Cavs The Blog Podcast

We've known each other for so long: old school CtBer, and first time podcaster Chris Lyden (Aka @Leavelander!) joins Chris Francis and Nate Smith in the podcast studio. Until this season, our hearts have been achin' (for some great Cavs basketball), but we're too shy to say it. But we all know what's been going on with the Cavs’ beatdown of the Knicks 126-109. The trio tells you how're they're feelin' about newest Cavaliers from this off-season, Ricky Rubio and rookie phenom Evan Mobley, who both had career nights in the Mecca of basketball, Madison Square Garden. A full commitment's what we're thinkin of, as we cover the dynamic duo. Ricky went 8-9 from deep for a career high 37 points and 10 dimes, and Mobley notched 26/8/9! You wouldn't get this from any other guys! The CtB trio are also gonna make you understand the grit and grinders such as Dean Wade, Cedi Osman, and Jarrett Allen and the rest of the squad who were never gonna give you up, and never gonna let you d

Tonight, Nate Smith and Chris Francis enter the CtB podcast resort studios to revel in the Cavs' victory, a gritty 107-104 win over the reeling Portland Trail Blazers. Jarrett Allen put together another superstar, MVP type of performance  alongside some sharp shooting and passing from Darius Garland. Nate and Chris break the game down from all angles including breaking out the calculator and dissecting all the numbers. The CtB duo also reminisce on the week that was in Cavs-land, discussing the brutal schedule and how competitive the Cavs have looked even at their worst. They also discuss the stench coming from Portland, which began well before the season kicked off. Nate and Chris also take a step back with a survey around the NBA, discussing some of the surprises so far in the early going. And finally, it wouldn't be a Cavs: the Podcast without the pitches. Chris and Nate discuss the cinematic phenomena that is Dune, and Nate finishes with a deep cut documentary on the Sparks Brothers, one of the gr

Nate Smith and Chris Francis hop into the CtB podcast resort studios to break down the Cavs’ opener, a tough loss against the Memphis Grizzlies led by the ridiculousness of Ja Morant, 132-121. The duo breaks down this game from every angle including J.B.’s "Tower City" experiment, featuring Lauri Markkanen at the three, the strange closing lineup, a brilliant night by Jarrett Allen, and the promising debut of one, Evan Mobley. For a nice coda, Nate and Chris also do a little “around the world” of the NBA, including waxing poetic the greatness of Giannis Antetokounmpo, the somewhat surprising spryness of the Golden State Warriors, and whether the Lakers or Nets should be concerned. And as always, stick around for a hilarious “pitches” segment, because CtB is nothing if not fun!Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Korea's own Eli Kim and Chris Francis join the ole' ball coach Nate Smith for a giant squid sized episode of Cavs: the Podcast! The trio breaks down the latest roster moves, the Cavs' lengthy preseason, from the bad loss to the Chicago Bulls to the glorious beatdown of the Indiana Pacers, at the hands of the many tentacled trio of 7-footers the Cavs started: Markkanen, Mobley, and Allen. They lament having no love for Denzel Valentine, but give special shout out to Rickio Rubio's ability to strand opponents on "Love Island." And for the main course, the CtB trio completes the tour around the NBA with the Eastern Conference edition of Over/Under. Who's up? Who's down? You won't want to miss the Cavs' predictions! Also, Nate, Eli, and Chris give the hottest of takes in their NBA end of season awards (admittedly, Chris may have been doing a bit). Lastly, it wouldn't be a Cavs: the Podcast without the pitches. Nate pitches a show inspired by the cultural touchstone that

Nate Smith and Chris Francis make an emergency trip to the CtB podcast resort studios to breakdown the whirlwind 48 hours of preseason Cavaliers basketball action. After an embarrassing night in Chicago, the Cavs were able to grit and grind their way to a victory in Atlanta on the standout performances of rookie Evan Mobley and veteran Ricky Rubio. Nate and Chris bask in their glory, and breakdown both matchups from all angles. The duo also gives a nice little preview look into the upcoming Eastern Conference Over/Under episode, with a couple of quick assessments of the Bulls and Hawks’ offseason moves. Lastly, Nate and Chris discuss the weirdness of Cavs’ coverage by the television networks, which apparently isn’t just a problem with the Cavs… Adam Silver if you’re listening, hopefully you’ll take a look!Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Ole' ball coach Nate Smith gathers up Dani Socher and Chris Francis into the CtB podcast resort studio to recap the first action of the Cavs' 2021-22 season with the Wine and Gold Scrimmage that took place on Saturday afternoon. Naturally after deconstructing the action, the conversation led to speculation about what the Cavs' starting lineup could look like. For the main course, the CtB trio plays the classic game of Over/Under, with tonight's subject the Western Conference. Join in the conversation below with all of your Western Conference hot takes!Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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Fresh from the CtB podcast resort, Nate Smith, Dani Socher, and Chris Francis pay homage to the classic PBS television program, "The McLaughlin Group" with their own, wacky, loosely scripted version of the show, except better... because it's the Cavs' Edition. That's right, Chris plays "moderator" to two of the "giants" in Cavs media, Nate and Dani... who go head to head in a battle of Cavs' basketball ideologies with no clear victor, except for the listeners who will be thoroughly entertained as the duo grades ALL of the offseason moves with the Cavs barreling towards the start of the 2021-22 NBA season. The episode starts off cordial and polite, but by the end, there were fireworks that rival any Rozzi's show, (okay, that might oversell it a touch). And of course, no Cavs: the Podcast episode is complete without the gang's trademark pitches. Nate reminds the world of the greatness of the band R.E.M. especially in live form. Dani, in true Chris and Eli fashion,

The ole' ball coach Nate Smith called a trade rumor audible and rounded up CtB veterans Elijah Kim and Chris Francis to discuss the recent Ben Simmons talk that has swept up NBA fans. The CtB trio does a deep dive into the possibilities (or improbabilities?)... with Nate dropping a deep cut Kenny Rogers and Michael Jordan reference that caught youngins' by surprise! The trio also lightly touch on free agency and thoughts before the Cavs' training camp begins in a mere three-ish weeks. Be sure to stick until the end for the Tom Pestak tribute "Dad talk" as told by Chris, who offers his own version of "Uncle talk" that'll be sure to make all the parents of teenagers out there laugh, or shake their head in bemusement. Nate and Eli take everyone home with covering the topic de jour, the Bishop Sycamore football team scandal.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Elijah Kim and Chris Francis reflect upon the biggest NBA news of the weekend, the Cavs trading hometown son and de facto team leader Larry Nance, Jr. to the Portland Trailblazers in a three team trade that brings over the sharp shooting big Lauri Markannen, who fell out of favor with the Chicago Bulls and their new front office regime. Eli and Chris cover all aspects of the trade, what the Cavs lost, what did the Cavs gain... leaving both CtBers wondering if there could possibly be more moves on the horizon? The duo also hits on the other "big" NBA news of the weekend, the buyout standoff between NBA champion Kevin Love and the Cavs front office. According to Adrian Wojnarowski, Love has no interest in a buyout. Chris Fedor of cleveland.com reports that the Cavs are also uninterested in any buyout without Love giving back significant money. Eli and Chris venture some guesses as to what these reports mean as we approach the beginning of the 2021-22 NBA season. And since CtB traditions are sacrosanct,

Nate Smith and Adam Cathcart make a Transatlantic connection for this week's podcast to go over all the latest Cavs news. First we take on Chris Fedor's "maybe trade Larry" Article on Cleveland.com, and examine Nance's role on the Cavs. Then we go through the Central Division and see if the Cavs can go better than 4-8 next year. We discussed the Cavs' surprising success against the Knicks, Hawks, Sixers, and Nets last season(7-5!) and if they can repeat it this coming year.  We talked about Chris Fedor's Dylan windler article, talked through any last takes on the Cavs' summer league, teased Tuesday's Evan Mobley article by a mystery writer returning to CtB, said goodbye to Taurean Prince and hello to Ricky Rubio, lamented the Cavs lack of free agents (again), talked Collin Sexton extension (again), and surveyed the landscape of Cavalier beat writers. It's a fun escape during the dog days of summer!Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out:

Wednesday night, Evan Mobley, Isaac Okoro, and the Cavs earned their first victory of the summer with a dominant third quarter performance to put away the Jalen Suggs led Orlando Magic 94-84. The ole ball coach Nate Smith made the call to the bullpen and brought Elijah Kim and Chris Francis off the bench to do a deep dive on the young Summer League Cavaliers now that they've reach the halfway point of schedule. Eli and Chris cover all aspects of the game, waxing poetic about the virtuosity of Evan Mobley's passing, the feats of strength of Isaac Okoro, the rock solid play of Lamar Stevens, and the Cavs' bench mob stepping up big time. The CtB duo also surveyed the lay of the NBA Summer League land and the latest Cavs' news/rumor about the a possible Collin Sexton extension??? And to top it all off, Eli takes Cavs the Podcast international with a glorious shout out to the Cavs fans of South Korea!Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/pri

Nate rounds up CtB vets Eli and Chris for a draft/free agency spectacular! The Evan Mobley pick, the Ricky Rubio trade, the Jarrett Allen signing, NBA free agency, they cover it all… including a free agency signing of their own! That's right, CtB is joining the Fansided podcast network and Minute Media! We celebrated by going deep on the Cavs penchant for centers and guards as if they're trying to exploit some market inefficiency that no one else knows about. We also lamented the Cavs' lack of productivity in the free agency market. Then we went around the league to go over our favorite and least favorite offseasons. Let's get it started, and as always, go Cavs.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The ole’ ball coach Nate Smith rounds up Eli and Chris for a Cavs the Podcast double album entitled, “Larry Nance: if he’s not a Cav, what’s the point?” Nate’s stirring soliloquy on the virtues of Larry Nance Jr. will melt even the most jaded of Cavs fans’ hearts. On a slightly more serious note, the trio also covers everything else under the basketball sun at the CtB “beach side” podcast studio including Evan Mobley draft buzz, trade rumors, the Olympics, and even a coda on the 2020-21 NBA Season with the Milwaukee Bucks’ championship. If you are starved for content, they won’t leave you wanting.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Elijah Kim and Chris Francis stole the keys to the CtB Podcast lair, which led promptly to a 2021 NBA Draft extravaganza! With the ole' ball coach Nate Smith in Dan Gilbert/Wizard of Oz mode, CtB veterans Eli and Chris take charge to check in with a live update on Team USA's final game against Spain before the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Then they break down the Bucks' victory in Game 5 of the NBA Finals and pay homage to one of the greatest in the game today, Giannis Antetokounmpo. Then for the main course, the guys reveal their 2021 NBA big boards. Eli has the scoop on all the consensus top picks, while Chris demonstrates the beginning of a possibly unhealthy obsession with finding the elusive unicorn, "two way playmaking wing." So sit back and relax with your favorite beverage, and get all the info you need about the 2021 NBA Draft... GO CAVS!Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

On this hot midsummer night, with only two weeks until the 2021 NBA Draft, Nate Smith, Elijah Kim, and Chris Francis gathered in the global CtB bunker to process the Cavs’ news which seems to be the current hot topic among NBA circles: are the Cavs trading Collin Sexton? According  to reports, the Cavs and Knicks seemed to have serious discussions on trading the 22 year old guard but the talks broke down. Eli is on top of  the case, giving everyone a break down of possible destinations. Chris starts to get onboard with Nate’s “Cade Cunningham and Josh  Giddey” draft agenda as the CtB crew touches on all the Team USA and  FIBA basketball action with more than a few current and former Cavs  enjoying the FIBA spotlight. Eli has the scoop on Jonathan Kuminga and  Evan Mobley, who apparently have just had private workouts with Cavs’  brass. Also for your listening pleasure, Nate gives everyone a few  choice shows that should be on the binge list. So sit back and relax, and kvetch.Advertising Inquiries: https://red

Cavs-mas came late in the evening as the Cavs were able to move up to the third pick in a loaded 2021 NBA draft. Nate Smith gathers Elijah Kim and Chris Francis to Santa's studio to break down the monumental night. They dive into the possibilities which are seemingly endless. They also continue a fantastic discussion regarding Ben Simmons, with a hat tip to CtB veteran Ben Werth. They also break down the winners and losers, and the surprises we might see in the playoffs and offseason. So sit back, relax, and join in on the conversation below. GO CAVS!!!!!!!!Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

'Twas the night before Cavs-mas... Yes, Virginia, the draft lottery  has really been the Cavalier Christmas over the last couple years. As such, Nate, Eli, and Chris gathered in Santa's podcast studio, hoping to cook up some Cavs-mas magic on Cavs-mas eve. The trio discussed their hopes and fears for the draft, the prospects they have their eyes on, and the possibilities that exist should the Cavs' luck take a fateful turn. For the second half, Nate and Chris chat by the fireside and reminisce about what has been an exciting and mind boggling NBA playoffs. Have we witnessed the obliteration of four franchises in this past couple of weeks? Are we witnessing the emergence of a changing of the guard among the NBA's elite? Is building a superteam of stars the only way to a ring? Nate and Chris also pay tribute to the greatest championship in NBA history, the 2016 Cleveland Cavaliers (RIP to the late, great Fred McLeod). So sit back, relax, and enjoy the Pod before Cav-mas Eve, and be sure to leave

On day three of the 2020-21 NBA Playoffs, the ole' ball coach Nate Smith brings together grizzled veteran Elijah Kim and the rookie Chris Francis to wrap up what has been one of the weirdest seasons in Cavs' history. It started with the the joy of seeing Cavs' basketball after the long dark night of the COVID cancellation and NBA bubble, then after a decent start of the season, the craziness and tumult kicked in. Kevin Porter Jr., gone, the big trade for Jarrett Allen, the Andre Drummond drama, the Kevin Love drama, then the full-on tank... CtB covers it all in this epic podcap. They discuss the whereabouts of Dan Gilbert (Dead or alive? Did he even exist at all???). Will we ever hear from Koby Altman again? Does JB Bickerstaff get a mulligan? What will the Cavs do to the roster? The biggest question, were the Cavs actually trying to win this season? and only one way to find out the answers... And to provide a sonic chaser to the Cavs talk, Nate, Eli, and Chris hand out some hardware to put a 2020

The Cleveland Cavaliers took the best team in the Association, the  Phoenix Suns, into an overtime battle, finally running out of gas at the  end 134-118. The Cavs were greatly undermanned with only a seven man  rotation, but that didn’t stop Isaac “Ice” Okoro, who went toe-to-toe  with one of the brightest young stars in the NBA, Devin Booker. Ice  turned in a career performance tonight with 32 points on only 16 shots  and six assists, while chipping three rebounds AND taking on the  defensive assignment of Devin Booker. Nate “the Podcap Shaman” Smith shepherded first time (ever!) podcast  guest Chris Francis into a deep dive on all things Cavaliers, covering  all aspects of one of the more entertaining games of the year in a  manner that would hopefully make the late great Cavs legend Joe Tait  proud. They pay tribute to the man they call “Ice,” Nate allows Chris to  nerd out on all the obscure stats, and they cover recent Cavs’ news  regarding Anderson “Wild Thing” Varejao’s return, Love’s buyout/trade  pr