CLEVELAND, Ohio — With key starters sidelined to begin the season, the Wine and Gold Talk podcast examines whether this creates the perfect scenario for two Cavaliers to enter the MVP conversation.

As the Cavs prepare to enter the 2025-26 season without Darius Garland and Max Strus due to injuries, an intriguing subplot has emerged: Could this unfortunate situation actually accelerate the development of the team’s championship core by thrusting both Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley into legitimate MVP conversations?

In the latest episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, cleveland.com columnist Jimmy Watkins proposed a fascinating theory about Mitchell’s potential MVP candidacy.

“Here’s a thought for you. Donovan finished fifth in MVP voting last year. ... might be the best chance for

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