Cavs: Dylan Windler could have bigger role post-trade deadline

Windler should be more comfortable, and has been solid for the Cavs defensively

As we alluded to, Windler has had ups and downs as a perimeter shooter, but has shown the potential to be quite the knockdown guy off the bench for stretches when he’s been in-rhythm.

And on a positive note, Windler’s finishing has been encouraging as a cutter, and on interior push shots, he’s shown he has nice touch with both hands, and as the season progresses, I’d expect him to shown that more as a counter in his burn.

Plus, on the other end, as we also hit on, Dylan has done a pretty nice job in containing dribble penetration against matchups on opposing guards, some wings, and while there have been some occasional rookie fouls, his contests have been mostly sound. And frankly, that sort of thing is still something the aforementioned Osman struggles with in on-balll matchups and/or as a rotator.

Additionally, Windler has done a nice job at getting his hands on passes/getting deflections as a helper, as evidenced by 1.2 steals per-36 minutes, and has even had a healthy 2.3 percent block rate.

Moreover, for Dylan, I’d think he could be in-line for a bigger role post-trade deadline, considering Osman/Prince trade rumors, and with him often making an impact, even amid shooting inconsistencies, thus far.

I’d imagine he could cut into Isaac Okoro’s minutes a bit, but regardless, could even play in some spurts with Osman, if he’s around, as they still have thus far, and even some with Okoro, with Isaac at the 2. Of course, two-way Lamar Stevens could see some burn on the wing/as a small-ball 4, too, anyhow.

Albeit in the closing stretch of the season, I’d still think Windler could have a bigger role, playing four or five or so minutes more often than he’s averaged post-deadline, and when he’s in there, Cleveland could look to get him more shots even.

That’s via off-movement looks, of which Nance could help with, for one, and perhaps if/when Matthew Dellavedova is back, he could work really well with Dylan, an adept cutter, too.

So to drive it home, Windler could seemingly be in-line for a larger role in the closing stretch of his de facto rookie year, with how he’s been able to contribute in a number of ways, even when his shot’s not been falling.

Him having 7.9 rebounds per-36 minutes has been pretty darn good, for further context as well.