CLEVELAND, Ohio — Superstars typically impact their teams through scoring, highlight plays, and clutch moments. Donovan Mitchell certainly delivers all that, but the Wine and Gold Talk podcast revealed his most valuable contribution to the Cavs might be something fans never see: his leadership style.
While dropping 36 points (including 27 in the second half) against Orlando after barely sleeping, Mitchell’s on-court heroics were impressive. Yet the conversation between Chris Fedor, Jimmy Watkins and Ethan Sands painted a picture of something potentially more valuable — Mitchell’s unique approach to empowering his teammates.
“With Donovan’s leadership style, it’s forgiving. And that forgiveness is very powerful. When you are a young guy who comes into this league looking up to that dude, that is very powerful,” explained Watkins during the podcast, highlighting how Mitchell’s patience creates an environment where young players can develop without fear.
This forgiving nature doesn’t mean Mitchell lacks accountability. Rather, it’s a calculated approach that balances high expectations with understanding. When players make mistakes — like Jaylon Tyson’s turnovers against Sacramento — Mitchell doesn’t bench them or freeze them out. Instead, he puts them right back in position to succeed.
The impact goes far beyond the box score. According to Fedor, Mitchell’s mentorship has become a cornerstone of the Cavs’ player development system.
“Kenny Atkinson even said it before the game that a big part of the player development of the Cavs isn’t even the coaches. It’s Donovan. It’s the fact that these guys look toward Donovan. Everybody that comes into the NBA that’s a young player has a vet that they speak very, very highly of. And for all of these young guys, their vet is Donovan,” Fedor revealed.
This behind-the-scenes leadership takes multiple forms. Sometimes it’s Mitchell spending extra time after practice with Tyson. Other times, it’s taking rookie Tyrese Proctor back to Louisville to train together. Often, it’s pushing veterans like Dean Wade to maintain confidence in their abilities.
In one particularly revealing anecdote, Fedor shared Wade’s perspective on Mitchell’s influence: “I had to shoot that because otherwise Donovan would have been on my a—. So, like, Donovan has a way, even though it may not be as demonstrative, it may not be the same way that other stars go about it, but Donovan has a way of getting through to these guys. And when that ball went to the way of Dean Wade, he knew that he had to shoot it. Otherwise Donovan was going to be on his a—. And he joked, he said, I’m tired of Donovan yelling at me for passing up these open threes because, like, part of my responsibility, if I’m going to be out there in those situations and the ball finds me and it’s a quality look, I can’t turn that down.”
This leadership manifests tactically too.
Mitchell and Tyson have developed significant chemistry in the pick-and-roll, working through specific scenarios before and after practices. Their connection isn’t accidental but the product of deliberate work together.
“The fact that they have built the relationship behind the scenes ... they now spend extra time. They see a pathway to another opportunity to, to diversify the offense. And these two guys, Jaylon and Donovan, talk through the short role constantly and they work through it on the court as well. And you’re seeing that chemistry continuing to build with those guys,” Fedor explained.
While some may prefer a more visibly demanding leadership style, the results speak for themselves. Young players are thriving, role players are confident in critical moments, and the team is winning despite significant adversity.
Mitchell’s leadership is creating the foundation for long-term success that extends far beyond his scoring prowess.
Here’s the podcast for this week: