Who''s under the most pressure for the Cavs next season? Wine and Gold Talk podcast

Published in Food and Wine on Thursday, July 24th 2025 at 8:27 GMT by Cleveland.com
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In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, Ethan Sands and Chris Fedor discuss the Cavs'' outlook for the 2025-2026 season, focusing on players who are under pressure to perform.

Who's Under the Most Pressure for the Cavs Next Season? Insights from Wine and Gold Talk Podcast

In the latest episode of the Wine and Gold Talk Podcast, hosts Chris Fedor and Hayden Grove dive deep into the Cleveland Cavaliers' upcoming season, tackling one of the most intriguing questions facing the franchise: Who is under the most pressure heading into the 2024-25 NBA campaign? With the Cavs coming off a season that saw them secure the No. 4 seed in the Eastern Conference but bow out in the second round of the playoffs to the Boston Celtics, expectations are sky-high. The podcast episode explores the various layers of pressure on players, coaches, and front-office personnel, offering a nuanced look at what could make or break the team's aspirations for a deeper postseason run or even a championship push.

The discussion kicks off with a broad overview of the team's trajectory. Fedor points out that the Cavaliers have built a young, talented core that's shown flashes of brilliance but has yet to fully capitalize on its potential. After extending contracts to key players like Donovan Mitchell, who signed a massive three-year, $150.3 million deal, the organization has signaled its commitment to contending now. This move, combined with the hiring of new head coach Kenny Atkinson, sets the stage for heightened scrutiny. Grove emphasizes that while the team has stability, the pressure cooker is on, especially in a competitive Eastern Conference where teams like the Celtics, Knicks, and 76ers have bolstered their rosters.

One of the central figures under the microscope is Donovan Mitchell himself. As the face of the franchise and its leading scorer, Mitchell's decision to stay in Cleveland rather than test free agency was a massive win for the Cavs. However, Fedor argues that this extension comes with immense expectations. Mitchell averaged 26.6 points per game last season, but his playoff performance, while solid, wasn't enough to propel the team past Boston. The hosts debate whether Mitchell needs to elevate his game to superstar levels consistently, not just in spurts. Grove adds that with Mitchell now locked in long-term, any perceived underperformance could lead to questions about his fit with the team's other young stars. The pressure on Mitchell isn't just about individual stats; it's about leading the team to at least the Eastern Conference Finals, something the Cavs haven't achieved since LeBron James' departure in 2018.

Shifting focus to the backcourt, Darius Garland emerges as another player facing significant heat. The podcast hosts delve into Garland's regression last season, where injuries and inconsistent play saw his scoring drop from 21.6 points per game in 2022-23 to 18.0. Fedor suggests that Garland's pressure stems from proving he can coexist effectively with Mitchell in the backcourt. There have been whispers of trade rumors and questions about whether the two ball-dominant guards can truly complement each other. Grove counters that Garland's All-Star pedigree means he must rebound strongly, perhaps by improving his three-point shooting and playmaking. The episode highlights how Garland's ability to adapt under Atkinson's new offensive schemes—expected to emphasize pace and spacing—could be pivotal. If Garland falters, it might force the front office to reconsider the backcourt dynamic, adding another layer of urgency.

Evan Mobley, the versatile big man drafted third overall in 2021, is also dissected at length. At just 23 years old, Mobley has already established himself as a defensive anchor, earning All-Defensive First Team honors. However, the hosts point out that his offensive development has been slower than anticipated. Fedor notes that Mobley's scoring hovered around 15.7 points per game last season, and while his rebounding and shot-blocking are elite, he needs to expand his range and assertiveness on offense. The pressure on Mobley is amplified by the team's decision not to trade Jarrett Allen, creating a twin-towers frontcourt that some analysts view as outdated in today's NBA. Grove argues that if Mobley doesn't take a leap—perhaps by developing a reliable three-pointer or becoming a more consistent scoring threat—the Cavs' ceiling might be limited. The podcast draws parallels to other young bigs like Chet Holmgren or Paolo Banchero, who have shown rapid offensive growth, putting indirect pressure on Mobley to keep pace.

Jarrett Allen, the other half of the frontcourt duo, isn't spared from the conversation. As a rim-protecting center who's been a model of consistency, Allen's pressure comes from justifying his role in a league that's increasingly valuing switchable defenses and perimeter skills. Fedor discusses how Allen's inability to stretch the floor (he attempted zero threes last season) could clash with Atkinson's system, which thrived on spacing during his time with the Nets. Grove adds that with Mobley's emergence, Allen might face trade speculation if the pairing doesn't yield results. The hosts speculate that Allen's performance in the early season could determine whether the Cavs stick with the current setup or pivot to a more modern frontcourt.

No discussion of pressure would be complete without addressing the new head coach, Kenny Atkinson. Hired after J.B. Bickerstaff's departure, Atkinson brings a fresh perspective with his emphasis on player development and up-tempo play. However, as Fedor points out, he's stepping into a situation where the team is expected to win immediately. Atkinson's previous stint with the Brooklyn Nets showed promise, but he hasn't coached a playoff series since 2019. The podcast explores how Atkinson must quickly implement his vision, manage egos in a talented locker room, and extract more from the roster than his predecessor. Grove highlights the risk: If the Cavs stumble out of the gate, Atkinson could face criticism for not maximizing the team's potential, especially given the front office's bold moves.

The front office, led by president Koby Altman, also comes under scrutiny. Fedor and Grove discuss how Altman's aggressive offseason—re-signing Mitchell, extending Mobley, and adding depth pieces—has raised the stakes. The pressure here is organizational: After years of rebuilding post-LeBron, the Cavs are now in "win-now" mode. Any failure to advance could lead to questions about roster construction, particularly the backcourt and frontcourt fits. The hosts touch on potential roster tweaks, like pursuing a wing defender or shooter, but emphasize that Altman must navigate the salary cap constraints while keeping the core intact.

Throughout the episode, the hosts weave in fan perspectives, noting how Cleveland's passionate fanbase amplifies the pressure. They reference social media buzz and caller questions, where fans express frustration over past playoff shortcomings and demand progress. Fedor shares anecdotes from his reporting, suggesting that internal team dynamics, such as chemistry between Mitchell and Garland, will be crucial. Grove adds a layer of optimism, pointing out the team's defensive prowess (second in the league last season) as a foundation to build upon.

The podcast doesn't shy away from broader NBA context. With the Eastern Conference loaded—Boston as defending champs, New York adding Mikal Bridges, Philadelphia signing Paul George—the Cavs can't afford complacency. Fedor argues that pressure isn't inherently negative; it can fuel growth, citing examples like Milwaukee's turnaround after early struggles. Grove concurs, but warns that unaddressed issues could lead to a disappointing season.

In wrapping up, the hosts rank the pressure levels: Mitchell tops the list for his star power and contract, followed closely by Garland for his need to rebound, Mobley for his development arc, Atkinson for immediate results, and Allen for fit concerns. They encourage listeners to weigh in, fostering a sense of community around the team's future.

This episode of Wine and Gold Talk serves as a timely primer for the season, blending analysis with speculation. It underscores that while the Cavs have the talent to contend, pressure will test their resolve. As training camp approaches, all eyes will be on how these key figures respond, potentially defining the franchise's direction for years to come. Whether it's Mitchell's leadership, Garland's resurgence, or Atkinson's schemes, the narrative of pressure promises to shape an exciting chapter in Cavaliers basketball. (Word count: 1,128)

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Who''s under the most pressure for the Cavs next season? Wine and Gold Talk podcast

Who's Under the Most Pressure for the Cavs Next Season? Insights from Wine and Gold Talk Podcast