Hoops Habit
Fansided

3 hidden gems on the Cleveland Cavaliers’ roster this season

By Tony Pesta

CLEVELAND, OHIO - JANUARY 26: Dean Wade #32 of the Cleveland Cavaliers celebrates after scoring during the third quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on January 26, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Bucks 115-99. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO - JANUARY 26: Dean Wade #32 of the Cleveland Cavaliers celebrates after scoring during the third quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on January 26, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Bucks 115-99. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 4
Next
3 hidden gems on the Cleveland Cavaliers' roster this season
CLEVELAND, OHIO – NOVEMBER 03: Dylan Windler #9 of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives to the basket around Robert Covington #33 of the Portland Trail Blazers during the second half at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on November 03, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Trail Blazers 107-104. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

Cleveland Cavaliers’ hidden gems: Dylan Windler

While his peers, Dean Wade and Lamar Stevens, have mostly uncovered themselves as gems – Dylan Windler remains hidden. His talent is obvious but has yet to translate consistently to the NBA world.

On paper, Windler is the perfect wing to play heavy minutes in Cleveland. He’s a knockdown shooter with a high IQ and above-average rebounding ability. Add a flare for some surprisingly clean passes and Windler is the prototypical space-and-pace forward that has taken the league by storm.

The biggest problem? Health.

Up to this point, Windler has not appeared in more than 16 consecutive games before suffering a setback. It’s undeniable that this has played a role in his inconsistent performances.

If there is one thing any shooter needs in order to make an impact, it’s rhythm. For Windler, an injury-ridden career has been the number one thing holding him back from hitting his stride.

Even so, Windler is an efficient 39.6 percent three-point shooter this season. It feels like he should be attempting more than 1.6 attempts per game, but this could come with confidence.

It won’t be easy for Windler to break into a heavy rotational spot with players like Wade, Stevens, Cedi Osman,kingja and Lauri Markkanen eating up minutes. But, if he can stay healthy and continue to drill open shots, he’ll become too valuable to keep on the bench.

Next. Cavaliers ultimate guide to the trade deadline. dark

Home/Cleveland Cavaliers