Cleveland Cavaliers: 3 potential breakout candidates in 2021-22

Cavs potential breakout candidate #3 in 2021-22: Dylan Windler

Dylan Windler‘s start to his NBA career has been as frustrating as it could get for an NBA player. Out of 137 potential games, Windler has played in just 31 of them due to multiple lower body injuries and a prior fourth metacarpal fracture on his left hand.

Windler was drafted out of Belmont to be a three-point specialist but the shot hasn’t been as advertised. In 2020-21, Windler shot just 33.8 percent from three on 2.5 attempts per game.

Even with the worse than advertised shooting, Windler has provided other things for Cleveland that show he can be a positive player, with improved shooting being the cherry on top. As stated in a previous article I had written about Windler, his rebounding abilities and finishing abilities were showcased this now-past season.

Looking at his shooting once more, Windler had an eye-opening stretch from three when he shot nine-of-nine through the two games played on Feb. 23 and 24.

During these two games, we saw Windler operate more off movement around screens and Windler highlighted this in prior media availability, via Spencer Davies of Basketballnews.com. Windler specifically touched on the movement aspect for shooting, to drive the movement part home.

For Windler to succeed with the Cavaliers, he will first have to stay healthy but the Wine and Gold also have to put him in the best positions to succeed. More movement off-ball should help Windler improve on his shooting and is something else that will help improve the offense.

As stated earlier, both Prince and Osman’s futures with the team are up in the air and this could mean more opportunities for Windler; that’s when factoring in both were mentioned as key players in trade rumors leading up to the past deadline.

It’s up to Windler to make the most of those chances though, and if he is able to, he can solidify his role with the team.