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Wine and Gold Talk Podcast

Wine and Gold Talk Podcast

By: cleveland.com - Advance Local
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Get the latest news and analysis about the Cleveland Cavaliers from Ethan Sands, Chris Fedor and special guests on cleveland.com.Advance Local LLC Basketball Daily Politics & Government
Episodes
  • Who the Cavs could draft at No. 29 overall — and how their decision can affect the team’s trajectory and summer moves

    Who the Cavs could draft at No. 29 overall — and how their decision can affect the team’s trajectory and summer moves
    Jun 19 2026
    In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk Podcast, host Ethan Sands and cleveland.com columnist Jimmy Watkins discuss the Cleveland Cavaliers' strategy for the 29th overall pick in the upcoming NBA Draft. They highlight the team's glaring need for a resilient "3-and-D" wing or an enforcing big man, while acknowledging the challenge of finding an immediate contributor late in the first round. Much of the conversation focuses on the Cavaliers' tricky salary cap situation, heavily weighing the strategic benefits of trading back into the second round to avoid the second apron penalty, gain roster flexibility through two-way contracts, and collect multiple assets. The guys emphasize that with limited draft capital over the next few years, the front office must prioritize players with high basketball IQ, mental toughness, and bankable playoff skills. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    28 mins
  • Does a superstar's leadership style influence a front office's willingness to make bold moves?

    Does a superstar's leadership style influence a front office's willingness to make bold moves?
    Jun 18 2026
    In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, Ethan Sands, Chris Fedor and Jimmy Watkins discusses the Cleveland Cavaliers' current trajectory, internal leadership dynamics, and the heavy expectations lingering from the franchise's 2016 championship. The conversation contrasts the demanding leadership styles of past superstars like LeBron James and Kobe Bryant with Donovan Mitchell's more positive, lead-by-example approach. While Mitchell is credited with singlehandedly elevating the franchise out of a bleak post-LeBron rebuild, the hosts debate whether his uncontentious nature will put enough pressure on the front office to make the bold roster moves necessary to return the team to definitive championship contention. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    26 mins
  • Why the Cavs' 2016 championship still means so much to fans, 10 years later

    Why the Cavs' 2016 championship still means so much to fans, 10 years later
    Jun 17 2026
    In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, host Ethan Sands, along with Cavs beat reporter Chris Fedor and cleveland.com columnist Jimmy Watkins, reminisce about the Cleveland Cavaliers' historic 2016 NBA championship through the memories of fans who lived it. Reading through subscriber submissions, the trio reflects on the chaotic but magical nature of the championship parade and the deep, often complex emotional connections many still hold to that unforgettable run. The discussion also explores LeBron James' unique relationship with the community and why that title continues to resonate a decade later. Finally, the group examines what made that championship team so special and whether the current iteration of the Cavaliers can capture some of the same identity as it pursues a title of its own. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    28 mins
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