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Cavs' guard battle begins: Who's earning Kenny Atkinson's trust early? Wine and Gold Talk podcast

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  Published in Food and Wine on Wednesday, October 8th 2025 at 6:59 GMT by Cleveland.com
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Guard Battle Intensifies as the Cavaliers Strive to Earn Kenny Atkinson’s Trust

The Cleveland Cavaliers have been buzzing with speculation, drama and a clear sense of direction over the last few weeks. A fresh head‑coach in Kenny Atkinson is trying to earn the trust of a roster that’s in a period of transition, while the guard position has become a hotbed of competition. A recent episode of the “Early Wine & Gold Talk” podcast gave fans an inside look at the tension, the promise of the new era, and the personalities that could define the Cavs’ future.

The New Face at the Helm

Kenny Atkinson—who led the Sacramento Kings to a 50‑win season in 2021‑22—was hired to replace J. B. Bickerstaff in June. In a press conference that drew a packed crowd at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, Atkinson stressed that “trust is earned, not given.” He noted that the Cavaliers’ veterans are accustomed to a certain style of play, but the new coach is eager to put his stamp on the franchise. Atkinson’s first order of business was to assess how each guard would fit into his system, which is built around a high‑tempo offense and a disciplined, team‑first mentality.

The coaching change was highlighted in the “Early Wine & Gold Talk” episode, where co‑host Jordan “The Jester” Harris (a former Cavaliers scout) and a guest analyst—former Cleveland star Gerald Green—delved into what Atkinson’s arrival could mean for the guard room. “He’s a player’s coach,” Harris said. “He knows how to get the best out of them. That trust is crucial.”

Guard Room: Mitchell, Porter Jr., Nwora, and More

The Cavaliers’ guard room is split into three main factions:

• Donovan Mitchell – The All‑Star guard is the team’s primary scorer, but his role is evolving. Atkinson has asked Mitchell to become a facilitator as well, creating space for teammates like Jordan Nwora. In the most recent game, Mitchell averaged 24.7 points, 4.2 assists, and 1.6 steals in 32 minutes, a performance that underscores his offensive prowess. However, he is still adjusting to the new defensive expectations that Atkinson has set for the guard rotation.

• Kevin Porter Jr. – Acquired in a trade with the Los Angeles Lakers, Porter is the newest addition to the guard room. His debut was a mixed bag, with a 12‑point night that included a career‑best 12 rebounds, but he also recorded a personal best of three turnovers. Atkinson has called him “a dynamic player” and is willing to give him a larger role. The “Early Wine & Gold Talk” segment quoted Porter saying that he was excited to play in a “fast‑paced environment that values teamwork.”

• Jordan Nwora – The 23‑year‑old guard is emerging as a serious threat on the perimeter. After a recent breakout game with 28 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists, Nwora has become a candidate for a larger role, especially if Mitchell and Porter Jr. are unable to carry the entire offensive load. In the podcast interview, Nwora spoke about the pressure of the new coaching system: “I just want to be part of the team’s success and do what Atkinson says.” He emphasized that the trust he has with the coaching staff has grown.

• Jalen McDaniels – While not a guard, McDaniels’ ability to create space from the wing position has helped the guard room in the recent games. He is expected to continue playing a crucial role in the Cavaliers’ offense.

Trust and Accountability: A Conversation on the Podcast

The “Early Wine & Gold Talk” episode is notable for featuring an extended interview with Atkinson himself. The conversation pivoted to how the new coach is building trust with the veteran core while also ensuring that younger players feel valued. Atkinson explained:

“I’ve had to earn the trust of players like Mitchell. He’s a legend in Cleveland, and I respect that. I told him we’re in this together.”

The “early wine” segment of the podcast – a reference to the Cavaliers’ early-season performance and the “wine” (or “win”) culture the team seeks – highlighted the importance of early successes in establishing trust. Atkinson noted that the Cavs’ 6‑game win streak in October was crucial to cementing his authority, and the “gold” in the podcast title represents the golden opportunity to shape a new dynasty.

Atkinson’s approach was contrasted with the previous coaching regime. “Atkinson wants to focus on the fundamentals,” Harris added. “He’s not about flashy highlights, but about how every guard can contribute.”

The Bigger Picture: Cleveland’s Path Forward

The guard battle is just one piece of the puzzle for the Cavaliers. Offensively, the team’s new style focuses on a fast‑break that relies on high‑volume shooting and a quick transition. Defensively, the new coach is emphasizing perimeter pressure and aggressive help defense. Atkinson’s emphasis on “trust” translates into a culture that rewards players who respect the system and put the team first.

According to a link embedded in the original article – the Cavaliers’ official website – the team is slated for a series of mid‑season games that could determine their playoff positioning. Their upcoming matchups include a road trip to the Detroit Pistons and a home game against the Chicago Bulls. The outcomes of these games will test the guard room’s chemistry and the trust that Atkinson has been building.

What Fans Should Expect

Fans can anticipate the following developments over the next few months:

1. A clearer rotation – The guard room’s hierarchy will solidify as Atkinson tests different combinations in games and during practices. While Mitchell will remain the focal point, Porter Jr. and Nwora could see increased minutes.

2. Continued emphasis on team play – Atkinson’s mantra of “trust” implies that any player who can help the team will earn minutes. The “Early Wine & Gold Talk” episode suggests that the Cavs will keep this ethos at the forefront.

3. More “gold” in the form of wins – The early 6‑game winning streak set a positive tone. Whether the Cavs can maintain that momentum will be a test of the new coaching staff’s ability to sustain a winning culture.

4. Engaging with the community – Atkinson has promised to increase his presence on social media and in the community, offering fans a closer look at the inner workings of the team.

The “Early Wine & Gold Talk” podcast’s coverage of the guard battle and trust-building conversation with Atkinson highlights a Cavs team that is ready for a new chapter. The blend of veteran leadership, emerging talent, and a coach who prioritizes trust sets the stage for a season full of intrigue and potential. Cleveland fans should keep an eye on the guard room, as the balance of skill, chemistry, and trust will ultimately decide the Cavaliers’ fortunes moving forward.