2019 NBA Mock Draft: Full lottery impact on the first round

Age: 22
Height, Weight: 6-foot-8, 200 pounds
Slash Line: .540/.429/.847
Season Averages: 21.3 PPG, 10.8 RPG, 2.5 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.6 BPG, 3.0 3PM

The Cleveland Cavaliers are only 12 months removed from the NBA Finals. Yet, because of LeBron James’ departure after the 2017-18 season, they are in a rebuilding tailspin. Already with a top 10 pick and youth like Collin Sexton in place, there are pieces to make this new-look group work, but it will take years before they compete, even with the bottom of the Eastern Conference playoff picture in shambles.

This low in the draft, the Cavaliers have a greater risk at finding a long-term contributor, so they can take a chance on someone, including Belmont’s Dylan Windler.

A mid-major star, Windler made the NCAA Tournament and became a recognizable name for a few weeks.

A 35-point game highlighted Winder’s tournament run, but it was the culmination of a senior season that put him on the map, with proficient numbers from the field that should be enough to make him appealing to a three-point shooting NBA.

Windler can play either forward spot, whether as a bigger body or a stretch floor, but a 200-pound frame could restrict him from the paint at the next level. It’s too light to battle with the game’s toughest players, so he needs to add strength.

Even with this, on a thin Cleveland roster, Windler should find his opportunities to shine in a role that lets him play and the new coaching staff to see what he can do. Maybe it does not work out, but the Cavs have little to lose.

The New York Knicks need outside shooters, among other things, on their 2019-20 roster. Windler is a fit, but only if he falls to the end of the second round or if the Knicks trade up.