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In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, Ethan Sands and Chris Fedor revisit the Cavaliers' loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder and ask a bigger question: did the trade deadline moves actually ease the pressure on Evan Mobley or intensify the evaluation? The roster upgrades were designed to stabilize Cleveland's perimeter defense and lighten Mobley's load. Instead, the Thunder exposed familiar cracks: defensive rebounding lapses, struggles containing physicality and breakdowns around the 3-point line against elite competition. Rebounding is the most concerning playoff flaw, and an off night from Mobley magnified the issue. With a pivotal six-game stretch ahead, the Cavs are entering a seeding-defining window that will test the new rotation against postseason-caliber opponents. If Cleveland wants to survive the Eastern Conference gauntlet, growth in those areas is non-negotiable — and Mobley's role in solving them may determine how far this team can go. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On The Kenny & JT Show live from Rocket Arena before tonight's Cavs/Knicks game, we're joined by Chris Fedor, Cleveland Cavaliers beat writer at Cleveland.com.
In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, Ethan Sands and Chris Fedor discuss the Cleveland Cavaliers' outlook for the final 27 games of the season. They begin by addressing the injury status of Max Strus, noting his lengthy and uncertain recovery from a foot injury. The conversation then shifts to how the team will integrate returning players like Evan Mobley and new acquisitions like James Harden and Dennis Schröder. They conclude with a discussion dedicated to potential lineup combinations and the evolving roles of big men Jarrett Allen and Mobley, debating who should be the team's closing center based on recent performance and matchups. The hosts conclude that the addition of James Harden fundamentally changes the team's needs, reducing the pressure on Mobley to be a primary offensive star and altering the team's defensive strategy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
92.3 The Fan presents a selection of interviews and guest appearances during the past week with The Ken Carman Show with Anthony Lima, Baskin & Phelps, and The Afternoon Drive. Featuring Mary Kay Cabot, Danny Cunningham, Chris Fedor, Frank Isola, Ben Solak, and John Fanta.
92.3 The Fan presents a selection of interviews and guest appearances during the past week with The Ken Carman Show with Anthony Lima, Baskin & Phelps, and The Afternoon Drive. Featuring Mary Kay Cabot, Danny Cunningham, Chris Fedor, Frank Isola, Ben Solak, and John Fanta.
92.3 The Fan presents a selection of interviews and guest appearances during the past week with The Ken Carman Show with Anthony Lima, Baskin & Phelps, and The Afternoon Drive. Featuring Mary Kay Cabot, Danny Cunningham, Chris Fedor, Frank Isola, Ben Solak, and John Fanta.
In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, Ethan Sands, Chris Fedor and Jimmy Watkins discuss the Cleveland Cavaliers' outlook heading into the second half of the season. They touch on the team's preparation for post-All-Star break, the complicated case for Koby Altman as Executive of the Year, and the challenges of reintegrating injured players like Max Strus and Evan Mobley into a newly constructed roster. The conversation heavily focuses on how the addition of James Harden shifts the team's championship timeline to align with Donovan Mitchell's prime, altering Mobley's role from a focal point to a supporting piece. Finally, they analyze the team's favorable schedule and the strong possibility of securing a top seed in the Eastern Conference. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Chris Fedor joined Baskin and Phelps ahead of James Harden's debut inside Rocket Arena. Fedor, who was with the Cavs on their five game series, says there is a new belief in the locker room that this squad can make their way to the NBA Finals.
Full Third Hour of Baskin and Phelps on February 11, 2026
Following Nae'Qwan Tomlin's promotion to a standard NBA contract, the Wine and Gold Talk podcast with Ethan Sands, Chris Fedor and Jimmy Watkins dive into another win for Cleveland's player development pipeline — a system built to uncover low-cost, high-energy contributors around an expensive core. From there, the conversation shifts to the Cavaliers' final open two-way spot and who makes the most sense to fill it. The guys also take a hard look at NBA All-Star Weekend, questioning the competitiveness of the main event and the steady decline of the Slam Dunk contest. Is star pride getting in the way of participation? And could Evan Mobley's All-Star snub fuel another leap in the second half? The episode wraps with a preview of a looming “trap game” against a Washington Wizards team that appears firmly committed to the tank. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Nick and Jonathan review Dave Zastudil's comments about Shedeur Sanders' rookie season. Then, they're joined by Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com, and JP admits that he's more excited for James Harden's debut with the Cavs than the Super Bowl.
Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com joins Afternoon Drive on The Fan. He talks about the Cavs ceiling after trading for James Harden, why Koby Altman decided to move on from the core four, if they're auditioning for LeBron James, and more.
In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, Ethan Sands, Chris Fedor and Jimmy Watkins break down every angle of the Cleveland Cavaliers' deadline decisions, starting with the headline move: trading Darius Garland for James Harden and dumping Lonzo Ball's salary to reset their financial flexibility. The discussion dives into whether Cleveland truly “won” the deadline, weighing an all-in push toward immediate championship contention against the long-term cost of roster and asset management. The conversation explores what it means for the Cavs to remain a second-apron team, how those restrictions shape both the present and future, and why the front office felt this was the moment to take a calculated swing. The hosts also examine the uncertainty surrounding Max Strus' injury status and how that impacts lineup construction down the stretch. Finally, the episode looks ahead, spotlighting the rapid emergence of Jaylon Tyson and why the organization now views him as a core piece alongside Evan Mobley. From cap mechanics to competitive timelines, this episode asks the big question Cavs fans are debating right now: did Cleveland outmaneuver the rest of the league — or did it sacrifice too much to do it? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, Ethan Sands, Chris Fedor and Jimmy Watkins react to the Cavaliers trading Darius Garland and a second-round pick for James Harden, debating who actually won the deal. They weigh Harden's current All-Star-level play against his age and playoff history while discussing what moving Garland says about the Cavs' shift to a clear win-now timeline built around Donovan Mitchell. The conversation also looks ahead at what this trade could unlock next — from chasing another superstar to creating future cap flexibility — while acknowledging the human element of moving on from a player who helped define Cleveland's rebuild. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
*This was recorded before the official trade of Darius Garland for James Harden* In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, Ethan Sands and Chris Fedor dive into first impressions of new Cavaliers acquisitions Dennis Schröder and Keon Ellis, two tough, competitive pieces who signal Cleveland's increasing urgency. From there, the discussion escalates into blockbuster trade scenarios that could reshape the organization's future — including trading Darius Garland, the longest-tenured Cavalier, to the Los Angeles Clippers for James Harden in a clear win-now swing aligned with Donovan Mitchell's timeline. The hosts also examine what it would take for Cleveland to pursue the ultimate superstar upgrade: a potential Evan Mobley-for-Giannis Antetokounmpo deal with Milwaukee, and whether sacrificing youth, continuity, and long-term flexibility is the price of entering true championship-or-bust territory. With the Eastern Conference wide open and the trade deadline approaching, the episode breaks down how close the Cavs might be to detonating their Core Four — and whether two stars could be the final push toward a title. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Bloomdaddy talks about Vivek Ramaswamy with Rob Walgate. Browns officially introduce Todd Monken with the introductory presser. Cavs possibly on the verge of making a blockbuster trade for James Harden. Bloomdaddy talks to Chris Fedor on that and whether or not it's a good fit. PLUS a Tuesday Tirade and an AI Expert.
Baskin & Phelps bring on Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com to discuss the Cavs path in the postseason and trade talks with James Harden
Baskin & Phelps discuss whether James Harden will get the Cavs further in the playoffs, chat with Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com about the trade rumor's and wrap up the show
In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, Ethan Sands and Chris Fedor discuss a three-team trade involving the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Cavs traded De'Andre Hunter to the Sacramento Kings in exchange for Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis. The move provides the Cavaliers with much-needed ball-handling and point-of-attack defense while also offering significant salary cap relief. The speakers analyze why Hunter became expendable, and they detail the specific skills Schroder and Ellis bring to the team. They also speculate on the Cavs' future roster moves with the trade deadline still a few days away. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, Ethan Sands and Chris Fedor react to the Cleveland Cavaliers' first loss of the road trip, a 126-113 defeat to the Phoenix Suns, and examine what it revealed about the team's readiness for playoff-level physicality. The conversation begins with Cleveland's mounting frustration over the officiating and a significant free-throw disparity that ultimately led to head coach Kenny Atkinson's ejection. From there, the guys break down how Phoenix's physical defensive approach disrupted the Cavs' rhythm, contributing to a season-high 22 turnovers and exposing lingering questions about Cleveland's on-court identity. The episode also explores the growing urgency surrounding the upcoming trade deadline, the impact of current injuries and how those factors complicate the Cavaliers' path through a demanding West Coast road trip. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, Ethan Sands, Chris Fedor, and Jimmy Watkins answer questions from Subtext subscribers, diving into the Cleveland Cavaliers' roster challenges and trade-deadline possibilities. The hosts break down how Darius Garland and Evan Mobley's returns will shake up a rotation where younger players have flourished in their absence. Then, they turn to the trade market, dissecting what the Cavs could get for De'Andre Hunter and exploring the rumored framework involving Rui Hachimura and the Lakers. Financial flexibility, roster fit, and long-term strategy all hang in the balance as the team navigates its second-apron luxury tax constraints. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, Ethan Sands, Chris Fedor and Jimmy Watkins discuss the Cleveland Cavaliers' dominant victory over the Los Angeles Lakers, a game overshadowed by what might be LeBron James's final appearance in Cleveland. The conversation centers on LeBron's emotional reaction to a tribute video, sparking speculation about his potential retirement and the possibility of a final return to the Cavs for a "storybook ending." The guys also analyze the strong performances of younger players like Jaylon Tyson and Nae'Qwan Tomlin, the potential trade of De'Andre Hunter and whether the team's recent success can be sustained once injured players return. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, Ethan Sands, Chris Fedor, and Jimmy Watkins break down the Cavaliers' fourth straight win with a 114-98 victory over the Orlando Magic. They dive into Donovan Mitchell's 45-point explosion, analyzing how his growth as a leader has made him indispensable, especially as the team leans on him more amid injuries and uneven performances from other key players. The conversation then shifts to Jaylon Tyson, spotlighting his selection to the Rising Stars game and debating his case for Most Improved Player. The hosts explore Tyson's development, compare him to league-wide candidates, and underscore why his emergence could be crucial to the Cavs' future success. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, Ethan Sands, Jimmy Watkins and Chris Fedor react to the Cleveland Cavaliers stacking wins during one of their most demanding stretches of the season, breaking down a gritty victory over the Orlando Magic that came amid mounting injuries and a brutal travel schedule. The trio examines how adversity has pushed Cleveland back toward its defensive foundation, while also opening the door for younger players like Jaylon Tyson to carve out meaningful roles. The discussion also centers on Donovan Mitchell's leadership — from his late-game shot-making to the quieter, day-to-day influence he's had mentoring teammates through chaos. Finally, the guys debate whether the lessons learned and lineup changes born out of necessity could have a lasting impact on the Cavs' rotations, identity and playoff outlook once reinforcements like Darius Garland return. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, Ethan Sands and Chris Fedor examine the Cavaliers' options as the trade deadline nears, including whether exploring the G League for short-term help is a signal of where the roster really stands. They break down the logic behind a potential 10-day look at Killian Hayes, what he could realistically provide, and what that says about Cleveland's need for ball-handling and organization. The discussion expands to possible deadline approaches and how pieces such as Lonzo Ball, De'Andre Hunter and Dean Wade factor into trade conversations, and why the front office continues to project belief in the group despite uneven performances. The episode closes with a behind-the-scenes look at how criticism is handled between the team and those covering it as expectations continue to rise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Nick and Jonathan are joined by Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com, and they talk about how the quality of the Eastern Conference helps the Cavs.
Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com joins Afternoon Drive on The Fan. He talks about Lonzo Ball's role on the Cavs, De'Andre Hunter struggles this season, what will happen if the team's core four fails to achieve something significant again this year, and more.
