Cavs: 3 players under the most pressure this season

Cavs: 3 players under the most pressure this season – Dylan Windler

The Cleveland Cavaliers made three first-round picks in the 2019 NBA Draft. The first, Darius Garland, is their point guard of the future. The third, Kevin Porter Jr., was released after multiple behavioral incidents. Will the middle pick, Dylan Windler, end up like Garland or Porter?

Windler entered the league out of Belmont with a lot to like, as a big wing with ball-handling ability and a smooth shot. Unfortunately, Windler has been unable to stay healthy, with multiple injuries not just keeping him out of games but hindering his growth as well. The 6’6″ wing missed all of his first season, and played just 31 games last year as a “rookie” coming off the bench.

A healthy Windler is a player who fills a clear need, backing up Isaac Okoro as an offensive foil. He hit just 33.8 percent of his 3-pointers last year, but that’s from a very small sample and his college production plus shot mechanics suggest he will improve that number to league average or better.

Another injury-plagued season could see the Cavs move on from Windler, and likewise if he plays but is ineffective he will be replaced in the draft or next summer’s free agency. Yet if Windler is able to take a major step forward, staying healthy and improving his shot, the Cavs could quickly make him a part of their future at a position of need.