NBL25 season review - Dylan Windler

The former NBA first-round draft pick landed at the Wildcats with high expectations and lived up to those with some three-point shooting masterclasses and impressive defensive displays.

Windler was the Wildcats’ second-leading rebounder with 6.6 per game, while he also averaged 12.2 points, 2.1 threes, 1.5 steals and 1.1 blocks.

His numbers were even higher during the post-season, averaging 14.3 points and 8.5 rebounds.

His most significant contribution came in game two of the playoff series against Melbourne United at RAC Arena, where he dropped a game-high 27 points - including six of seven from long-range - to go with 11 rebounds, four blocks, four assists and two steals in the 96-89 victory to keep the Wildcats’ season alive.

Another starring role came in the win over Adelaide on the road in late December, where Windler celebrated the birth of his first child with a dominant 24-point, eight-rebound and six-assist performance which included six threes.

The rangy American, who played more than 100 NBA games, got better as the season went on after an interrupted pre-season due to injury.

Windler notched up his first double-double just two games into his NBL career, nearly dragging the Wildcats over the line against Sydney with a monster 16-rebound, 14-point performance.

He then missed the next two games with an Achilles before returning for Perth’s next four games, three of which were wins.

An ankle issue saw Windler missed captain Jesse Wagstaff’s record-breaking 483rd game against SEM Phoenix on November 3.

Other than an eye injury which saw him miss two games in early January, Windler played every game from then on and was a regular contributor in the Wildcats’ charge to the finals.