In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, Ethan Sands and Chris Fedor react to the Cavaliers' 94-87 win over the Charlotte Hornets, a game that felt more like a maturity test than a confidence builder. Cleveland set the tone early with defensive urgency, but uneven effort and a stagnant offensive process in the second half turned the night into another grind. The conversation dives into the heavy defensive attention facing an exhausted Donovan Mitchell amid ongoing injuries, the recurring frustration with Evan Mobley fading after a dominant first half, and what those patterns say about where this team is right now. The hosts also examine Cleveland's thinning margin for error, lingering questions about its defensive identity, and why wins like this may be the norm rather than the exception as the Cavs limp toward the All-Star break. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, Ethan Sands, Chris Fedor and Jimmy Watkins react to the Cavaliers' 136-104 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder and what it revealed about Cleveland's standing in the contender hierarchy. The conversation centers on the growing gap between a Thunder team operating with championship habits, clarity and edge, and a Cavs group still searching for a consistent identity. The trio examines why injuries can no longer explain Cleveland's uneven play, questionable decision-making and lack of collective assertiveness, particularly from a roster carrying the league's highest payroll. They dig into Evan Mobley's evolving responsibility within the offense, the pressure on the Cavs to play with force and purpose, and how OKC's maturity exposed uncomfortable truths about Cleveland's readiness for May and June. The episode also touches on Donovan Mitchell's All-Star starter snub, the mounting frustration around the Cavs' inability to establish a reliable formula, and why time is becoming less of an ally as expectations remain championship-level. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, Ethan Sands, Chris Fedor and Jimmy Watkins break down what truly matters for the Cavaliers in the second half of the season — and it's not just climbing the standings. The discussion centers on player development, lineup balance and how Cleveland should manage its rotations amid a growing list of injuries. A major focus is Darius Garland's new toe injury, how it differs from his offseason surgery, the mental and physical toll it can take and what it means moving forward. The guys also examine Sam Merrill's recurring hand sprain, the management of Lonzo Ball and the impending return of Max Strus. The episode closes with a look at who could start against the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday, factoring in the latest injuries and the matchup itself. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, Ethan Sands and Chris Fedor react to the Cavaliers' 133-107 dismantling of the Philadelphia 76ers, a performance that looked and felt like the most complete showing of the season. From the opening tip, Cleveland played with force, connectivity, and defensive intent — the kind of response the Cavs have talked about needing after disappointing losses. The conversation centers on why this version of the Cavs has to become the baseline, not the exception. The hosts break down what made this win different, how the ball movement and defensive physicality changed the game, and why the energy felt sustainable rather than situational. They also dive into key individual performances, including Donovan Mitchell's control of the game, Evan Mobley's growing two-way impact, Jaylon Tyson's energy and decisiveness, and De'Andre Hunter's role within the flow of the offense — all while examining what consistency from each means as Cleveland pushes toward the stretch run. Ultimately, the question isn't whether the Cavs are capable of nights like this — it's whether they're willing to hold themselves to this standard moving forward. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Chris Fedor joined Phelps and Ruiter on the mid-day show to touch base on the Cleveland Cavaliers. Fedor questions if the team is mentally tough enough to be the team they want to be and if they aren't where that stems from. Plus find out what DeAndre Hunter told Fedor in the midst of the rumors that Hunter wants out of Cleveland.
