Two-way contracts in the NBA are designed to identify players who the team believes can become true rotational players. Players can be signed throughout the season, as was the case with the Los Angeles Lakers and forward Dylan Windler.
A first-round pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2019, Windler entered the 2023-24 season on a two-way contract with the New York Knicks, but was waived in December. After signing with the Westchester Knicks of the NBA G League, Windler made headlines by setting a G League record with 33 rebounds in a single game. A day later, the Lakers signed him to a two-way contract.
Unlike most two-way players, Windler has spent more time with the Lakers’ main roster than he has in the G League. He has played in eight games for the Lakers, averaging 1.5 points in 3.5 minutes per game, but has only played in three games for the South Bay Lakers, where he has been solid, averaging 11 points and six rebounds.
THE Lakers reportedly waive Windler on March 2 and just two days later he landed with the Atlanta Hawks on another two-way deal. He went on to play six games for the Hawks, averaging 4.7 points and 2.0 rebounds.
Highlights of the 2023-2024 season
In terms of his time with the Lakers, Windler’s best game came on Jan. 30 against the Hawks. He made two three-pointers to finish with six points in the game. But in terms of his individual season as a whole, there’s no doubt that it was that Jan. 5 G League game that made history.
Grabbing 33 rebounds in a single game is simply unheard of at any level and to top a list and set such a record will always be memorable. To put it in perspective, only five players have grabbed that many rebounds in a single NBA game, with Charles Oakley holding the record with 35.
Outlook 2024-25
Dylan Windler is currently an unrestricted free agent, having exhausted his eligibility on a two-way contract. He has shown signs that he can contribute to an NBA team, but a team will have to believe in him enough to give him a roster spot.
He’ll certainly be invited to training camp somewhere, but his chances of making an NBA team to start the season seem slim. He’ll likely end up in the G League to start the season, but with a good showing, he’ll be on the radar of many teams around the league.
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