Windler’s green light: Perth star backed to let it fly

Without Bryce Cotton, the Perth Wildcats will be looking to their returning stars to drive the offence this season, and Dylan Windler’s pre-season form shows he’s ready to take on that responsibility.

The former Cleveland Cavalier starred in the Wildcats’ second Blitz game with 27 points, but it was his willingness to fire off 20 shots that would have pleased head coach John Rillie the most.

"Being in the [NBA] for five years, kind of getting stuck in that role where I was, it takes a lot to get out of that honestly," Windler told ESPN.

"You've got to flip your whole mentality ... if you're playing five years in the pretty narrow role they have for you, to then coming here and you've gotta polish your game off again, you've gotta wake some things up.

"I had a really good summer, working on a lot of different things that I might not have worked on in previous years, because I tried to be the best I could be in that NBA role.”

Last season, Windler flashed his NBA-level talent, none more memorable than his Game 2 heroics against Melbourne United.

He poured in 27 points during that stunning comeback win, including 20 in the second half to force a series-deciding Game 3.

It’s that fearless, attacking mindset Rillie hopes to see on a nightly basis and one that could put the 28-year-old back on the radar for another shot at the highest level.

"Ultimately, I wanna play at the highest level and get back in the NBA," he said.

"I think this league is good enough, and has enough talent and competition, and enough scouts and eyes on it at all times that, if you do play well, you're always in a position to get back there."

Windler and the Wildcats will take on a pair of Japanese B.LEAGUE teams in a pre-season tournament on September 12 and 14, before their Hungry Jack's NBL campaign tips off on September 20 against Tasmania. 

Read the full story here >> NBL Blitz Buzz: Biggest talking points coming out of Canberra