Full Fourth Hour of Baskin and Phelps on January 14, 2026
In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, Ethan Sands, Chris Fedor and Jimmy Watkins break down the growing concerns surrounding De'Andre Hunter's fit with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Acquired as a potential missing piece for a championship-level roster, Hunter's second season in Cleveland has been marked by poor shooting, defensive lapses and on-off numbers that show the Cavs have struggled with him on the floor. The guys unpack how a move from the starting lineup to the bench has altered his role, confidence and presence, contributing to what has looked like a joyless stretch of basketball. They also examine why the organization has remained reluctant to move Hunter despite trade interest, what the Cavs still believe he can become and how his uncertain future fits into a team searching for consistency and edge. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, Ethan Sands, Chris Fedor and Jimmy Watkins unpack the Cleveland Cavaliers' jarring loss to the Utah Jazz and why it felt heavier than a single January defeat. The discussion zooms out from the result to examine a troubling pattern: sharp emotional swings, inconsistent effort and a team that struggles to match urgency from night to night. The hosts break down Cleveland's defensive lapses in transition, recurring rebounding issues and the mental slippage that continues to surface after signature wins, like Saturday's statement performance against Minnesota. They also evaluate the uneven play of key contributors, the growing burden placed on Donovan Mitchell, and the lingering questions surrounding Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen's two-way impact. From there, the conversation turns to head coach Kenny Atkinson's influence and whether the organization, top to bottom, is still learning how to function as a team with real championship expectations rather than an underdog edge. The big question driving it all: Is this inconsistency simply who the Cavs are right now, or are they being crushed by the pressure they spent years trying to earn? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, Ethan Sands and Chris Fedor respond to subscriber questions that cut straight to the core of the Cavaliers' uneven season — and the frustration building around it. A growing sense of disconnect hangs over the team, raising uncomfortable questions about what's really happening behind the scenes as losses pile up and consistency remains elusive. That uncertainty bleeds into a roster that still hasn't found reliable footing on the wing, where Cleveland's small forward rotation continues to feel unsettled and unresolved. As the trade deadline approaches, the conversation widens to what can realistically be fixed — and what can't — given the Cavs' limitations, recent decisions and long-term vision. That naturally leads to a larger debate about the franchise-defining move that brought Donovan Mitchell to Cleveland, and whether judging it through the lens of the present misses the bigger picture. This discussion covers expectations, accountability and the thin line between structural problems and perceived dysfunction — with the Cavs caught somewhere in between. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, Ethan Sands and Chris Fedor break down the Cavaliers' narrow 120-116 win over a severely depleted Indiana Pacers team — and why it raised more concerns than confidence. They dive into Cleveland's recurring inability to sustain a full 48 minutes, the growing reliance on fourth-quarter comebacks, and whether that approach is masking deeper issues. The conversation explores signs of a talent regression compared to last season, a noticeable lack of forceful leadership in the locker room, and the lingering uncertainty surrounding Max Strus' extended absence. While the Cavs walked away with a win, Sands and Fedor question whether the habits on display are sustainable — or dangerous — once the playoffs arrive. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk Podcast, Ethan Sands and Chris Fedor dive into the reality that the Cavs can no longer ignore when facing the Detroit Pistons. Following Cleveland's 114-110 loss in Detroit, they break down what's gone wrong, from the team's ongoing identity struggles to inconsistent defense, abysmal second-quarter stretches, and a bench hampered by injuries and constant lineup shifts. The conversation dives into the challenge of building a physical, defense-first mentality without the right personnel, and how Coach Kenny Atkinson is still tinkering to find solutions. With the Eastern Conference standings tightening, the hosts explore why the window for experimentation is closing and why the Cavs must confront these realities head-on if they hope to climb the playoff ladder. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, Ethan Sands and Chris Fedor break down the Cavaliers' "ugly" 113-108 victory over a severely undermanned Denver Nuggets team. They discuss how the Cavs failed to dominate the paint despite a significant size advantage, with Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley having quiet offensive nights. The conversation shifts to player rotations, highlighting Lonzo Ball's situational role and inconsistent impact, contrasted with the emergence of Craig Porter Jr., whose energy and effective pairing with Donovan Mitchell have been a bright spot. The guys credit the team's professionalism and chemistry for navigating role changes and adversity but emphasize that Kenny Atkinson must continue to make the right in-game decisions that reward the players who are impacting winning. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, Ethan Sands and Chris Fedor dig into whether the Cleveland Cavaliers need to make a substantial trade to reach the Eastern Conference finals. The conversation centers on why the front office is expected to stand pat ahead of the trade deadline, the internal belief in the Core Four, and how difficult it has been to find deals that would clearly elevate the team. Sands and Fedor explore the complications surrounding potential moves involving Darius Garland and Jarrett Allen, walk through intriguing hypothetical scenarios — including Jrue Holiday and a Kyrie Irving reunion — and explain why any true roster-altering decision is more likely to come in the offseason. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Chris Fedor from Cleveland.com reported that Dan Gilbert is very unhappy with the way things are going with his very expensive roster and is getting more involved. What does this mean for Kenny Atkinson?
In this Subtext subscriber Q&A–driven episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, Ethan Sands and Chris Fedor dig into the most pressing questions coming from the Cavs' most engaged fans and use them as a lens to examine where Cleveland stands right now. The guys start by unpacking the decision to give Craig Porter Jr. meaningful minutes over a struggling Lonzo Ball, breaking down what it says about the coaching staff's trust, lineup flexibility and how delicate in-season rotation tweaks are handled. From there, the conversation turns to one of the more unexpected storylines of the moment: Jaylon Tyson's emergence as a legitimate rotational piece, with insight into his work ethic, rapid growth and why the Cavs believe his game translates to playoff basketball. The episode closes with a deeper, more philosophical debate about Jarrett Allen's place in the organization. Is he truly the heart and soul of the team? How central is he to the Cavs' identity? And, in a league driven by roster calculus, how untouchable is he really? It's a fan-driven conversation that blends on-court analysis with bigger-picture roster questions as the Cavs navigate a pivotal stretch of the season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, Ethan Sands, Chris Fedor and Jimmy Watkins break down the Cleveland Cavaliers' 141-118 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans. They praise coach Kenny Atkinson for making effective lineup adjustments, highlighting the significant impact of Sam Merrill's return. The speakers discuss how Merrill's presence as a shooter and "connector" has unlocked the offense, making things easier for the entire team. The discussion also covers the team's improved physicality and energy, while noting the organization's belief that their issues are fixable without drastic roster or coaching changes. Despite the positive performance, the hosts remain cautious, emphasizing that the team must sustain this level of play against tougher opponents to prove a true turnaround. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk Podcast, Ethan Sands, Chris Fedor and Jimmy Watkins react to the Cavaliers' third straight loss to a sub-.500 team — their latest being a dispiriting showing against the Chicago Bulls on Friday night. The conversation centers on a team that looks increasingly disconnected, with a defense that can't sustain effort, possessions that die on the vine and an identity that remains undefined months into the season. The guys examine why Cleveland continues to lose the plot against lesser opponents, including uneven play from key rotation pieces like De'Andre Hunter and a growing list of questions surrounding Kenny Atkinson's in-game decisions. They also dig into the larger implications: whether the belief that carried last season's group has cracked, how fragile the current culture feels, and why the margin for patience is shrinking. With the Cavaliers carrying one of the league's most expensive payrolls, Dan Gilbert's reported dissatisfaction looms in the background — even as the reality of the CBA makes meaningful roster fixes far more complicated than they sound Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, Ethan Sands and Chris Fedor discuss the Cavs' latest disappointing loss falling 127-111 to the struggling Chicago Bulls. Cleveland has tried nearly everything to snap out of its funk — player-led meetings, lineup tweaks and messaging shifts — yet the same issues persist on both ends of the floor. The conversation centers on a hard question the Cavs can no longer avoid: what evidence actually supports the “defense-first” label they continue to lean on? Sands and Fedor push back on comparisons to teams that eventually played their way out of early-season struggles and into deep playoff runs, noting that this Cleveland roster has yet to show it can consistently defend, let alone impose itself as an elite team. Until that proof shows up, the Cavs aren't unlucky or unfinished — they're unresolved. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Chris Fedor joined Baskin and Phelps to break down the Cavaliers' struggles so far this season and why he thinks the team is off until a slow start. He talked about what it will take for the Cavaliers to get back on track and if the championship is still in their sights. He also previewed the NBA Cup Finals and explained why he thinks the in-season tournament actually does matter to the players.
Hour 4 of Baskin and Phelps
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima react to Chris Fedor's comments on Evan Mobley and the Cleveland Cavaliers' sluggish start to the season.
Chris Fedor joined Nick and Jonathan on Afternoon Drive to break down why the Cavaliers have been struggling so much despite how well Donovan Mitchell has been playing, and what he thinks the team needs to do in order to become legitimate championship contenders.
Nick and Jonathan share their takeaways from their conversation with Chris Fedor and talk about why they think the Cavaliers look to be so out of sync.