Dylan Cardwell’s first season in Sacramento gave the Kings something they’ve been chasing for a while: a real defensive anchor at center. The rookie arrived as a surprise story in 2025-2026, and by the time February 2026 rolled around, he had already gone from undrafted in June 2025 to a two-way deal and then a full contract with Sacramento.
That climb was built on two things. The first is easy to see every time he’s on the floor.
Cardwell protects the rim, and he does it with the kind of force that changes what opponents want to do near the basket. That matters for a Kings team that already has Domantas Sabonis, an All-Star double-double machine at the five, but not a player whose game has ever been defined by defense.
The second part of Cardwell’s rise is less about numbers and more about presence. Fans have latched onto the joy, professionalism, and modesty he brings. He can energize Golden 1 Center, but he also gives the locker room the steady kind of leadership teams usually spend years trying to find.
Still, one strong rookie season doesn’t finish the job.
Cardwell’s defense may already be formidable, but his offensive game needs more layers if he’s going to reach his ceiling and help push the Kings toward relevancy. Right now, he’s a dangerous lob threat and a powerful finisher at the rim.
That’s a good starting point. It’s not enough to be the whole picture.
The next step is clear: he has to become a more dependable shooter. Nobody is asking him to turn into a three-point threat, but a reliable mid-range jumper would give him a much bigger role on offense and help open the floor for everyone else.
He also needs to grow as a passer. Last season, Cardwell averaged 7.5 rebounds per game, including 3.3 offensive boards, but he only averaged 1.4 assists per game. There’s obvious room for him to become a better facilitator and help keep the offense moving.
The encouraging part for Sacramento is that Cardwell already has the tools and the mindset to keep climbing. His first year was a success, but it looks more like the start of something than the finished product. The Kings have a chance to build around him, and if they do, they may be looking at a player who becomes a major name in the NBA.
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Kings Still Face One Russell Westbrook Decision That Could Reshape Backcourt
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For the Kings, the issue is less about interest than timing and flexibility, and that is where the uncertainty lingers. Salary-cap constraints have complicated any attempt to keep Westbrook in the fold, while outside buzz has him linked to other NBA possibilities and even overseas interest. Sacramento would like to keep the door open, but for now the path to a reunion is still clouded by the kind of cap decisions that can reshape a backcourt in a hurry. [Read more 🡒]