Dylan Cardwell has officially made the leap-from fan favorite at Auburn to energy sparkplug for the Sacramento Kings. And if you’ve caught any of the Kings’ recent games, you already know: the rookie big man isn’t just filling a roster spot, he’s bringing life to the floor every time he checks in.
Cardwell’s style hasn’t changed much since his days at Neville Arena. He’s still the guy who’ll swat a shot into the stands and immediately turn to the crowd, hand cupped to his ear, asking for more noise.
He’s still sprinting back down the floor after an alley-oop dunk, arms raised high, feeding off the energy he just created. It’s the same infectious joy Auburn fans came to love-now lighting up Golden 1 Center in Sacramento.
And it’s not just fans who are taking notice. Veteran guard Russell Westbrook, who knows a thing or two about playing with passion, has been vocal about what Cardwell brings to the team.
“I told him it’s important to stay true to who you are,” Westbrook said. “I’m loving how he’s impacting the game in a variety of ways. It’s good for our team.”
That impact starts on the defensive end. Cardwell’s calling card has always been his rim protection and willingness to do the dirty work.
He’s not out there hunting shots or trying to dominate the ball-he’s focused on altering shots, defending the paint, and doing the little things that help teams win. That kind of commitment earns minutes, especially for a rookie.
NBA teams are always on the lookout for players who can anchor a defense without needing a ton of touches.
Offensively, there’s still room for growth. His scoring is modest-typically in the six-to-eight point range-but the Kings aren’t asking him to be a go-to option.
What they’re getting instead is a high-motor big who runs the floor, sets hard screens, and finishes plays when the opportunity’s there. The free throw shooting?
Still a work in progress. But when you’re bringing consistent energy, effort, and defensive value, that’s a trade-off most coaches will take.
What’s maybe most impressive is how Cardwell has kept that energy level high through the grind of an NBA season. Back-to-back games, constant travel, and the physical toll of the league can wear down even the most seasoned pros.
But Cardwell? He’s out there every night like it’s the first game of the season-smiling, celebrating, and playing with purpose.
That kind of presence matters more than the box score shows. It lifts teammates.
It engages fans. It changes the tone of a game.
And for those who followed his college career, this isn’t a surprise. Cardwell was the heart and soul of Auburn’s locker room, a vocal leader who brought fire and fun to every moment. With this year’s Tigers still searching for that kind of leadership, it’s hard not to wonder what kind of difference his voice-and presence-might’ve made.
But for now, Sacramento’s the one reaping the benefits. Dylan Cardwell’s bringing the same energy that made him a college fan favorite, and he’s translating it to the NBA stage.
The dunks, the blocks, the celebrations-they’re all still there. And they’re all making a difference.