Wildcats wait on Windler’s role

The Perth Wildcats won’t rush new import Dylan Windler into the starting five, with the club taking a patient approach to how to best implement the 27-year-old. 

Windler brings strong shooting, rebounding and NBA experience to Perth and would most likely slot directly into the starting unit of any NBL team. 

However, the Wildcats found great success with the group of Bryce Cotton, Keanu Pinder, Tai Webster, Kristian Doolittle and Hyrum Harris last season on their way to a second placed finish.  

With those five players returning to Perth, the club’s GM of Basketball Operations Danny Mills has told The West Australian they will work through the best way to integrate a “very good player” in Windler into the system. 

“We need to build load into Dylan’s legs so we can feel comfortable about putting him out there for 15-20 minutes. He needs to feel comfortable with himself, the NBL and the players around him,” Mills said.

“Whether guys start or play the majority of minutes, we are blessed with talent. Only five guys can be on the court so it’s a good problem to have. We will find the best rotations.”

Windler had his first hit-out for the Wildcats in Sunday’s NBL Blitz win over New Zealand, scoring nine points in just under 13 minutes off the bench.

He is a game-time decision for tonight’s Blitz clash against Illawarra with an ankle complaint.