UPDATE: The Cleveland Cavaliers are grappling with significant challenges just days into the NBA season, following a reported injury to center Jarrett Allen. In a critical podcast episode, hosts Ethan Sands and Chris Fedor detailed Allen’s fractured finger sustained during pre-game warmups before the Cavs’ match against the Boston Celtics on October 26, 2023.
Despite the injury, Allen played through the pain but struggled visibly, fumbling passes and favoring his right hand during the game. Team officials believe surgery is unnecessary at this time, and his participation in upcoming games, including a showdown against the Toronto Raptors, remains uncertain but hopeful.
The Cavs are currently facing a defensive crisis, ranking outside the top ten in defensive rating just five games into the season. They are giving up an alarming average of 115.2 points per game, a troubling statistic that has players and fans questioning their commitment to defense. The absence of Isaac Okoro, known for his tough defense, has compounded the issue, leaving the team struggling to secure rebounds and finish defensive possessions.
The podcast revealed a concerning narrative; analysts, including Kendrick Perkins, have labeled the Cavaliers “soft” and lacking the necessary toughness to contend for a championship. The current roster is described as filled with “nice guys,” missing the presence of an enforcer—someone who can set a physical tone during games.
As the Cavs navigate these early-season struggles, the discussion has turned to the development of Evan Mobley. His increased usage has not translated into efficiency, raising questions about whether he can handle the pressure of being a primary offensive creator. The team is in a critical experimental phase, trying to find the best role for Mobley while assessing how to improve their offensive and defensive strategies.
With the season still in its infancy, the consensus among the podcast hosts is that panic isn’t warranted yet. They stress that the Cavs are not at full strength and that many players are adjusting to expanded roles. Both Sands and Fedor underscore the importance of patience as the team works through these growing pains.
Fans and analysts alike are eager to see whether the Cavaliers can address their defensive issues and whether Allen will be able to return to form quickly following his injury. The pressure is on for the team to prove that they can evolve and compete at a higher level as the season progresses.
For a deeper dive into the Cavs’ current state and to catch the latest updates, listen to the full episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, available on popular platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
