eberley, currently of HOOP Magazine and NBA Canada, to riff on the Nuggets 2019-20 season outlook. Josh predicted the Nuggets would finish third in the Western Conference last season and his foresight proved to be correct. He has some interesting takes about the Nuggets this year as well, so make sure to listen! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
News and Notes
Denver Nuggets sign Tyler ZellerNBA cracks down on league tamperingTraining Camp preview
Michael Porter Jr expectationsNBA Season Over Unders
1.5 western conference teams missing the playoffs who made it last year53.5 Wins for the Denver NuggetsNikola Jokic MVP Odds Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
With the 2019-20 season rapidly approaching, the Denver Nuggets have one of the most talented rosters in the NBA from top to bottom. In this episode, I give my thoughts on who I believe will start games, be the primary backups, and sit the bench for the majority of the season. With so many candidates to start at small forward and an underrated decision to make at power forward, I dove into a short episode and broke down each position and what I expect to happen. (Note: this episode was recorded on Wednesday morning and posted on Thursday) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Wrapping up the FIBA World Cup
What do the Americans need to do to get back to the top?Thoughts on Nikola Jokic and Juancho Hernangomez performancesThe Small forward conundrum
Who should be the starter? Who will be?Who gets left out of the rotation between Will Barton, Malik Beasley, Torrey Craig, Michael Porter Jr and JuanchoLooking forward to the season
More important backcourt question: Can Harris stay healthy or can Jamal take next step?Which player is most likely to start the season outside of the Denver Nuggets rotation but finish the season as part of it? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Bol BolHow surprised were you about him only getting a two way?What are realistic expectations for him this season? World Cup of basketballWho do you think will winWho second best team in the world at full strength right now? Five years from now? Training CampWho do you think what they will do with the final roster spot?Whats one crazy line up you want to see? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
After an eventful few days at Denver Stiffs, I brought on Gordon Gross to discuss the big news of Adam Mares and Brendan Vogt stepping down from, reflect on the best and brightest moments during the Golden Era of Denver Stiffs, and tease the newest plans. Then, we discussed the FIBA World Cup, headlined by the struggles of Team USA against Turkey. Nikola Jokic and Serbia look like major challengers to the Americans, while Juancho Hernangomez and Spain also look the part. Finally, Gordon and I had a good discussion about the concept of Player Rankings, what they really mean, how to contextualize them, and which player should be considered the best in the NBA today. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In this episode of Nuggets Numbers, Ryan breaks down the Denver Nuggets offense heading into the 2019-20 season. He focuses on where the Nuggets finished in 2018-19, how the team performed in a playoff setting, and the different roles created through opportunity and injuries for Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, Gary Harris, Will Barton, Paul Millsap, and others. He then discusses reasons to be excited, reasons to be pessimistic, and makes five predictions about Denver's 2019-20 offense to end the episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Carmelo Anthony appeared on ESPN's First Take to discuss his current free agency with Stephen A. Smith. He spoke about his time with the Nuggets, how his career has evolved, and some of the mistakes along the way. During the interview, he made references to the media giving him a bad rap as one of the reasons he isn't currently signed with an NBA team. To discuss his comments, as well as some detailed discussion on Denver's rotation decisions during the 2019-20 season, I brought on Zach Mikash, former Stiffs Deputy Editor and media member. Zach and I had a good time evaluating Melo's fit in Denver, choosing starters for opening night, and mapping out a congested rotation. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The NBA offseason is clearly hitting the next stage in which nothing of major importance occurs for roughly a month straight. The upcoming regular season schedule will emerge some time in August. The FIBA World Cup will be played in late August and September. Player Rankings will be out of control. This episode of Nuggets Numbers focuses on none of that and instead looks ahead at 2020 free agency. The Denver Nuggets committed to continuity for the 2019-20 season, but with seven upcoming free agents in 2020, change appears to be on the horizon. With Paul Millsap, Mason Plumlee, Torrey Craig, Malik Beasley, Juancho Hernangomez, Thomas Welsh, and newcomer Jerami Grant set to hit the market in 2020, how will the Nuggets handle the impending roster turnover? Will they shape rotations to match who will be in Denver long term? Will they make trades before or during the season? Will they plan on losing several players when the salary cap bill comes due? I break all of it down and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
As it turns out, the biggest move the Denver Nuggets decided to make wasn't the Jamal Murray extension or exercising the player option on Paul Millsap's contract. The Nuggets acquired forward Jerami Grant on Monday morning using a traded player exception and a first round pick. I brought on a Denver Stiff alum in Gordon Gross to discuss the move, and Denver's new place in the Western Conference hierarchy, Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
While the Kawhi Leonard free agency decision will potentially change how Denver Nuggets fans will view this offseason, enough has happened to warrant discussion on the changing landscape of the NBA. Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving are teammates on the Brooklyn Nets. The Philadelphia 76ers pivoted from Jimmy Butler and J.J. Redick to Al Horford and Josh Richardson. The Golden State Warriors have D'Angelo Russell for some reason. To break it all down, Ryan brought on former second-in-command at Denver Stiffs Zach Mikash to discuss free agency and the Nuggets' place in it, including the Jamal Murray extension and where the Nuggets go from here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Paul Millsap - resigned. Jamal Murray - resigned. Heck, even Trey Lyles got an offer. Are the Nuggets wise to stick their flag in the ground while the rest of the West scrambles to add players? FILL IN THE BLANK Bringing Millsap back for $30mil is _____________________ Jamal Murray’s $170m extension is ____________________ The best FA fit still available for the Nuggets is _________________ The Nuggets are going to need MPJ to be ______________ next year Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Christian Clark just wrapped up a season covering the Denver Nuggets beat for BSN here in Denver. Not long after the season ended, Clark and the network parted ways. I sat down with him discuss what drew him to basketball, the road that led him to Denver, his time with BSN, and what he hopes comes next. Christian is a talented writer and one of my favorite people in the market. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mike Prada, Ben Epstein and Ricky O’Donnell host a recap of this year’s SB Nation NBA Bloggers’ Mock Draft. In addition to going through the picks that were made and discussing fits of certain prospects on certain teams, the guys also talked with Sabreena Merchant (18:20) about the Lakers’ trade for Anthony Davis and the Clippers’ free agent aspirations. Later, they welcome Joe Mullinax (29:00) to talk about the Grizzlies trading away Mike Conley and why Ja Morant is a perfect fit for Memphis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Welcome back to Nuggets Numbers. The content train is flowing on the Denver Stiffs podcast network. In this episode, I return to my discussion with Brandon Anderson, writer for Medium and knowledgeable about all things NBA, to discuss the present and future of this Denver Nuggets team. From discussing the Nuggets and their standing in the Western Conference, to analyzing which free agents the Nuggets could go after in free agency, to evaluating individual Nuggets players and their ceiling, Brandon and I dove deep into the weeds before the NBA Draft on Thursday night. If you haven't checked out Part 1 or Part 2, definitely give those a listen to hear our thoughts on the Anthony Davis trade and the NBA Draft in general. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
After spending Part 1 discussing the Anthony Davis trade from all angles, I dove into the NBA Draft headfirst with Brandon Anderson. Brandon has spent hours and hours watching film, compiling statistics, and writing about the 2019 draft class, so I thought I would have him on to discuss as many of the prospects as we can get to. From Zion Williamson's stardom, to R.J. Barrett's concerning traits, to a number of prospects the Nuggets should consider acquiring, we spent close to an hour discussing Thursday's potential festivities. I like Brandon Clarke, Grant Williams, and Chuma Okeke most for Denver. If you have a draft question, ask Brandon on Twitter: @wheatonbrando. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Happy Monday Nuggets fans. Over the weekend, the big Anthony Davis trade happened. He's now a member of the Los Angeles Lakers and teammates with a guy named LeBron James. Brandon Anderson and I discussed the trade, the NBA Draft, and the Denver Nuggets at large for over two hours. In part 1, we will focus heavily on the Davis trade and the ripple effect Davis has on the Nuggets and the rest of the Western Conference. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Is this the best free agent class ever? WIll the Nuggets make a big move? Will they get into the draft? Should they? We'll look at the salary cap situation. And we'll finish up looking at the big summer league ahead (MPJ, Vandy, the Slovenian). Buy/or Sell Free Agency Edition The Nuggets will make a major free agent acquisition this offseason.Top UFA/PO: KD, Butler, Kawhi, Kyrie, Kemba, Klay, Cousins, Vucevic, Tobias Harris, Khris Middleton, D’Angelo Russell, JJ Redick, Horford, Marc Gasol, Julius Randle, Brook Lopez, DeAndre Jordan, Bojan Bogdanivic The Nuggets will make a trade (for a pick, for AD, etc.) Any player not on the current roster playing 15+ minutes a game next season (overall season) The Nuggets will retain Paul Millsap. Michael Porter Jr. will win the MVP of the summer league. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
What is the biggest thing we learned this year about the Nuggets? Fill in the Blank -- Awards EditionNuggets MVP not named JokicBench MVPMIPBest performance of the regular seasonBest performance of the playoffs For the RecordOur best predictionsOur worst predictionsAll of Ladd’s predictions were awful (Jokic is Pau Gasol, the Nuggets won’t make the playoffs, etc.) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Zach Mikash worked with the Stiffs for four years before stepping down as the Deputy Editor upon the conclusion of the 2018-19 season. He and Brendan spoke over the phone about what he'll miss the most, what he won't miss at all, and what the next chapter holds. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
We're almost into the thick of the NBA offseason already. With the NBA Draft and Free Agency quickly approaching, I decided to go solo and do a ranking of the Denver Nuggets roster, highlighting the players most and least likely to be on the team during the 2019-20 season. Then, I answered Twitter questions with the NBA Draft and Free Agency in mind, including which players are the best value for the midlevel exception. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mike Singer just completed his first season on the Nuggets beat covering the team for the Denver Post. He sat down with Brendan Vogt in the latest episode of FCP to discuss the transition from editing to writing, the unique ecosystem of Nuggets media, and casting votes for the 2018-19 All-NBA teams. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The 2018-19 season had to come to an end at some point, and it did so in bitter fashion in Game 7 at home against the Portland Trail Blazers last week. The Denver Nuggets have very few questions to answer in the offseason about their viability as a playoff contender, but in order to get better, Denver needs a few things to go their way. In this episode, Ryan Blackburn and Gordon Gross discuss the first domino to fall: Tim Connelly will stay with the Nuggets as President of Basketball Operations. Ryan and Gordon discuss Connelly, Denver's healthy culture, and attracting free agents. Then, they turn to Michael Porter Jr., Jamal Murray, and Paul Millsap, Denver's three most important players in the offseason festivities. From projecting Porter's season, to discussing Murray's needed improvements to become a star, to deciding on Millsap's team option, Ryan and Gordon go through all of the scenarios. Finally, they discuss possible free agents for the Nuggets to pursue in the offseason. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
On the same week that the 2018-19 Denver Nuggets humored the media with exit interviews, I sat down with my boss and good friend Adam Mares to do something similar. We chatted about the year he had covering his favorite team in the playoffs as a media member, some of our big picture goals and philosophies regarding Denver Stiffs, and what people like us do with our summer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Murray has gotten as close as you could ask for in his offensive consistency. Are we buying the Jokic + Murray dynasty at this point? Meanwhile, the bench has seriously underperformed. Where is regular season Mason Plumlee? Can Monte Morris handle a lineup where he's not the only playmaker? What's the best position for Barton to succeed in? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Well, the Nuggets aren't frauds, that's for sure. In this Nuggets Numbers episode, I talk about family and the important lessons I have learned the past four years spending time in college. Then, I break down a massive Game 5 victory and its ramifications, including the incredible performances from Nikola Jokic and Paul Millsap. Finally, I discussed some Nuggets hot takes and how true they really are. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In Episode 14 of The Dig, Nick and Jeremy drop a Kurt Vonnegut reference in response to claims that the Nuggets are "pretend contenders." They discuss Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals and preview the matchup with the Blazers. They also discuss the winners and losers from the 1st round and what impact they will have in the 2nd round. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Well, the Denver Nuggets are on the brink of not being frauds. After taking a 3-2 series lead over the San Antonio Spurs, the Nuggets have one game left to win before they can advance to the second round of the playoffs for the first time since the 2008-09 season a decade prior. That team with Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups went on to lose to the eventual NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers and is one of the biggest "what if" teams in Nuggets history. This version of the Nuggets is clearly different, and also much younger. In their first playoff experiences, I detail just how much Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Gary Harris have grown up. There were some initial scares with Derrick White and Bryn Forbes, but the Nuggets have recovered nicely, officially on the brink of something special. I looked back at the last five games statistically and briefly look forward to Game 6. Apologies for the short podcast as I'm a bit sick. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nick and Jeremy break down the first three games of the Nuggets' first-round series against the San Antonio Spurs. Barton and Murray's struggles are discussed at length, including what Malone can do to get this series turned around. Other topics include Jokic's stardom, the bench's emergence, and a Monty Python allusion. All is not lost, Nuggets fans! There's still time to get the ship righted, but Malone has to some tough choices to make. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
- Wrapping Game 2 and 3 Jamal Murray was incredible in game 2's 4th quarter so don't count him out, but he has to be better Making a change with Will Barton is best for everyone Free throws and officiating
- Previewing Game 4 Who I would start in place of Barton I will be a nervous wreck Based on the season, you have to believe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Wrapping up the seasonAgree or disagree with the Malone parlay?What was the biggest surprise of the season?Biggest disappointment? Previewing the SpursWhere did San Antonio rank in your desired first round opponents?What’s your biggest concern with SA?Predictions? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The playoffs are officially here! In this episode, I am joined by one of the inspirations for starting the Nuggets Numbers podcast. Jacob Goldstein, contributor to BBall Index and Nylon Calculus and creator of the Player Impact Plus-Minus (PIPM) advanced metric, drops by to discuss a range of topics. First, we delve into the world of analytics, discussing what makes PIPM valuable and identifying the best metrics to use when evaluating players and teams. Then, we discuss the statistical profile for the Denver Nuggets and San Antonio Spurs, two interesting teams with a lot of depth that operate in different ways. Finally, we evaluate the head-to-head matchups and pick the series winner. Enjoy! 4:00 - The value of Advanced Metrics, including Jacob's picks for the best NBA metrics available today 14:30 - Denver Nuggets statistical profile and questions 19:20 - San Antonio Spurs statistical profile and questions 31:00 - Head-to-Head matchups and series predictions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The Nuggets stole a six-game winning streak in a very unimpressive manner, and sure enough, the cracks are starting to show having gone 2-4 since. Their shooting has been off, several players aren't playing up to their reputations and the defense has been inconsistent. What can we expect of the Nuggets going forward? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
With the playoffs right around the corner, the Denver Nuggets are rounding into the form they will take into the first playoff series for the majority of players on the roster. That inexperience has led to concern from many about Denver's chances of advancing in the postseason. To break it all down, I invited on Adam Mares, the leader of Denver Stiffs and host of Locked On Nuggets, to discuss the majority of players in the Nuggets rotation. The conversation is lengthy and gets into the strategy behind a playoff series and how the Nuggets are likely to respond. Enjoy! 2:00 - Guess the Nugget 5:00 - Who can the Nuggets trust at guard/wing spots 19:20 - Paul Millsap's importance this season and going forward 31:30 - The REST of the regular season 37:20 - Nikola Jokic and the playoff perspective Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Road TripMore surprising: win over Boston Celtics or getting blown out by Indiana Pacers?Are you happy with 3-1 or disappointed they didn’t sweep?Did they do enough to stay in the hunt for the 1 seed? Upcoming WeekDoes the Detroit Pistons game scare you at allCan the Denver Nuggets pull off a win against the Houston Rockets?Favorite match up in the NBA playoffs? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Undefeated homestandThoughts on Jokic’s ejectionDoes surviving against Dallas and Indiana worry you or just happy to get the win?How crucial was it to go undefeated on this homestand? Out on the roadResponding to commentary on Jokic’s ejectionWhen will we consider the Nuggets championship contenders?Need to back it up with wins at Washington and at New York Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Welcome back to Nuggets Numbers, part of the Denver Stiffs Podcast Network. In a solo episode, I wanted to delve into the positivity of the four game winning streak over the last week. There were some excellent performances from each player in the rotation, and Denver was able to win these games in different ways each time. Next, Denver's second most impactful player after the All-Star break has clearly been Paul Millsap. With his defensive versatility, efficient scoring, and rebounding numbers, Millsap is looking like the exact player Denver needs next to Nikola Jokic if they are to make a playoff run. Finally, I broke down what each playoff seed means for the Nuggets. Starting from the least likely in earning the 1st seed, and finishing on the nightmare scenario of dropping to the 4th seed. All options are still in play. 3:30 - Details on the four game winning streak 14:15 - Paul Millsap breakdown 22:05 - What the playoff seeding means for Denver Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Playoff rotations are locked in. The Nuggets are facing must-win games with the Rockets hot on their tail. The Warriors still look vulnerable dropping 4 out of 5. There's a long distance the Nuggets could fall if they don't hold it together over their last 16 games, but there's a real shot at #1 if they do. 0:38 - We dedicate the episode to (trying to) pronounce Nikola Jokic's name correctly. The recent emphasis on pronouncing his first name correctly has made people forget that EVERYONE (not of the former Yugoslavia) is pronouncing his last name incorrectly. 3:24 - THE THEME: Down to Business. Malone has stopped the experiments and, essentially, ended the regular season ball. Warp "playoffs", engage! 6:35 - BUY OR SELL: Resting Jokic Gary Harris getting his mojo back Barton fitting in with the starters Sitting IT/Lyles/Juanch41:00ish - A NUGGETS HAIKU 41:45ish - OVER/UNDER: 19 pts/g for Murray by the end of the season 9 wins to close out the year 1 minute of game time for MPJ .9 fan altercations for Westbrook Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Lakers Win How far away is the Lakers core from the Nuggets core?When do you expect LA to be a threat in the playoffs? Loss to the Warriors How many games would the Nuggets win in a series against Golden State?What seeding/final record do the Nuggets need for the best playoff run? Upcoming homestandHow Important is getting a win against Minnesota?Which of the Mavericks, Timberwolves and Pacers game scares you the Most?How long can Denver afford to wait on Isaiah ThomasWhat will their record be on the homestand? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The Athletic's Nick Kosmider joins Brendan Vogt in the latest episode of FCP. The guys discuss the co-existence of bloggers and journalists on the same beat, the art of long-form storytelling, and the challenges of writing as someone who is their own biggest critic. Fun conversation with perhaps the best storyteller in town. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
After a three game losing streak, the Denver Nuggets won a much needed game on national television against LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers. The story was LeBron passing Michael Jordan on the all-time points scored list, but Denver's starting lineup absolutely torched Los Angeles. In this episode, Ryan talks about the Isaiah Thomas inclusion in the bench unit thus far, how his presence has impacted Denver's offense, defense, and other teammates, including Monte Morris and Malik Beasley. Then, Ryan answers some questions on Thomas and the bench, Jokic vs Plumlee post up numbers, and Trey Lyles coming back to the rotation. Enjoy! 1:00 - Isaiah Thomas statistical overview 5:00 - Mailbag Questions 19:45 - Ranking Playoff Matchups Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Two Game Home Losing StreakWhich is the better blueprint to beat Denver, the way Utah won or the way New Orleans won?Is Isaiah Thomas going to find his place in this rotation?How can the Nuggets overcome their lack of a backup PF? On the RoadWhat happened in San Antonio?Are the Lakers playoff hopes done?Is this a statement game against the Warriors? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In this episode, Jeremy and Nick discuss threats from within and without including the Thunder, Rockets, Warriors, and their own consistency. We also bask in the glorious demise of the Lakers, which some people did see coming at the start of the year. 8:54: The Theme (and a little Rage Against the Machine) 22:55: Fill in the Blank 38:05: A little back patting 40:30: Ode to the Lakers 41:00: Buy/Sell -- Do the Nuggets have a path to a championship? Will a better player than Jokic win the MVP? The Dig is a bimonthly podcast that looks at one theme from the previous two weeks' games. It is hosted by Nick Hertzog and Jeremy Poley, the Social Media Manager for Denver Stiffs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Coming back from breakNikola’s ASBA bit of a clunky start but effective against Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles ClippersThoughts on Isaiah Thomas and his impact The big game tonightNot a must win for the Denver NuggetsGood measuring stick gameBeating the Oklahoma City Thunder for the division title should be the goal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mike and I spoke over the phone this week in the latest conversation for Full Court Press, just the second time we’ve communicated without our thumbs. We spoke about Mike’s love of writing, his late introduction to the game, and the challenges of trying to bridge the geographical gap as a Nuggets writer in Lakerland. No one kinder, no one more creative on our staff. This was a fun one. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
It took long enough, but I finally had on Brendan Vogt, fellow Denver Stiffs writer and host of Full Court Press, to talk Nuggets Numbers. We discussed a variety of topics, starting with Guess the Nugget on Jamal Murray. We talked about Murray's segmented season, his top end production, and what he can be for the Nuggets in a playoff series. We then delved into Brendan's time as a media member, from his experiences credentialed at Pepsi Center to his discussions on his latest episode of Full Court Press. Finally, we discussed the Nuggets final 25 games of the regular season, from what they need to do to hold onto the 2 seed to the closing lineup on the floor with the season on the line. 2:20 - Guess the Nugget 3:15 - Jamal Murray 14:00 - Brendan on media landscape and Full Court Press 31:00 - The final 25 games Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Two of the Nuggets' reserves are putting up historical numbers. Isaiah Thomas looked good in his debut and has a chance to recapture his magic. Combine this with a fragile and inconsistent starting lineup and is it time to shake things up with the starters? To be honest, we didn't even make it through half of our show material because the depth of conflict here is so deep. There's plenty to consider here, so jump on in. 4:38 - THE THEME: Musical Chairs. There's a couple of interesting lineups for the Nuggets that are making us ask some questions. 8:50 - BUY OR SELL: Nuggets being the second best team in the West The Nuggets being the most disrespected #2 of all time A 3-guard lineup Barton as the starting SF 35:30 - A NUGGETS HAIKU 35:55 - PREDICTIONS: Where will the Nuggets finish in the West? What will the Nuggets playoff starting 5 be? Will they win a first-round series 54:30 - BAD TAKE/GOOD TAKE: Colin Cowherd ranks Lakers' roster talent ahead of Nuggets' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The losing streakKey thing you can point to for the streak?Blip on the radar or genuine concern? Trade DeadlineHappy the Nuggets stood pat?One deal that surprised you? ASB on the horizonWin against MiamiPreviewing SacramentoAll Star break rant Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
I spoke on the phone with the filmmakers behind the short documentary, Let ‘Em Know You’re There, to discuss the unlikely appearance of one Nikola Jokic in their story Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
As the NBA Trade Deadline fast approaches, Ryan had Gordon Gross on the podcast to spend time discussing the Denver Nuggets and the holes in the roster going forward. They play Guess the Nugget, discuss the Gary Harris trade rumor, Denver's defense, and making moves at the trade deadline (or in the summer). While the roster is mostly set in stone, both Ryan and Gordon ruminate on ways to improve the defense after some alarming trends have developed. 3:30 - Guess the Nugget 7:00 - Gary Harris trade rumor 15:50 - Nuggets defensive woes 30:00 - Trade Deadline discussions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The winning streakDid the Nuggets finally figure out the Houston Rockets?How gutsy was the win over the TWolves? On the RoadPistons bring them back to earthWhat will be the Nuggets record on this road trip Trade deadline Will Anthony Davis get traded?Will the Nuggets do anything? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
We're joined by Denver Stiffs writer, Ryan Blackburn, to figure out what the Nuggets could be doing at the trade deadline. The obvious target is Anthony Davis. But is it worth it to bet the farm on a player that may not stay? We move on to Otto Porter Jr., who Blackburn just wrote about on the Stiffs. And what about smaller trades? Only a handful of trades actually happen before the deadline, and they're often pretty small. What minor changes can the Nuggets make to improve their team now or in the future? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The week that wasIs Utah a team the Nuggets should hope to avoid in the playoffs?Were the Jokic suspension and Plumlee fine justified?Is Will Barton back to 100%?Small sample size be damned, Jarred Vanderbilt is awesome Upcoming WeekGordon’s JV thoughtsPhilly GameHow good can this team be now that they have their starting group rolling?Upcoming Schedule game: Are They Done? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In this “special” edition of the Full Court Press podcast, T.J. McBride and I were stranded in Rawlins, Wyoming on our way back from Salt Lake City. We split some whiskey and killed some time by offering our review of Rawlins and describing our experience covering the Denver Nuggets on the road. If this is your first time checking out the podcast, I strongly suggest choosing a different episode. Enjoy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In this episode, Ryan talks about the experience at Pepsi Center, Denver's back to back against Houston and Miami, and Nikola Jokic's greatness this season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
With the Nuggets getting healthier, both physically and performance-wise, we’re heading for a problem that most teams wish they had: how do we maximize all of our talent? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Ryan breaks down Denver's offensive and defensive statistics thus far and answers some Twitter questions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
CPR’s Vic Vela sits down with Brendan Vogt. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
It’s Luka Doncic Night in Denver Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Altitude's Katy Winge joins Brendan Vogt in the latest episode of Full Court Press Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The Nuggets are bringing on Swaggy P just to whether the crazy injury storm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Who is the most improved Nugget? Best bench player? And what do the Nuggets do about their problems closing games out in the fourth quarter? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The Nuggets are streaking on the road, can they close it out against inferior competition? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Discussing Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets with NBA Math Founder Adam Fromal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
What do the Nuggets do when their players don't fit their roles? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Zach Mikash, Mark Grimaldi and Ashley Douglas recap a tough week for the Denver Nuggets and preview what might even be a tougher week to come. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Ryan Blackburn and Zach Mikash discuss Juancho Hernangomez, the Denver Nuggets starting lineup of old, and lineup combinations of the present and future. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Action Network's Matt Moore sits down with Brendan Vogt to discuss the evolution of both his career as a writer and the industry itself. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Zach Mikash, Dan Lewis and Mike Olson wrap up the Nuggets latest winning streak before looking ahead to a big week with some big Eastern Conference opponents Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In episode one, I sat down with The Stiffs’ EIC, Adam Mares, to discuss his ambitious audio-documentary on Will Barton. Why was Adam compelled to tell Thrill’s story? What did he learn in the process? Will there be a second documentary in the same style? Plus, Adam reveals his most embarrassing moment as a media member and gets real with me about his biggest fears. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In this episode, Ryan is joined by Denver Stiffs writer Daniel Lewis. The two discuss Will Barton's injury, the numbers behind Denver's defense thus far, and play Basketball 'Would You Rather.' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The Dig - Taking a Leap (Episode 1) In our first episode we break open the narrative of the Denver Nuggets "taking a leap" this season. We'll look at where the Nuggets have come from, digest quotes from within the organization on their own expectations, and project what the first three games of the season mean for the season's outlook. We're joined later by Ladd of Sephora to dissect the Western conference and where the Nuggets fit within it. And Jeremy turns Nick into a guest on his own show as he interviews him about having had the same surgery that Michael Porter Jr. did and what we can expect from MPJ this season. The Dig is a bi-weekly show, hosted by Nick Hertzog and co-hosted by Jeremy Poley of the Denver Stiffs, that attempts to pull a new single narrative from the Denver Nuggets' season to explore in each episode. They'll be joined by special guests along the way to help expand our idea of that narrative. One week it may be a doctor to explore a narrative of "injuries", the next week it may be a writer to explore the narrative of "narratives". Another week it might even be Nick's grandmother to explore the narrative of "kicking butt and taking names". Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Welcome to the first episode of Nuggets Numbers, a podcast focused on the Denver Nuggets, the NBA, analytics, and how they mesh together. Today, I am joined by Denver Stiffs writer Gordon Gross as we discuss Trey Lyles, NBA win projections, and play some Nuggets related games. 2:00 - Guess the Nuggets Player 9:00 - Nuggets win projections 19:00 - Is this a Nuggets Number? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Hosts: Zach Mikash, Jeremy Poley, Mark Grimaldi. Wrapping up preseason Overall grade for the starters and bench unit? Who did the most for their case in preseason? Which player did the least? Regular Season How important is it for the Nuggets to get off to a fast start? What percentage do you put their chances at to win the opener in LA? Biggest concern to open the season? Will the Nuggets make the playoffs? How far will they go? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Hosts: Zach Mikash, Ryan Blackburn. Lakers games Malik and Juancho big performances Mason Plumlee looks fully healthy Thoughts on how the Lakers look with LeBron? Perth game what was up with the starters? Are you worried about Jokic at all? Monte Morris’ big night Final preseason games if the Nuggets go undefeated is it significant in any way? what player still needs to show out? Biggest takeaway so far? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Media Day reaction what was the biggest story line from media day? Thoughts on the statements about JV, MPJ and IT and their recovery? Expectation is clearly the playoffs, happy the Nuggets didn’t avoid that answer? Early rotation quirks/ camp battles Can Trey Lyles play the three? Will Malik Beasley or Juancho Hernangomez beat out Torrey Craig for the last rotation spot? Do you feel good about Monte Morris starting the season as the backup PG? First preseason game vs Lakers How long do you think LeBron will play? which Nugget are you most excited to watch? does winning matter at all? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Hosts: Zach Mikash, Mike Olson. Media Day Mega Pod Who is on muscle watch? Who are you most excited to hear about what they are working on next season How many actual camp battles for rotation spots are there? How concerned are you about the health of IT, MPJ and JV? What are the implications of coach Malone being on the final year of his contract? Last year the entire organization dodged the “playoffs or bust” question at media day, is this year without a doubt playoffs or bust? Do you expect there to be a “figuring it out” period with Millsap and Jokic this season or should they hit the ground running? Which starter has the biggest chance of being pushed out of the starting lineup and by who? Which player do you expect to have a breakout season? What is your prediction for Nuggets win total this season? Why? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Michael Porter Jr Do you think he’ll play this season? Will he be a good pairing with Jokic? If he lives up to the hype what does it mean for the Nuggets future? Juancho Hernangomez Is he better as a small forward or a power forward? Was last years lack of playing time entirely health related or something more? What does he have to do to earn a rotation spot? Malik Beasley Does his up and down summer league concern you? Can he bring the most value to the Nuggets as on offense first or defense first player? What does he have to do to earn a rotation spot? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Hosts: Zach Mikash, Ashley Douglas, Gordon Gross. Mason Plumlee What does a good season from Mason look like? if he can be a consistent rim protector do the Nuggets have to find a way to play him next to Jokic? what are the odds of him being traded? Trey Lyles How many minutes should he get? Can he become more than a stretch 4 off the bench? What does he have to do to earn an extension? Torrey Craig Should he be the backup SF out of the gate? what does he have to add to his game to have a long term future with Denver? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Hosts: Zach Mikash, Ryan Blackburn. Jamal Murray Do you think he will lead the team in scoring? What’s the biggest thing he needs to improve on this season? Will he be a MIP candidate? Will Barton How will being a starter change his game? How big of a concern is his size as a starting SF? Should he lead the team in minutes Isaiah Thomas How many minutes should he get? what is a reasonable stat line to expect from him? What are the chances he ends up spending more than one season in Denver? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Hosts: Zach Mikash, Mike Olson, Jeremy Poley. Nikola Jokic Do you think he will lead the team in scoring? Where does Nikola rank among NBA centers in the league today? What’s the biggest thing he needs to improve on this season? Paul Millsap How big of an impact will a healthy Millsap make? Is he the de facto leader of the team? Gary Harris How much more improvement is realistic to expect? Does he have what it takes to be an all nba defender? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Hosts: Zach Mikash, Gordon Gross, Ryan Blackburn Nuggets sign Akoon-Purcell Nuggets preseason Only home game is against Perth What’s the number one thing you’ll be watching for? Only two games will be televised by altitude tv Regular season schedule released 14 National TV games, Nuggets are gaining popularity What 10 game stretch has you the most worried? What portion of the schedule could make the season a success? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Hosts: Zach Mikash, Dan Lewis. MPJ 2K MPJ inviting strangers off the internet to his apartment for high stakes 2K What team would you use and how would you beat MPJ in a 2K game? Who on the Nuggets would give MPJ a run for his money in 2K? Way too early predictions Who will be the Nuggets most improved player? How far will the Nuggets make it into the playoffs? Name one member of the organization who won’t be with the Nuggets after the season is over? Blogging about your favorite team How hard is it to not be biased reporting on the team you grew up loving? Why does it seem like some outlets are less critical than others? Should a fans voice and opinion carry as much weight as a blogger or reporter’s? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Hosts: Zach Mikash, Mark Grimaldi. The Core Is there anyone outside of Jokic, Harris and Murray that you consider part of the core? What is the biggest need this team has to become a contender? Who is the best player on the Nuggets 5 years from now? Looking ahead to the season What must the Nuggets do to make the playoffs? Who emerges from the young players fighting for minutes? Who makes the playoffs and who’s out in the West? Michael Malone Are you worried about the trend of coaches leaving Will he be on the hot seat if the team gets off to a slow start? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Hosts: Zach Mikash, Gordon Gross, Brendan Vogt. Monte Morris signing How important was it to get him a full NBA contract? Do you think he will crack the rotation? Predictions on who gets the open 2-way contract? Closing out the Offseason Offseason gradesMicah Nori leaving Break Looking ahead to the season Predictions on the rotation MPJ has second surgery on back Which player is the most likely to have a breakout year? How high will the Nuggets finish? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Isaiah Thomas signing Good signing or no? Are you worried about him in the locker room? Hosts: Zach Mikash, Jeremy Poley. Faried/DA trade are you okay with the Nuggets straight up dumping salary? Can Faried resurrect his career in Brooklyn? Wrapping up summer league did any dark horses emerge like Torrey Craig did last year? who helped themselves the least? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Hosts: Zach Mikash, Ryan Blackburn Quick thoughts on LeBron James to the LA Lakers Chandler traded Was is time? Should the Nuggets have tried to get something in return? Summah League Who stood out in the first game? Who still needs to make a big impression this week?? Will Barton extension Is it an overpay? Can he fill the role of starting small forward? Melo Would you trade for him? Would you try to sign him if he gets stretched? Is it time for Nuggets fans to forgive him? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Hosts: Zach Mikash, Gordon Gross. Michael Porter Jr Are you happy with the pick? How concerned are you with his health? If he gets healthy and lives up to the hype, what is Denver’s ceiling? Break Other draft news and notes What do you like about Jarred Vanderbilt and Welshy? Wilson Chandler opts in How does this affect the Nuggets cap situation? Should the Nuggets immediately look to trade him? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Hosts: Zach Mikash and Brendan Vogt NBA Draft What is your draft strategy for the Nuggets? One surprise move not involving Denver? Kawhi Leonard Should the Nuggets be interested? Break Kawhi Continued Where do you think he ends up being traded? Nuggets news and notes New jerseys Darrell Arthur opts in Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Hosts: Zach Mikash, Dan Lewis, Ryan Blackburn. Warriors champions again How long will this dynasty last? Was KD deserving of MVP? Is LeBron done with Cleveland? NBA Draft Part 1 What are Denver’s needs? Break NBA Draft Part 2 Top 3 players you’d like to see them draft that you think there’s a shot they could get Favorite fake draft day trade? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Devin Harris was the trade a win/loss/wash? Should the Nuggets try to bring him back next season? Kenneth Faried Is a change of scenery all he needs? Would you give up the 14th pick to get off his contract? Break Juancho Hernangomez/Malik Beasley Which one is more disappointing that they didn’t make it into the regular rotation Which one is likelier to have a long term future with the team and the NBA? Checking in on the playoffs/NBA How does Cleveland overcome such a terrible game 1 loss? NBA Finals trivia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Trey Lyles was the season a success/failure/par for the course? What does he have to expand on to be an everyday player? Should he already be? Whats his long term future with the Nuggets? Torrey Craig Was his season success/failure/par for the course? Is he proof that the two way contract is a good idea? can he make it in the NBA? Break Checking in on the playoffs/NBA Can the Cavs get back in the series? Does Houston’s game five victory make you think they have a chance? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Hosts: Zach Mikash, Gordon Gross, Brendan Vogt Evaluations - Will Barton Barton’s season overall - success/failure/par for the course? How much do you think having to play 3 different positions affected Barton? Will he be back next season? Mason Plumlee Was his season success/failure/par for the course? knowing now that he played pretty much the entire season injured, does it change your view on his season? Will he ever be able to live up to the contract? Break Checking in on the playoffs Do you agree with Dwayne Casey’s firing? Preview Boston/Cleveland Preview Houston/Golden State Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Hosts: Zach Mikash, Mike Olson, Evan Fial Evaluations - Paul Millsap Millsap’s season overall - success/failure/par for the course? Were you surprised at the struggles he had fitting with Jokic? Is he headed for his final season as a nugget? Wilson Chandler Was his season success/failure/par for the course? whydo you think it took so long for him to be effective this season? Will he be back next season? Break Checking in on the playoffs Can you draw parallels between LeBron vs Toronto and MJ vs Knicks? Are the Pelicans for real? Should Houston be considered the favorite in the West? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Hosts: Zach Mikash & Brendan Vogt Evaluations - Jamal Murray Murray’s season overall - success/failure/par for the course? Will he become a 20+ per game scorer with this team? Where does he need to improve to take his game and the Nuggets to the next level? Gary Harris Harris’ season overall - success/failure/par for the course? Each year he gets better, what’s his ceiling? Is he injury prone? Break Checking in on the playoffs Can LeBron will the Cavs to a finals appearance? What percentage chance do you give the Pelicans to win the series against the warriors? Celtics/Bucks game 7, who ya got? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Hosts: Zach Mikash, Ryan Blackburn, Jeremy Poley. Evaluations - Nikola Jokic Jokic’s season overall - success/failure/par for the course? Does the way he played down the stretch give you confidence that he can lead this team to a championship? Where does he need to improve to take his game and the Nuggets to the next level? Coach Malone Coach’s season overall - success/failure/par for the course? Break Checking in on the playoffs What’s going on with the Blazers? Are you surprised at the success the Warriors and Celtics are having given the injuries? Who is the team to beat in the East?? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Hosts: Zach Mikash, Gordon Gross. The final game Did you feel the Wolves got a hometown whistle? What went wrong? In the game and in OT Do you think the NBA should do away with conferences in playoff seeding? Break Looking Towards the off-season What is your dream scenario? What is your realistic scenario? Can/will the Nuggets be able to make any real improvements to the roster? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nuggets Win Streak What/who’s been the key catalyst? Biggest win? Did it save coach’s job? Clippers Win or Lose How big would a win be? If they lose is it over? Predictions Break Final two games Which game scares you more? How much do they need Gary Harris? Will they pull it off? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Hosts: Zach Mikash, Ashley Douglas, Dan Lewis. Wrapping up the road trip How disappointing is it? What positives can you take from it? Did it kill the playoff chances? Warriors/Rockets Reasons the Nuggets could beat the Rockets Reasons the Nuggets could beat the Warriors Would they have any chance at all at pulling off an upset Break Changes What type of player or trade would you be willing to do and involve either Jamal Murray, Gary Harris or Nikola Jokic Should there be any discussion about making changes to the front office? With the Nuggets so locked into their salary cap, can we really expect the roster to be any different next year? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Hosts: Zach Mikash, Kayla Osby, Mike Olson Progress Update on the road trip How crushing of a blow we’re the Miami/Memphis losses? How much did the Nuggets need to not only beat the Bulls but blow them out? are you encouraged by the Nuggets winning an “ugly game” against the Wizards? How many of the final three games of the trip do they need to win? Joksap Would you say the Millsap/Jokic pairing has not worked well? Do you think Denver overpaid for Millsap? Can you really evaluate Millsap on the Nuggets right now given he’s missed so many games? Break Make/Miss the playoffs What would it mean to the fans, to the atmosphere at the Pepsi center of the Nuggets make the playoffs? If they miss them? What does it say about this core if they miss playoffs? Should there be major changes made to the roster? Rammie trivia!! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Hosts: Zach Mikash, Gordon Gross, Daniel Lewis. Gary Harris Injury Difference between a sprain and a strain? How big of a bullet did they dodge? How many games can Denver afford to have Gary miss? 7 Game Road trip What record do the Nuggets have to get to stay alive What game/s worries you the most Break Playoff expectations Is the season a failure if Denver misses the playoffs? Should changes be made to the coaching staff and or front office? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Recap Lakers game How big is this win? Despite Millsap’s individual efforts, the D has not picked up Does Denver closing the game out down the stretch make you more confident? Jokic/Millsap Can they co-exist? Is it worth giving up a little on offense for Millsap’s defense? Will they get it figured out in time? Break Looking towards the playoffs Can Denver still win the division? Would you be happy with them just making it in? Gut feeling on whether they get in or not? Playoff trivia! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Wrapping up all star break Jamal Murray’s weekend Did you like the format change? Has All Star weekend lost its luster? Recapping the Spurs Game Plumlee return/rotation How many triple doubles will Jokic have this season? What was up with that officiating? Break Looking towards the playoffs Who would be the best matchup? Who’s would be the worst outside of the Warriors/Rockets Where do you predict the Nuggets will finish Current US Olympic Athlete or Former Denver Nugget? Ryan is so bad at this Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Hosts: Zach Mikash, Ashley Douglas, Daniel Lewis, Gordon Gross. Emmanuel Mudiay traded Time to move on or gave up too soon Why didn’t it work in Denver? Is NY a good place for him? Devin Harris Do you like the addition? Can/should the Nuggets try to re-sign him this offseason? Break Wrapping up the deadline Did Denver do enough? What happens with Torrey Craig Would you have paid a 1st rounder to move salary Recapping Houston Is there any team the Nuggets would like to see less than Rockets in the playoffs? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Win against the Thunder Best win of the year? Can Jokic/Murray/Harris be a big three? Should Russell Westbrook be punished for shoving the fan? Mason Plumlee injury Brief thoughts Break Hosts: Zach Mikash, Malik Beasley/Rodney Hood rumor Would Rodney Hood help? Ok with Beasley on the block? Other moves you’d like to see Denver make? Previewing the Warriors Predictions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Hosts: Zach Mikash, Daniel Lewis, Evan Fiala Win against the Knicks Plumkic...worked? Why do the Nuggets struggle to stop scrubs like Michael Beasley and Trey Burke. Should the Nuggets just scrap the whole defensive identity and go back to trying to win games 130-118? Tyler Lydon injury What does it mean long term for Lydon with the Nuggets? Does it change your view of the draft night trade? Is it really that big of a deal? Break Trade deadline Do you expect the Nuggets to make a move? Whats one deal you’d like to see them make? Outside of the Nuggets, what’s the biggest name you expect to get moved? Previewing the Mavericks Would loss kill the Nuggets momentum? Demarcus Cousins injury How does this affect the Nuggets? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Hosts: Zach Mikash, Jeremy Poley, Mark Grimaldi. Loss to the Suns Start with the good: Jamal Murray What do you attribute Phoenix’s run to start the second quarter to? Everyone talked about lack of effort post game, what has to change to get the team to start giving consistent effort? Plumkic Coach wants Nikola to play more center but thinks the defense suffers without Mason, agree or disagree? Do you believe Plumkic should go away entirely or should it still get spot minutes? How much does not having a true point guard magnify the issues with Plumkic? Break Kemba on the block How much would he help the Nuggets? Would you give up Murray or Harris to get him? Previewing the Blazers Jusuf Nurkic’s return to Pepsi Center Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Hosts: Zach Mikash, Gordon Gross. Three game losing streak Is the loss against the Hawks or the Kings worse? Is the loss against golden state a moral victory? What’s been the main catalyst of the losing streak? Memphis Grizzlies game Gasol: A tale of two halves How much does not having Conley hurt Did Denver’s D hold Memphis to 78 points or was it just the Grizzlies poor play? Break Nikola Jokic How does he overcome his hesitancy to be aggressive on offense? Previewing the Spurs LaMarcus Aldridge’s resurgence Other than Aldridge, with Leonard out who should the Nuggets be most concerned with Predictions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Hosts: Zach Mikash, Mike Olson, Ashley Douglas Three game win streak What were you most impressed with? What does it say about the culture that they performed so well on the northwest B2B? Do you feel like the Nuggets have taken the next step? Losing to Minnesota KAT said he takes this personal, could Nuggets TWolves be a rivalry? Does Denver have anyone who can do what Jimmy Butler did? Can Denver beat Minnesota in a 7 game series? Break Trey Lyles If he keeps this up, is there any way coach can take away his minutes when Millsap comes back How does his emergence change your view of the draft night trade? Is he a part of Denver’s long term core? Previewing the Sixers Embiid or Jokic, who ya got? Are the Sixers proof that tanking works? Who gets the win tonight? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Hosts: Zach Mikash, Ryan Blackburn, Dan Lewis Wrapping up the road trip Biggest negative on the trip? Biggest positive from the trip? 2-4, good, bad or ok? Win against Pelicans TORREY CRAIG!!!! Masons great defense late Will Barton and Trey Lyles clutch Break Fake trades Would you trade Mudiay for Devin Harris? Would you trade Faried and a 2nd for Demarre Carroll? Tyler Johnson/Justise Winslow for Juancho Hernangomez/Emmanuel Mudiay Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Hosts: Zach Mikash, Gordon Gross. Nuggets road trip Loss to Dallas - Nuggets can’t contain anyone Loss to pelicans - Faried vs. boogie? Magic Break Remaining road trip Which game looks the toughest? Which game looks the easiest Do the Nuggets win another game? Nuggets fan gripes Should they have traded Jamal Murray for Kyrie Irving The Donovan Mitchell/OG Anunoby miss Nuggets didn’t need Jameer Nelson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Hosts: Zach Mikash, Gordon Gross. Nikola Jokic injury Who fills his shoes in the rotation, who fills his shoes in impact? With Denver’s longest road trip coming up, could this sink their chances? How long do you speculate he’ll be out? Will Barton Can he be this teams primary offensive threat? Is he better than Gary Harris? How hard should Denver try to re-sign him this offseason Break Wrapping up the week of games Loss to Jazz-how did Denver get so thoroughly man handled? Win against Chi- how concerning is it that the game was so close? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Paul Millsap injury Where does it hurt Denver more, on defense or offense Who fills his shoes in the rotation, who fills his shoes in impact? Can the Nuggets still make the playoffs Road Trip Loss to LA - were the Malone/Jokic techs justified? Win against Sac - sign of mental toughness to get the win without so many contributors? Loss to the houston - Did denver ever have a chance? Break Game against the Grizzlies Jokic stepping up as a leader Defensive effort and rotations Is the home court advantage back? New Jerseys leak Thoughts on the final jersey design? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Hosts: Zach Mikash, Mike Olson, Jeremy Poley. Recapping the week’s games How much should we read into the loss to the Warriors What was the most impressive part of Jokic’s 41 pts? Was the Thunder win a statement game? Break Emmanuel Mudiay Glad he didn’t get traded for Bledsoe? What’s been the biggest difference about Mudiay this year? At what point do you consider putting him back in the starting lineup? Orlando Magic do you believe in the Magic? How similar are Orlando and Denver? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Quick Reactions to Nuggets/Heat Thoughts on the game Mudiay and Murray’s improved play How much confidence do you have in the two point guards right now? Does their play as of late make you think the Nuggets don’t need to trade for Bledsoe? Long term, can these guys be the answer at point guard? Break Previewing the Warriors The Nuggets were somewhat infamously compared to the Warriors as the “next title contender in waiting”, do you see parallells between the way the warriors built theirr team and the way the Nuggets are doing it? Including preseason, Nuggets are 3-2 against the Warriors in their past five games against one another, is there any truth to the Nuggets being a team that the Warriors struggle against? What do the Nuggets have to do to win? Denver Nuggets homestand Predictions on how it will turn out Conclusion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Let’s get the venting out of the way How bush league was Scotty Brooks? What the heck is going on with the offense? Can the Nuggets really expect to compete at a high level with Murray/Mudiay? Break Eric Bledsoe Rumors How much is too much for Bledsoe? Bledsoe, Jokic, Millsap, Chandler, that’s a whole lot of guys who need the offense designed around them to maximize their talents If it meant giving up a Jamal Murray or a Gary Harris, would you do it? Previewing the Nets Quick predictions on who will win Conclusion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Hosts: Zach Mikash, Daniel Lewis, Evan Fiala. Richard Jefferson signing Thoughts on the signing, is this just a locker room hire How much will releasing Jameer Nelson affect the Nuggets? How much more do you think the roster will change this season? Break Nuggets vs Jazz How did they let the 4th quarter get away from them Is Will Barton going to get 30 minutes plus a game all season? Other thoughts on the rotation Nuggets vs Kings How important is it for Denver to bounce back How much are you looking forward to the Fox/Murray matchup Do the kings remind you of the Nuggets a couple years ago? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Hosts: Zach Mikash, Mike Olson, Jeremy Poley. Gary Harris Extension $74 Million guaranteed, too much, just right, steal of a deal? Is Gary going to be an all-star player someday? How worried are you that the Nuggets are going to run into problems with the cap/luxury tax Mike inserts hugely unneeded TC session Wrapping up the preseason If Malone does in fact go with a 9 man rotation, how can he possibly keep Faried and Lyles happy? Who were you most impressed with in the preseason? Break Regular season predictions What kind of wins/playoff position do you see the Nuggets getting to Which player do you expect to have a breakout year a la Harris/Jokic in the past? If the Nuggets get off to a slow start, what kind of changes do you think they’ll make? Conclusion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Hosts: Zach Mikash, Ryan Blackburn, Gordon Gross Media day wrap up Faried wants to be a starter Malone wants a 9 man rotation Playoffs the goal or not the goal? Training Camp Is Mudiay for real? Lyles getting run with the second unit Millsap adjusting to new offense Break Warriors/Nuggets How much will you read into the first games rotation How big is Jameer being out for Mudiay and Murray Does winning or losing matter at all? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Hosts: Evan Fiala, Dan Lewis, Zach Mikash Josh Childress Just a camp body? What would he have to show to make the team? Is there anyone on the roster you would prefer Childress over? Mason Plumlee Thoughts on the new deal How does this make the draft look in retrospect? Does this contract make him un-tradeable? Break Statement Jerseys Are you a fan of them or no? Are you disappointed that the changes to the jerseys appear to be minor? What are you hoping for in the last jersey? Player breakdown: Wilson Chandler What does wilson have to do as the clear starter How big would it be if he could become the Nuggets lockdown defender Is he on the team after this season? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Hosts: Kayla Osby, Ryan Blackburn, Zach Mikash. Nuggets sports equipment charity drive Malik Beasley What does Malik need to work on Where is his ceiling? What would it mean to the Nuggets if Malik became a rotation player? Trey Lyles/Tyler Lydon What does Lyles need to improve? Is he the backup PF opening night? If he can develop into a starter what does it mean for the Nuggets? Break Rotation Point guard rotation Who is going to be the backup power forward How can Mudiay, Faried and Plumlee survive together? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
JHosts: Ashley Douglas, Gordon Gross and Zach Mikash. Nuggets over/under 45.5 wins Too high, too low, just right? Does this line indicate Danilo gallinari is underrated? Where does 45 or 46 wins put the Nuggets as far as playoff seeding? New coaches Thoughts on Weiss Thoughts on adelman Break Juancho Hernangomez what was the biggest thing Juancho needs to improve How much will his eurobasket experience help this season and beyond how much do the nuggets improve if Juancho becomes a legit starter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Hosts: Zach Mikash, Dan Lewis Kyrie Irving traded Quick thoughts on the trade If it gets cancelled should Nuggets get back in discussion? Steve Hess moving on How shocked are you How important is it to have continuity in the strength and conditioning role Is it fair to point to the training staff when a team goes through a rash of injuries Break Gary Harris what was the biggest thing Gary needs to improve is his ceiling an elite 3 and D guy or can he be more? how much do the nuggets improve if Gary becomes a borderline all star? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Hosts: Jeremy Poley, Dan Lewis, Zach Mikash Q&A First to four wins, Broncos or Nuggets Chargers at Broncos Cowboys at Broncos Broncos at Bills Raiders at Broncos BYE Giants at Broncos Broncos at Chargers Broncos at Chiefs (Oct 30) What to expect from Juancho, where to improve Open Q&A Nuggets schedule released What game are looking forward to the most Toughest stretch of the season Early prediction for total wins Break Nikola Jokic what are you hoping Nikola has added to his arsenal? Do you think he can sustain 35 minutes a game for a full season? If he makes the jump to mega star, where does that put the Nuggets in terms of contention? DA, NBAPA Teammate of year Congrats to DA How big is it to have good locker room guys? Do you think Darrell will get playing time this season? Conclusion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Hosts: Kayla Osby, Mike Olson, Zach Mikash New jerseys Are you for or against the switch to navy? Are they too similar to the pacers? What do you like about the new jerseys? What could improve? What are you hoping for in the concept jerseys? National TV schedule Nuggets not part of Opening week or Christmas day, do you care? What will it take to make the Nuggets a regular on national TV? Which Christmas game are you looking forward to the most? Break Expansion Teams Other than Seattle where would it make the most sense to have an expansion team? Are you in favor of it or do you think it dilutes the league Which Nuggets would you protect Rookies in NY What are your expectations for Tyler Lydon? What are your expectations for Monte Morris? Predictions on who will win rookie of the year? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Hosts: Zach Mikash, Ryan Blackburn & Evan Fiala Expansion What cities should be at the top of the list? How would you re-structure the league Who would the Nuggets protect if you can only protect 8 players? Rivalries Do the Nuggets have a true rival? Over all the years you've watched who was the biggest rival for the Nuggets you remember? What has to happen for the Blazers to become a true rival? Break Jamal Murray Is he the point guard of the future? What area does he need to improve the most? If he ends up making the leap to all-star, how does that change the Nuggets future? What's in the box? what's your guess as to what's in the box? Funniest thing that could be in the box Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Hosts: Zach Mikash, Ryan Blackburn, Jeremy Poley Quick intro by Jeremy Kyrie Irving wants out how aggressively should the Nuggets pursue him? Would you be willing to give up Murray/Harris? Where would the Nuggets end up in the West this season with a Kyrie/Millsap/Jokic big 3 Morris/Craig signings which guy has a better chance of impacting this season? Which has a better chance to impact the team long term Was there anyone else you would have liked to see get one of the two way contracts? Break Emmanuel Mudiay should he be in Denver’s long term plans? What area does he need to improve the most? If he ends up turning it around, how does that change the Nuggets future? Jerseys What do you think of the new nike jerseys and no more home/road? what are the odds you think the Nuggets have different jersey’s next season What color scheme/design would you like to see? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Summer League Malik Beasley, NBA big baller or D-League scrub? Can Juancho play small forward? Thoughts on Radicevic and Cornelie Will Monte Morris make the roster? Who else might get one of these two way contracts How much should people put into Tyler Lydon’s poor performance? Break Finishing out the offseason Connelly looking forward to Plumlee being back If you had to guess, who's the backup power forward when the season starts What's the guard rotation going to be? What trades might be good for the Nuggets? Odds and ends Will the Nuggets be the last team with a D League affiliate Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Paul Millsap OMG!!!!! Overall thoughts on signing Millsap How did Denver get such a steal of a contract What does this say about Denver as a free agent destination Danilo Gallinari moving on Overall thoughts about losing Gallo Did the Nuggets blow their chances to get a good return for Gallo? Is this Clippers team a playoff team? Break Offseason not done What other moves would you like to see Denver do? If Denver does nothing else this offseason, how would you grade it (draft and free agency combined)? As it stands right now, where does denver end up in the standings next season? Summah league Who are you excited to watch? Thoughts on tonight’s game? There’s always one undrafted player who gets a camp invite out of his performance at summer league, who do you think has the best shot this year? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
We go big time with a five star lineup for this episode of the Pickaxe Podcast. Zach, Evan, Dan, Gordon and Ryan break down NBA free agency right at 12:00 AM Eastern July 1st. The guys dive right in as news unfolds that the Denver Nuggets look to strike deals with Paul Millsap and George Hill. Meanwhile the Minnesota Timberwolves cnitinue to add to their arsenal with the acquisiton of Jeff Teague while also remaining in the hunt for another key veteran like Paul Millsap or J.J. Redick The guys also manage to sidebar to get into a little talk about the Nuggets Summer League roster and what their watching for. Dan declares his Tyler Lydon to be the greatest while Zach gets into fringe draft and stash prospects. Truly the full gambit of Nuggets offseason in this pod! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Draft disaster What the heck happened Thoughts on Trey Lyles acquisition? Thoughts on Tyler Lydon? Thoughts on Cancar and Morris? Jimmy Butler to Minnesota will the timberwolves have a better record than Denver next season? What was Chicago thinking? Would you have included Murray in a Butler deal? Break Kevin Love rumors Is Kevin love a good fit in Denver Who would you be willing to trade/what would it take to get him? Should the Nuggets give up young assets to add a win now player with the Warriors still a thing? Heading into free agency Any other trades Nuggets should explore first? Who’s Denver’s top target if they get Love? If they don't? One under the radar player you wouldn't mind Denver going after? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Briefly talk about what’s happened the last few days: Nets-Lakers trade Brooklyn is sending Brook Lopez and the 27th pick to the Lakers for D’Angelo Russell and Timofey Mozgov Hornets-Hawks trade Charlotte is sending Miles Plumlee, Marco Belenelli and 41st pick to the Hawks for Dwight Howard and the 31st pick Jimmy Butler says no to Cleveland Pau Gasol opts out. Chris Paul destination? Quick dive into five most likely players Denver grabs at 13 OG Anunoby - What grade would Denver get? Zach Collins - grade? Justin Jackson - grade? Jordan Bell - grade? TJ Leaf - grade? What is the maximum price willing to be paid to move up for Josh Jackson or Jonathan Isaac? Is there any other player worth moving up for? What are your three biggest sleepers in the 2nd round? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Arturus sticking around How relieved are you How do you think this changes the day to day activities of Art and TC What does this say about the Kroenke’s commitment to winning CP3 to meet with Denver Leverage or more? Would CP3 take away from Jokic’s touches How comfortable are you giving a max deal to a 32 year old? Free Agents want to play with Jokic Just talk or real? Which free agents pair best with Jokic? Break Draft TC mentioned being motivated to trade up for a couple of players, who do you think that is? What would you trade to move up for Isaac? Do you think the Nuggets should trade back? Who would you target? Is OG Anunoby the guy if the Nuggets stand pat? Thoughts on the Boston/Philly trade rumor? Conclusion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Gallo opts out How much is too much for Gallo’s contract? Do you personally want him back? More likely to be on the team next season, Gallo or Chandler Bucks courting Arturus Big deal if he left? How likely is it you think he goes? Next batch of pre-draft workouts Anyone catch your eye? How likely are the Nuggets to use all three of their draft picks? Break NBA Finals Thoughts about game 1 Predictions for game 2 If the finals ends up not being competitive how bad is it for the league? KD’s Legacy How big of a disappointment will it be if Warriors lose? Does joining the warriors mean KD can never be thought of in the same way as a LeBron or MJ? How many championships will the Warriors win? Conclusion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nuggets Workouts Anybody catch your eye on the list of players who worked out for the Nuggets? How much do you pay attention to pre-draft workouts Nuggets odds and ends Are the Nuggets due for a jersey re-design? Do you think they'll have a DLeague team next season? Any opinion on where it should be? Rapid Fire Round: will he or won't he be on the team next season Mason Plumlee Danilo Gallinari Jameer Nelson Kenneth Faried Wilson Chandler Break NBA Finals How much of the conference finals did you watch? Excited about Cavs/Warriors 3 or over it? Who ya got? LeBron passes MJ for all time playoff scoring How big of an achievement is it? Where do you rank LeBron all time? Will LeBron ever be considered clearly the GOAT like MJ? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
All NBA Teams did Jokic deserve a 3rd team spot? What do you think of Russell Westbrook not being an unanimous pick? Should players earning potential be tied to something the media votes on? Chris Finch departure How big of a blow to Denver is this? Are you alarmed that the Nuggets seem to lose a lot of coaches after just one season Break Stiffy Awards w/ Gordon and Ryan who was your MVP/ least valuable? Who was your best/worst coach? Who was your best/worst executive? Stiffy Awards w/ Dan and Ashley Who was your most improved/least improved Who was your rookie of the year/worst rookie Who was your DPOY/worst defender Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Kyle Lowry rumors would you take a chance on Lowry? What would be the right contract? Would it mean giving up on Mudiay? Draft Lottery If they did win, who would you want them to take If they stay at 13 what do you want them to do? Break NBA Playoffs James Harden collapse Wizards Celtics game 7/John Wall Do any of these teams have a chance to beat the cavs/warriors Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Draft Lottery Best reason why the Nuggets should win the lottery If they did win, who would you want them to take If they stay at 13 what do you want them to do? Nuggets Odds and ends Excited about the idea of a new practice facility How important is it to get a d-league team? Malik Beasley gets his jersey retired. Anyone from your high school ever have their jersey retired? Break NBA Playoffs Favorite series of 2nd rd Which team has the best chance to upset the cavs or warriors (The Monstars) Is the lack of parity hurting the NBA Do we recognize how great LeBron James is? “They’ve got LeBron James,” Lowry told The Vertical late Friday night. “Nobody’s closing the gap on him. I mean, that’s it right there: They’ve got LeBron James and nobody’s closing the gap on him. I don’t know when his prime is going to stop. I don’t think it’s going to stop anytime soon. I think he’ll be able to continue what he’s doing for a long time. But that’s basketball. You’ve got to find a way to beat the best.” LEBRON JAMES last 10 playoff games (10-0): 41-16-7, 41-8-11, 27-11-11, 36-6-13, 25-10-7, 41-13-12, 33-10-4, 35-10-4, 39-6-4, 35-8-7 34.9 PPG, 9.8 RPG, 8.0 APG, 54.4 FG%, 46.3 3P%, 63.7 TS% Could Nikola Jokic be 80 percent of that some day? Conclusion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
ESPN Layoffs Is it the beginning of the end for ESPN What does it take to succeed in this media market journalism jobs becoming less and less viable NBA 1st round Utah LAC predictions/discussion Most disappointing/surprising team of the first round Second round match up you're most looking forward to Break Jamal Murray injury/surgery Are you more or less optimistic knowing Jamal's rookie performance wasn't at 100% If he misses summer league is it a big deal Tim Connelly interview on Altitude Said they would have traded players, who do you think that was? Talked about defining roles, what should those be? Gallo top priority in offseason Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Pickaxe Podcast Reboot - Episode 9 Looking back on the season Most impressive performance? Favorite play Who had the most surprising season? Missing the playoffs do you regret the Nuggets going with the vets down the stretch How much would making the playoffs have helped the young players? Do you think there's enough excitement to bring back the fans now? Nuggets off-season Which veteran players are the least likely to be back Are you excited at all for the lottery Would you rather Denver stay put at 13 or should they try to trade up or down in the draft Break NBA Playoffs Which team are you rooting for? Can the Bulls or Raptors pull off the upset Which teams in the west could fall out of the playoffs next year? Season Awards MVP MIP 6Man DPOY COY Conclusion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nuggets vs OKC Russell Westbrook triple double record, ok for the crowd to cheer? What do you think of the league saying Jokic’s foul should have been a common foul? Nuggets beat Dallas Nuggets go young, too little too late? Thoughts on the Romo charade? Nuggets beat OKC What’s the deal Laramie? Malik Beasley, is he for real? Season grades Nikola Jokic Gary Harris Jamal Murray Emmanuel Mudiay Juancho Hernangomez Break Season Grades con’t Will Barton Jameer Nelson Kenneth Faried Wilson Chandler Danilo Gallinari Decisions in the offseason Danilo Gallinari Mason Plumlee Jameer Nelson Coach Malone Conclusion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Intro Music Introduce Kayla and Ryan Nugget back to back road wins How big were the wins against Miami and New Orleans on the road Back to back solid performances from Emmanuel Mudiay Are these wins the team gets earlier in the year Nuggets loss to Houston James Harden is just the worst Over Under triple doubles for Jokic the rest of the season What is it about Houston that has made them own the Nuggets this season? Nuggets beat New Orleans What a performance by Jamal Murray Nuggets let Davis get his but get the win Cant say enough about Gary Harris Break Sun Electrical Promo The young core Is Jamal Murray going to be a star? Can Jokic/Murray/Harris be a big three? What’s Emmanuel Mudiay’s long term future with this team? Talking playoffs again.;p0p The season looks like its going down to the end What chance do you give the Nuggets? Even if they don’t make it how valuable is this experience right now? Looking ahead at the playoffs in general What first round series, outside of one involving the Nuggets, would you be most excited about? Right now who are you taking for the championship? Conclusion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Intro So long to Jake’s Sports and Spirits Nugget loss to Pelicans/Blazers Pelicans loss started bad streak How crushing was the loss to the Blazers What did you think of Jusuf Nurkic’s play, comments and now injury? Nuggets loss to Charlotte Bench was a no show What happened in the start of that fourth quarter? Emmanuel Mudiay no minutes despite Jameer getting hurt Break Looking ahead to the offseason What should the Nuggets do with Gallo, what do you think they will do? Most likely player to be on the team next season: Chandler, Faried, Barton Free agent the Nuggets should target? Anyone in the draft you have your eye on? Malone hot seat? Feelings on the season overall Was the loss in Charlotte the nail in the coffin Is the season a success? Other than Nikola Jokic, who has had the most successful year? Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Pickaxe Podcast Reboot - Episode 5 Nugget loss to Houston What the heck happened on defense against Harden?Thoughts on the final out of bounds playWas the loss a moral victory? Nuggets big win against Cleveland How impressed were you by the victory?Nikola 1 on 1 against Lebron, defining moment?Wilson Chandler’s impressive return Nuggets beat Pacers Does Jokic literally have eyes in the back of his head?Gallinari’s returnHow big is it to have everyone healthy? Who gets bumped out of the rotation? Break Trail Blazers How worried are you about the Portland Trail BlazersIs the March 28th game in Portland a must win?How much are you looking forward to the Nurkic vs Jokic battle? Playoffs Who would you prefer Spurs or Warriors?What would have to happen for a 1994 like upset?How likely are the Nuggets to improve on their playoff seeding next season? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The Pickaxe Podcast is back this time with Zach Mikash, Gordon Gross and Ryan Blackburn breaking down the week that was the Denver Nuggets. Zach and Gordon break into the uptick in defense and talk about how MAson Plumlee has had a positive effect on the team. Then finally Ryan is located and steps in to talk about how Nikola Jokic gets no respect from the refs. From there the discussion goes into a myriad of topics. First they discuss Danilo Gallinari, Wilson Chandler and Will Barton and what their long term future is with the team. Next they talk about how the Nuggets have played well over the past 11 games but it may noth be enough to get them into the playoffs with Portland looming. The guys also share thier predicitions on what might happen. The second half of the episode dives into the two games agains the Los Angeles LAkers and Los Angereles Clippers and how the Nuggets were able to get the victories. Finally the guys talk about the season as a whole and whether or not it can be determined a success even if the team doesn't make it into the playoffs. They also discuss how Jokic is becomign a superstar as well as who have been some of the most impresswive players around him. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Zach Mikash is joined by Kayla Osby and Ashley Douglas to break down this weeks news for the Denver Nuggets. We discuss Nikola Jokic's back to back triple doubles, Emmanuel Mudiay's future with the team and the three games Denver played last week. Have a listen to get perspective from the two female voices of the Denver Stiffs and an all CSU Rams cast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The Pickaxe Podcsat is back for it's second episode of the re-boot. This time Zach Mikash is joined by Evan Fiala and Ryan Blackburn to talk about moves that did and did not happen at the deadline, the two games the Nuggets played in last week, the benching of Emmanuel Mudiay and Nikola Jokic's struggles Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Zach Mikash, Daniel Lewis and Gordon Gross relaunch the Pickaxe Podcast and what a week to do it! The Denver Nuggets had a plethora of topics to discuss this week with the Mason Plumlee for Jusuf Nurkic trade, the Nuggets big upset of the Golden State Warriors and then the disappointing loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, Jamal Murray's incredible performance at the rising stars challenge and the all star break on the whole and of course the upcoming trade deadline. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In this week's Friday Summit epiosde of the Pickaxe Podcast, I am joined by Dev Johnson of Mile High Sports and Evan Fiala of Denver Stiffs. We talk about the major storylines around the team including the team's incredible rebounding, their record, their 4th quarter collapses, and what we'd give up for Paul George. Storylines (2:00) Who was the standout player of the week? What should the Nuggets record be right now? Are you happy with where the team is at? Which player did the Nuggets miss the most? Chandler, Barton, or Darrell? What lineup would you close games with? Either/Or (16:00) Which loss hurt the most? DET or MEM? Which win felt the best? MIN or BOS? What is the more concerning stat? -15.7 NetRTG in 4th quarters, or 17.3% TOV% What is the most encouraging stat? 54.9% REB% (1st) or 36.6 FTAr (1st) Fun Stuff (24:30) What personal item would you bring on an 11-day road trip? If you were on an 11-game road trip, what thing from back home would you miss the most? What is the most you’d be willing to give up in a trade for Paul George? Which Nuggets player would make the best president? Predictions (36:30) How many games will the Nuggets win this week? DET, @POR, PHX The Nuggets out-rebounded the Pistons by 1. Which team will have more rebounds? What will we be talking about next week? What is your bold prediction for the week? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In this week's round table discussion on the Denver Nuggets, I am joined by Mark Colomb of the Evening with your ex and Anielo Piro of Writer's Block podcast. We go over the big talking points about the Denver Nuggets. Storylines What is the biggest story of the first 4 games of the season? How has your opinion about this team changed in the first week of the season? Who/what has been the biggest surprise so far this season? What did you think of Juancho’s first minutes in the NBA? What has been your favorite moment of the Nuggets season so far? Grades What grade would you give Danilo Gallinari so far? What grade would you give Emmanuel Mudiay so far? What grade would you give Jusuf Nurkic so far? What grade would you give Michael Malone so far? What grade would you give the Denver Nuggets over the first 4 games? Trending upward or trending downward? Nuggets are 5th fastest in terms of Pace. Upward or downward? Nuggets are 7th in DRTG. Upward or downward? Nuggets are shooting 33.3% from 3, good for 15th overall. Trending upward or downward? Kenneth Faried is playing 25 mpg? Trending upward or downward? According to NBAwowy, Jokic is playing _____ minutes at C. Upward or downward? Predictions How many games will the Nuggets win this week? @DET, @BOS, @MEM, GSW Who is going to be the most important Nuggets player over the next week? What are we going to be talking about next week? When will Jamal Murray score his first FG? When will the Nuggets outscore an opponent in the 4th Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In this round table episode of the Pickaxe Podcast, I am joined by former Denver Stiffs editor-in-cheif and all-around great guy, Nate Timmons as well as the King of Thornton himself, Jeff Morton. We cover 25 major topics and storylines for the Nuggets season. We also predict where the Nuggets will finish in the western conference and explore what some potential rivalries might spring up. Timestamps 3:00 - Storylines Which Nuggets player are you most excited to watch this season? What Nuggets lineup are you most excited about? Which Nuggets game are you most excited for this season? What will be the team’s biggest strength? What will be the team’s biggest weakness? 18:00 - Odds and Percentages What % would you give Murray to win ROY? What % would you give Nurkic to win MIP? What % would you give Barton to win 6MOY What are the odds that Malone sticks with the Jurkic lineup all season long? What are the odds that someone is traded? What are the odds that a Nuggets player makes the all-star game? 30:30 - Fun Stuff Who will have the highest scoring game this season? Give another name suggestion for Balkan Buddy Ball Who is the Nuggets “villain?” Who is the Nuggets “hero?” Which player is most likely to give Malone a headache? Who will become the team’s biggest rival? 42:00 - Records and predictions What will the Nuggets record be after their first 8 games? 6 on road, home vs POR & GSW What will the Nuggets record be? Where will the Nuggets finish in the NW? Where will the Nuggets rank in attendance? What is your hottest take prediction for the 2016-17 season? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In this episode of the Pickaxe Podcast, I am joined by Denver Nuggets forwrad Wilson Chandler. We discussed his busy summer including a trip to GOOGLE, catching a giant fish, and visiting Senegal. We then talked about the process of rehabbing from a major injury and the obstacles to overcome. And lastly, we turn our focus to this year's team, coach, and outlook. Wilson is a really great interview and was very thoughtful and introspective about his experiences over the last year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In this episode of the Pickaxe Podcast, I introduce a new model for the podcast going forward. My aim is to produce two-to-three podcasts per week. One will be a 1-on-1 interview with a special guest which will be similar to what I've done so far throughout the summer. The other will be a short, monologue type podcast where I give thoughts on a couple of topics. There will also be an occassional round table with two or three guests. This episode is a monologue. I discuss the Nuggets front court rotation and the issues that they faced against Portland and Oklahoma City. I also discussed some of the team's strengths and ask coach Michael Malone where Darrell Arthur fits into the crowded front court rotation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In this episode of the Pickaxe Podcast, I am joined by Anthony Irwin of Locked on Lakers and Silver Screen and Roll. We start by talking about the rivalry between Emmanuel Mudiay and D'Angelo Russell. From there, Anthony shares an "outsider's" opinion on Mudiay, Jusuf Nurkic, and Jamal Murray. It's a fun discussion and always good to hear non-Nuggets fans and writers share their perspective on the team. Timestamps 2:30 - Mudiay and Russell 7:00 - Anthony on Mudiay 14:00 - D'Angelo 21:00 - Anthony on Nurkic 37:00 - Randle 45:00 - Anthony Jamal Murray 50:30 - Brandon Ingram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In this week's episode, I am joined by the King of Thornton, Jeff Morton. We go over the Nuggets first preseason game and provide observations on several of the key players, especially Jusuf Nurkic. Then we turn our focus to the Nuggets coverage of training camp and preseason and ask whether they are missing out on big opportunities to grow the fanbase. Lastly, Jeff reflects on what things make him the most nostalgic. Timestamps 7:00 - Nurkic's new focus and attitude 18:45 - Nikola Jokic and his fit in the "Balkan Buddy Ball" lineup 26:45 - Jamal Murray is smooth, like Kenny G 31:30 - Beasley's confidence 34:15 - Juancho's pass 39:00 - The lack of broadcast and the Nuggets golden opportunity 53:00 - Jeff's top 5 nostalgias Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In this week's episode of the Pickaxe Podcast, Zach Mikash and I break down our observations from the Nuggets Media Day. We go through every Nuggets player that we interviewed and shared specific takeaways and observations. Check it out! Timestamps 3:00 - Big takeaways 7:30 - Malone's cryptic comments about the starting PF 12:15 - Potential D-league team? In...Omaha? 17:45 - Mutombo's jersey retirement 20:00 - No media availability for Nurkic or Faried 21:30 - Jameer is not a guidance counselor 25:15 - Juancho, not Juan 27:00 - Malik and Mike Miller 29:15 - Jamal Murray and the Three Amigos 31:15 - Jokic's deal with the media 34:00 - Gallo has never seen Juancho play 35:45 - The outgoing and social, Mudiay 38:00 - Gary Harris is fit 39:45 - Barton is going to sleep early 41:45 - Wilson is back! 44:15 - Darrell's injury might be serious? 