In 2019, the Cleveland Cavaliers selected forward Dylan Windler with the 26th overall pick in the NBA Draft.
Windler had a unique talent: despite being 6’6″, he was an excellent rebounder, averaging 10.8 rebounds per game and 21.3 points in his final collegiate season at Belmont. He even holds the G-League record for most rebounds in a game, with 33.
Needless to say, the Indianapolis native didn’t work out with the Cavaliers, and now he’s signed with the Perth Wildcats, an Australian NBL team, by Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.
Windler spent three seasons in Cleveland, so it’s not like he just had a cup of coffee with the Cavs. The Cavaliers gave him a real chance.
He played 31 games in his rookie campaign, recording 5.2 points and 3.5 rebounds in 16.5 minutes per game on shooting percentages of 43.8/33.8/77.8.
Windler went on to appear in 50 games in his sophomore season, albeit in a much more limited role. That year, he averaged 2.2 points and 1.8 rebounds in just 9.2 minutes per night. He will only appear in three games in his final season in Cleveland in 2022-23.
Injuries have certainly played a role in Windler’s lack of success with the Cavs and in the NBA in general. The 27-year-old has also spent time with the New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers and Atlanta Hawks, having brief stints with all three clubs last year.
Windler played a total of 17 games during the 2023-24 campaign, scoring just 2.5 points in 6.4 minutes per night.
