Wildcats land third NBL25 import

The Perth Wildcats’ NBL25 roster is complete with the addition of former first-round NBA draft pick Dylan Windler as the club’s third import.

The 27-year-old, selected with pick 26 in the 2019 draft by Cleveland, played five seasons in the NBA, predominantly with the Cavaliers.

He also had stints with the New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers and Atlanta Hawks.

The left-handed Windler has made a name for himself with his high-level three-point shooting, rebounding and athleticism.

Earlier this year, Windler smashed the G-League rebounding record with a whopping 33-board performance, nine more than the previous best, while playing for Knicks affiliate Westchester.

Wildcats coach John Rillie explained the type of player the club has added with the acquisition.

“Dylan will bring a high level of shot-making to the group,” Rillie said.

“Rebounding has been something consistently he has shown he can do at a high level for his position.

“Those two traits alone should help the Wildcats.

“Adding Dylan now will allow him to integrate with our team through our eight preseason games.

“This will allow him to be up to speed ahead of our season opener against South East Melbourne Phoenix at RAC Arena on Friday, September 20.”

Dylan Windler

Windler revealed he was first in touch with coach Rillie during the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas earlier this year, while playing for the Hawks.

Rillie was part of New Orleans Pelicans’ coaching setup for the tournament.

“I first met coach Rillie in Vegas during Summer League,” Windler said.

“He came up to me and expressed his interest in me as a player and what I had to offer to the team after watching our games.

“After that brief encounter, they reached out to my agent and talks continued from there.”

Windler said it didn’t take long to learn about the Wildcats’ history and winning tradition, something he’s striving to add to.

“I’ve done a little bit of research in the time leading up to my decision, and I quickly noticed the winning tradition that Perth has carried for a long time in the NBL,” he said.

“I plan on bringing a winning mentality and work ethic to the team, doing whatever I need to do to help the team succeed.”

Windler is set to arrive in Perth over the weekend and join the Wildcats on their pre-season trip to Japan.