47:00 - Storylines for week 1 of camp Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In this week's episode I am joined by Chris Reichert who covers the D-League for Upside and Motor. We discuss the guys on the Nuggets roster that hail from the D-League, the open roster spot heading into training camp, and the inner-workings of the D-League. Chris provides a ton of really great insight into how the Nuggets can appraoch their open roster spot. Timestamps 2:30 - The appeal of covering the D-League and how the league works 17:30 - Jakarr Sampson and using the D-League to work on specific weaknesses 23:45 - Axel Toupane's first basket in the NBA and upside 28:00 - DJ Kennedy's fit on Denver's roster 31:30 - Jarnell Stokes' dominant post play 34:45 - Chris's pick to make the roster, Nate Wolters 38:30 - Chris's ranking of the non-guaranteed guys 40:30 - The Nuggets need for their own D-League affiliate and how the Nuggets might use the D-League this year 48:30 - Chris's top 5 players from the Pacific Northwest Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In this week's episode, I am joined by the Director of Analytics for the Denver Nuggets, Tommy Balcetis. Tommy shares his experience playing basketall in Lithuania and at Harvard and his route to an NBA front office. He also shares insights into how the front office uses advanced stats and his approach to working with numbers in basketball. Lots of neat stories about his experiences working in basketball. Timestamps 2:15 - Growing up in Lithuania 8:45 - Playing at Harvard 11:30 - Analytics with the Nuggets 29:00 - Malone and Connelly's interest in analytics 38:30 - The state of basketball abroad 44:30 - Is the game of basketball evolving? 46:30 - Tommy's top 5 destinations around the globe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In this week's episode of the Pickaxe Podcast, I am joined by BSN Denver's Harrison Wind and Mile High Sports Dev Johnson. We recorded this podcast immediately following the gold medal game between the US and Serbia. We discuss our attachment to this iteration of team USA, Jokic's breakout performance, and look ahead to 2020 in Tokyo. Timestamps 2:00 - Big takeaways from the gold medal game 6:30 - Bogdanovic, Teodosic, and Serbia's exciting style of play 11:45 - Idiosyncrocies of FIBA basketball 14:30 - Jokic 24:15 - Joffrey 27:30 - Gold medals vs NBA championships 32:00 - Final thoughts on Olympic basketball 37:45 - Handball, decathalon, and other non-basketball Olympic thoughts 46:15 - Nate Wolters and DJ Kennedy 51:00 - Predicting team USA's 2020 Olympic basketball team Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In this week's episode, I am joined by JZ Mazlish of Upside and Motor to discuss the young Nuggets core. JZ is not too high on Jamal Murray so it was interesting to get his perspective on the young sharp-shooter. We also disucssed Jusuf Nurkic's skill set and where he fits into the Nuggets rotation. The interview was conducted via skype and sadly, the connection on his end is a bit buzzy. For what it's worth, it becomes less distracting as the podcast goes on. 4:30 - Jamal Murray 24:00 - Juancho Hernangomez 31:20 - Malik Beasley 35:45 - Petr Cornelie 39:30 - Jusuf Nurkic, including Jokic/Nurkic pairing 48:30 - The 2017 NBA draft 50:40 - Ranking the U23 cores in the NBA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In this week's epsiode of The Pickaxe Podcast, I am joined by CBSsports.com's Matt Moore (@hpbasketball). Matt is the founder of the Hardwood Paroxysm Network and one of the OG's in NBA blogging. We talked about a failry wide range of topics regarding the Nuggets including where they go from here, Jokic's future, and Wilson Chandler's value to the team. We also talk about the state of the NBA, superteams, and the Olympics. 4:40 - Lebron James' legacy going forward 9:30 - How promising is the Nuggets future? 18:00 - How will the Nuggets use Jokic next year? 32:30 - When will the Nuggets consolidate assets? 40:40 - Worst case scenario for the 2016-17 Nuggets 54:00 - The state of the NBA, the race to build the best facilities, culture, etc. 1:00 - Superteams 1:07 - Are we excited for Olympic basketball? 1:12 - Lightning round includes Matt's pick for Nuggets wins next year, whether or not the Nuggets make a trade, ROY, MVP, and whether or not there will be a lockout next summer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In this week's episode of the Pickaxe Podcast, I am joined by Malika Andrews (@Malika_Andrews) from the Denver Post and the UP Beacon. We talked about our experience at Las Vegas Summer League, the young Nuggets that played at Summer League, and our experiences in sports journalism. Malika has such interesting insights from spending the last few weeks observing and covering the team. Timestamps: 1:45 - Malika's experiences in journalism 5:30 - The Summer League experience 8:45 - Big view impressions of the Nuggets at SL 10:55 - Jamal Murray's personality and intensity 18:45 - Malik Beasley's awesome bench celebrations 21:15 - Juancho's readiness for the league and Europe vs. NBA 26:00 - Petr Cornelie's interesting and introspective personality 32:55 - Mike Miller's leadership style 36:15 - Lightning round topics including favorite player, most exciting Nuggets storyline next year, and Malika's journalism heroes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In this weeks episode of the Pickaxe Podcast, I am joined by BSN Denver's Harrison Wind, Denver Stiffs Zach Mikash, and Altitude's Mark Colomb. We discussed the Nuggets draft picks, free agency pusuit of Dwyane Wade, summer league roster, and Kevin Durant going to the Warriors. It was great to get such a wide variety of perspectives on a wide variety of topics. Lots of fun to record and I hope, lots of fun to listen to. Timestamps: 3:30 - Grading the Nuggets draft picks 9:00 - The awkward press conference and Petr's clothing choice 12:10 - The Darrell Arhtur deal 15:00 - The Dwyane Wade fit with the Nuggets 23:15 - What are we looking forward to summer league 27:45 - The growing friendship of the Nuggets young guys 35:15 - Brainstorming bad nicknames for the rookies 40:00 - Free agency headlines around the leauge 51:00 - Kevin Durant going to the Warriors Don't forget to subscribe on itunes and if you like the show, support it by rating the show and writing a review. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In this week's episode of the Pickaxe Podcast, I am joined by Daniel Lewis (@minutemandan) to discuss the NBA Draft, Jamal Murray, and what it means for the Denver Nuggets. We went over the pros and cons of each player and looked at where everyone stacks up in what has become a very competative back court. Timestamps: 3:00 - Jamal Murray, Nuggets shooting, and playing through Jokic and Galo now that there is more shooting on the roster. 13:45 - Juancho, and whether he has the coolest name in Nuggets history? 20:30 - What kind of player will Malik Beasley be in the NBA? 25:00 - What does this mean for Will Barton? 28:30 - Is Jameer Nelson even more important now? 32:00 - The competition for back court minutes, 35:00 - Does this mean Gallo and Chandler aren't going anywhere? 38:00 - Who is the face of the future of the Nuggets? 48:00 - Draft days surprises 55:00 - Ranking the potential of the Northwest division teams Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
I was joined by Andrew Feinstein, founder of DenverStiffs.com, to discuss Lebron James' legacy, the NBA Finals, the 2015-16 NBA season, and of course, the Denver Nuggets upcoming draft. Tragically, a majority of the podcast was lost to technical difficulties and only the final 18 minutes are saved. So apologies for such an abridged version of this podcast. Hopefully the breif discussion is still interesting. In this episode: 2:15 - The evolution of ball movement, switching defense, isolations, and how it may have shifted once again 6:21 - Is the narrative that the NBA is "buddy-buddy" officially dead? 9:00 - How much more pressure will be on the Nuggets next year? 13:00 - Can/Should the Nuggets brand themselves as the international team? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In this week's epsiode, Adam is joined by Denver Stiffs writers Daniel Lewis and Gordon Gross to discuss the Nuggets failed fortunes in the NBA lottery. The team looks at potential trade ideas, figure out who are the winners and losers of the draft, and speculate who might end up in Denver. They also put the final stamp on the Carmelo Anthony trade and discuss thoughts on the conference finals. 1:00 - Initial reactions to the lottery 4:00 - Who won the draft? Who lost it? 8:00 - Is there any chance the Lakers make a draft day trade? 12:30 - Draft day trade ideas 16:30 - Potential Nuggets picks at 7 21:30 - Who won the Melo trade? 29:00 - Thoughts on the Eastern Conference Finals 34:00 - Thoughts on the Western Conference Finals 38:00 - Should Jusuf Nurkic try to model his game after Steven Adams? 43:00 - Billy Donovan, Michael Malone, and coaching in the regular season vs. the playoffs 46:00 - How likely is it that over the next five seasons, the Nuggets reach the level of play that OKC, GSW, and CLE is at right now? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
I am joined by Greg Wissinger of Sactown Royalty and host of the Sactown Royalty Show. We discussed the state of the Kings, compared and contrasted Vlade Divac to Chauncey Billups, Vivek Ranadive to Josh Kroenke, and discussed the coaching tenures of Michael Malone and George Karl in Denver and Sacramento. 2:30 - What Vlade means to the Kings and how his stint as a GM is received by Kings fans 10:30 - Big picture thoughts on Vivek 15:30 - Michael Malone, his coaching style, experience in Sacramento, and relationship with Boogie 24:00 - George Karl and the contrast between his time in Denver and his time in Sacramento, whether the Kings and Nuggets should've swapped teams, and how he is a polar opposite of George Karl. 31:15 - Greg's preference for the Kings' next coach 37:45 - Cousins, his value as a player, his future in Sacramento, and what it'd take for Kings fans to want to trade him 46:30 - Who will win more games next season - Nuggets or Kings? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In this week's episode of The Pickaxe Podcast, I am joined by Jordan White, a very talented writer who always brings a unique voice and perspective to his writing. He has covered the NBA for Hardwood Paroxysm, Dime Magazine, Vice Sports, Uproxx, and The Player's Tribune. Jordan recently worked on the Nikola Jokic project, helping Jokic create his article in The Player's Tribune and got to spend the day with Nikola and his brothers. Follow him on twitter and if you haven't already, check out Jokic's article below. 1:30 - The Nikola Jokic Player's Tribune article and spending time with the Jokic boys 9:30 - Basketball in Serbia 12:00 - Other Nuggets that would make good Player's Tribune authors 14:30 - Best guys to interview in the NBA 21:00 - The Royals winning the championship and similarities between the Royals and Nuggets 26:30 - Impressions of the city of Denver from a transplant's perspective 33:30 - Ranking the Lottery teams by Karma and by which team "deserves" the #1 pick the most Thanks for listening! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In this episode of the Pickaxe Podcast, Adam Mares is joined by Gibson Pyper (aka @HalfCourtHoops) of BBall breakdown, fast model sports, and curator of the best NBA channel on youtube to discuss the Nuggets, the upcoming NBA draft, and Gibson's hometown team, the Cavaliers. Gibson always has a very interesting perspective on basketball and the NBA and is one of the most knowledgeable NBA fans around. 3:00 - Thoughts on Michael Malone 8:00 - Thoughts on Mudiay and an under appreciated part of his game 14:00 - Thoughts on Jokic 17:30 - Gibson's favorite Nuggets player, Gary Harris 20:00 - How Nurkic can become a more effective offensive presence 25:00 - Ranking the Nuggets potential against the Wolves, Magic, Suns, Lakers, and other up-and-coming teams. 28:00 - The NBA draft and Gibson's surprise favorite player in this draft 36:00 - If the Cavs lose, should Cleveland part ways with Kevin Love? 41:00 - The Cavs chances in the playoffs and NBA finals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In this first ever episode of the Pickaxe Podcast, Adam Mares is joined by Andrew Feinstein and Zach Mikash to discuss the Denver Nuggets' 2015-16 NBA season and share some of the major storylines. Topics include: Biggest takeaway from the 2015-16 season (2:30) Did the Nuggets over-achieve? (8:20) Biggest disappointment of the Nuggets season (15:10) We get into some statistical trends from this season including pace, shooting, and defense (24:00) We evaluate Emmanuel Mudiay (37:15), Nikola Jokic (38:45), Gary Harris (41:15), and Will Barton (43:15). Expectations for next season (46:30) We rate how disappointment we'd be if certain Nuggets were NOT in a Nuggets uniform next season (51:00) Lastly, we discuss the miserable attendance numbers and the state of Nuggets fanhood in Denver (57:30) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices