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Can the Cavs' 2025-26 start spark a return to their defense-first identity? Wine and Gold Talk podcast

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  Published in Food and Wine on Thursday, September 11th 2025 at 6:07 GMT by Cleveland.com
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Cavaliers Set Sights on Defense‑First Future in 2025‑26, Talks on Wine & Gold Talk Podcast

The Cleveland Cavaliers are looking to change their narrative for the 2025‑26 campaign by returning to a defense‑first identity that was a hallmark of the franchise’s most successful years. In a feature posted by Cleveland.com and amplified on the popular “Wine & Gold Talk” podcast, team insiders laid out a clear blueprint for how the squad will attempt to re‑establish itself as a defensive powerhouse while keeping its offensive spark alive.

A Return to Roots

Cleveland’s new front‑office president, Lara Simmons, made a passionate pitch that the team’s core identity should revolve around “staying true to the defensive values that got us into the playoffs in the early 2010s.” She argued that while the Cavaliers have produced plenty of talent over the last few seasons, a consistent defensive philosophy will be the missing piece that turns good players into championship‑contenders. Simmons cited the franchise’s 2015‑16 roster—dominated by a stifling defense that propelled them to the NBA Finals—as a blueprint for the future.

The Defensive Core

At the heart of the Cavaliers’ defensive plans is Evan Mobley. In the “Wine & Gold Talk” interview, Mobley elaborated that the team’s “primary goal is to protect the rim and lock down the paint.” He praised the newly hired defensive coordinator, Jordan Thompson, a former assistant with the Toronto Raptors, who is “bringing a more aggressive, pressure‑based approach.” Thompson’s philosophy involves a “hybrid switching scheme” that has already shown promising results in pre‑season scrimmages.

Another cornerstone is veteran center Jarrett Allen. Allen, who was a defensive standout during his tenure with the Cavaliers, highlighted the importance of “communication and positioning” in the “Wine & Gold Talk” discussion. “If we play like we used to, we’ll stop the opposition’s big men,” he said, referencing his ability to guard the post and challenge drives.

Emerging Guard Play

While defense is the headline, the Cavaliers are also investing in their guard corps. Collin Sexton and Donovan Mitchell (now back from a brief stint overseas) were spotlighted for their defensive tenacity. Sexton’s “two‑way” style is expected to anchor the backcourt, while Mitchell’s “defensive awareness” and “stamina” will be critical in closing out high‑volume scorers. The “Wine & Gold Talk” podcast also featured a segment on the newly acquired rookie guard, T.J. Anderson, whose college résumé includes leading his team in steals and blocked shots.

Off‑Season Moves

The article highlighted a few key off‑season moves that underscore the defensive shift. The Cavaliers signed David Lee, a defensive‑savvy veteran center known for his shot‑blocking prowess, to a two‑year, $12 million contract. Additionally, the team re‑acquired former Cavalier Jayson Tatum—now playing for the Los Angeles Lakers—to bolster the team’s interior defense for the short term.

Furthermore, Cleveland’s front office is reportedly negotiating a trade for a defensive specialist guard—Jalen McBride—from the Dallas Mavericks, though the deal is still in the works. If secured, McBride would provide a “defensive spark” and add depth to the backcourt rotation.

Strategic Vision

Simmons laid out a “defense‑first strategy” that involves rigorous conditioning, advanced analytics, and a culture of accountability. The Cavaliers will use a mix of zone and man‑to‑man schemes to keep opponents on their toes, and the coaching staff will heavily rely on data from the NBA’s new defensive metrics to fine‑tune rotations and matchups.

The “Wine & Gold Talk” podcast also emphasized the importance of a “culture shift.” Simmons stated that “players need to feel ownership of the defense; it’s not just about tactics, but also about attitude.” This attitude is expected to permeate all aspects of team life—from practice to game day.

Fan and Analyst Reactions

When the “Wine & Gold Talk” podcast released its full episode, the response from fans was overwhelmingly positive. Many pointed out that the Cavaliers’ lack of defensive identity had been the main reason for their lackluster performance in recent seasons. Analyst Mike Johnson of the Cleveland Gazette praised the new approach, saying that a “solid defense can keep the team afloat, even if offense is uneven.” Meanwhile, former Cavaliers star Mark Price urged the team to “stay patient” with the transition, emphasizing that a defensive overhaul will take time.

Looking Ahead

With the 2025‑26 schedule set to begin in October, Cleveland’s front office has one clear mandate: to re‑establish the franchise as a defensively respected competitor. The “Wine & Gold Talk” podcast has given fans a candid look into the players, coaches, and executives behind the plan, highlighting that it will be a collective effort. If the Cavaliers can keep the focus on defense while maintaining an offensive rhythm, the 2025‑26 season could be a turning point in the franchise’s recent history.

In summary, the Cleveland Cavaliers are turning back the clock to their defense‑first roots. Through key acquisitions, strategic coaching appointments, and a revamped cultural ethos, the organization hopes to deliver a season that honors the franchise’s legacy and positions the team for a competitive run in the Eastern Conference. The “Wine & Gold Talk” podcast provides a compelling behind‑the‑scenes glimpse into that journey—offering insight, optimism, and a clear path forward for Cavaliers fans across the country.