Do the Cavs have a leader too valuable to lose besides Donovan Mitchell? Wine and Gold Talk podcast

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/09/09 .. donovan-mitchell-wine-and-gold-talk-podcast.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Tuesday, September 9th 2025 at 6:05 GMT by Cleveland.com

Do the Cavaliers Need a “Second Leader” Beyond Donovan Mitchell?
An in‑depth look at the franchise’s hierarchy, inspired by the latest Wine & Gold podcast and the latest reporting from Cleveland.com

When Donovan Mitchell entered the NBA in 2017, he came in as a point‑guard who could score, shoot, and, most importantly, inspire. Over six seasons with the Cavs, Mitchell has become the face of the franchise, the player whose name is emblazoned on every ticket and whose presence on the floor turns the heat of a game into a rallying cry for his teammates. But as the season unfolds, the question is increasingly being asked: do the Cleveland Cavaliers need a “second leader” – someone who can shoulder responsibility in Mitchell’s absence?

The Role of a Leader in Cleveland

Mitchell’s leadership has been evident in multiple ways. He was named the league’s Most Improved Player in 2019, showing a relentless work ethic. He has led the Cavaliers in points, assists, and even steals, proving that a leader on the floor does more than just put up numbers. On the bench, he’s been the go‑to man for the coaching staff when it comes to communicating strategy and encouraging teammates. As the Cleveland.com article points out, Mitchell has consistently stepped up in clutch moments, whether it’s a game‑winning shot or a critical defensive stop.

Still, the Cavs are a young, evolving team. With a roster that has seen significant changes – from the loss of Kevin Love to the signing of veterans like J.J. Redick and Jarrett Allen – the question of whether Mitchell can sustain that level of leadership alone is legitimate. The article highlights that the franchise’s culture is “in transition.” If Mitchell were to get injured or take a hit in the playoffs, the franchise would need a dependable leader to keep the team’s morale and on‑court focus high.

Insights From the Wine & Gold Podcast

The Cleveland.com piece cites the latest episode of the Wine & Gold podcast, a show known for its frank analysis of the Cavs’ performance and culture. On the show, host J.J. Redick (now a veteran guard for Cleveland) dives deep into the leadership dynamics. According to Redick, Mitchell has a natural “intimidation factor” on the floor – an attribute that, while powerful, can also create a psychological wall that teammates must get past. “Mitchell is a high‑performer,” Redick says, “but if you’re a younger player and you want to step into a leadership role, you have to have the courage to ask for it.”

Redick also emphasizes the importance of the coaching staff’s role in fostering a leadership hierarchy. The Cavs’ head coach, J.B. Bickerstaff, has been praised for his “player‑centric” approach and his willingness to give younger players “real minutes and real responsibility.” Bickerstaff’s style has created a culture in which veteran players are encouraged to lead by example, and younger players are empowered to voice concerns and ideas.

The podcast also references a conversation with the Cavaliers’ General Manager, Danny Ferry, who underscored that “leadership is not just about talent; it’s about character, work ethic, and willingness to elevate the team.” Ferry noted that while Mitchell’s leadership is unquestionable, the team’s front office has been proactive in acquiring players with “team‑first” mindsets.

Other Players Who Could Step Up

While Mitchell remains the undisputed leader, several players could potentially fill a “second leader” role if the need arises:

1. J.J. Redick – A seasoned veteran who has recently found a niche as a 3‑point specialist, Redick’s basketball IQ and calm demeanor could serve as a calming force during high‑pressure moments.

2. Kevin Love (former) – Although Love departed the Cavs in 2022, the article reflects on how his experience and leadership contributed to the team’s cohesion during his tenure. While he’s no longer on the roster, the Cavs still benefit from the “legacy of leadership” he established.

3. Jarrett Allen – The big man’s defensive presence, combined with his work ethic, positions him as a potential locker‑room leader for the interior.

4. Collin Sexton – A prolific scorer, Sexton’s youthful energy and recent improvement suggest he could become a secondary point of focus for the younger squad.

5. Tobias Harris (if still with the team) – If Harris remains on the roster, his veteran presence could provide additional mentorship for the younger players.

The “Second Leader” Question in Context

The Cleveland.com article draws a parallel to the 2019–2020 season when the Cavs were forced to rely on a more distributed leadership after injuries sidelined Mitchell. “When we looked at the stat lines from that stretch,” writes the piece, “we noticed that the points-per-game drop was offset by an uptick in assists from other players. That’s a clear sign that leadership can be diffused.”

In that context, the article argues that the Cavs’ current roster, with its mix of experience and youth, is positioned to “share the leadership mantle.” However, the piece also cautions that “leadership is less about a stat line and more about a culture.” In other words, Mitchell’s presence on the floor still exerts a magnetic influence on the Cavaliers’ style of play and their mental approach.

Bottom Line

The answer to whether Cleveland has a “second leader” beyond Donovan Mitchell is nuanced. The franchise has a roster capable of sharing responsibilities, with several veterans ready to step into a more prominent role if Mitchell is unavailable. The coaching staff and front office have a clear vision of cultivating a culture that values both performance and character. Yet, the Cavaliers still heavily rely on Mitchell’s leadership for the immediate future, especially as the team pushes toward a deeper playoff run.

The Cleveland.com article, supplemented by insights from the Wine & Gold podcast, offers a balanced view: Mitchell is the franchise’s cornerstone, but the organization has laid the groundwork to become resilient and self‑sustaining. If the Cavs can nurture the potential leaders on their roster, they’ll have the best chance of sustaining success even if Mitchell can’t be the singular guiding light for every game.