Wildcats sign former first-round NBA pick Dylan Windler

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Wildcats sign former first-round NBA pick Dylan Windler

The Perth Wildcats have completed their roster for the upcoming NBL season after signing former first-round NBA draft pick and rebounding machine Dylan Windler.

Windler was selected by Cleveland with pick No.26 at the 2019 draft and went on to play 101 matches across five seasons in the NBA, which also included stints at New York Knicks, LA Lakers and Atlanta Hawks.

The 27-year-old’s most productive season was his rookie campaign in 2020/21, when the ********* averaged 5.2 points, 3.5 rebounds and 0.6 steals across 30 games.

The 201cm guard/forward has made a name for himself with his high-level three-point *********, rebounding and athleticism.

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

Rebounding was somewhat of a weakness for the Wildcats last season and they hope Windler’s inclusion will be a major *******.

“Dylan will bring a high level of shot-making to the group,” Wildcats coach John Rillie said in a statement.

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

“Those two traits alone should help the Wildcats.”

Joining Windler in Perth this season is Spanish teen sensation Izan Almansa and Victorian-born Elijah Pepper.

Almansa is being tipped as a first-round potential for the 2025 NBA draft and he hopes to emulate the success No.2 NBA draft pick Alex Sarr enjoyed at the Wildcats last season.

Windler said he was first in touch with coach Rillie during the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, while playing for Atlanta Hawks.

Rillie was over there as part of New Orleans Pelicans’ coaching set-up for the tournament.

“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,” Windler said.

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

“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.

“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 historic trip to Japan.

The Wildcats’ NBL season kicks off against South East Melbourne on Friday, September 20.

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