CLEVELAND, Ohio — The Cavs’ five-day break wasn’t spent lounging on beaches or resting at home. Instead, players endured what they described as “uncomfortable” and “harsh” film sessions where no one — not even the team’s stars — was spared from criticism.
“Darius Garland also mentioned that Kenny Atkinson called out the ‘best players’ and went down the roster from there,” host Ethan Sands revealed on the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, offering a glimpse into the team’s accountability reckoning.
The timing is significant. At 14-11 and labeled “one of the most disappointing teams in the NBA,” the Cavaliers needed this reset — not just physically, but mentally.
The approach marks a shift for Atkinson, who appears to be finding his voice after observing his team’s inconsistency through 25 games.
“Kenny Atkinson also mentioned today that the best players want to be coached hard,” Sands noted, suggesting Atkinson is leaning into lessons learned during his time alongside Steve Kerr with the Warriors.
This new standard of accountability comes with fascinating questions, particularly regarding the team’s young star.
“How does Evan Mobley respond? Evan Mobley is not used to getting called out. He’s not,” Fedor explained. “He’s been a star since he was in high school ... This is probably one of the few times in Evan’s professional basketball career, or just basketball career in general, where, you know, he is being criticized a little bit more.”
For Mobley — runner-up for Rookie of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, and second-team All-NBA selection — this level of direct criticism represents uncharted territory. His response could be a bellwether for the entire team.
The accountability measures won’t stop at film sessions either.
As Fedor revealed: “The next step after that, if it doesn’t get corrected, is take away playing time. And I think this week kind of set that standard and set a reminder to these guys that your playing time could be determined by what happens when I watch the film back.”
This no-nonsense approach evokes comparisons to other coaches around the league who’ve taken similar stances. “Will Hardy of the Utah Jazz called out his players mid-game. Billy Donovan has taken to the press room on multiple occasions to call out the Chicago Bulls,” Sands observed.
But for the Cavs, will this tough love approach work? Can it forge the mental toughness Donovan Mitchell has repeatedly stressed the team needs?
“Mental toughness is still the area that this team needs to overcome,” Sands noted, referencing Mitchell’s mantra: “DON —Determination Over Negativity.”
After all the uncomfortable conversations, all the harsh truths, and all the accountability measures, the proof will come on the court. Beginning with Washington and continuing through their next five games against below-.500 opponents, the Cavaliers have a perfect opportunity to show these hard conversations weren’t just talk but the catalyst for transformation.
As Fedor put it: “These film sessions could end up being a turning point for this team if they do things the right way moving forward.”
Here’s the podcast for this week: