Dylan Cardwell’s Defensive Emergence Is Giving the Kings a Whole New Edge
Let’s call it what it is: the Sacramento Kings just won a game on the back of their defense - and yes, that’s not a sentence we’ve typed often in recent years. But here we are, and the unlikely anchor behind that defensive surge is none other than Dylan Cardwell, an undrafted rookie who’s gone from G League grinder to NBA disruptor in a matter of weeks.
Cardwell’s journey to this moment didn’t come with much fanfare. After going undrafted in 2025, Sacramento brought him in on a two-way deal - the kind of low-risk, high-upside move that often flies under the radar. He got a brief look with the main roster early in the season, but most of his time was spent with the Stockton Kings, where he quietly started putting together a resume that demanded attention.
A G League Standout, Built for the Paint
At 6-foot-10 and 255 pounds, Cardwell has the kind of frame that makes you think twice before driving to the rim. In Stockton, he averaged 10.8 points and 12.8 rebounds per game, but the real story was his defense.
He wasn’t just contesting shots - he was altering games. His presence in the paint became a problem for opposing offenses, and when injuries hit the big club, Sacramento had no choice but to call him back up.
It’s turned out to be a pretty smart decision.
Blocking Shots, Changing Games
Since rejoining the Kings three games ago, Cardwell has wasted no time making his mark. In that stretch, he’s averaged 4.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, and a staggering 3.3 blocks per game.
For context, he’s swatted 10 shots in those three games. The rest of the team combined for eight.
That’s not just a solid stat line - that’s a defensive statement.
But the numbers only tell part of the story. Watch the tape, and you’ll see a player who’s constantly in motion, constantly in the right place, constantly making life miserable for anyone trying to score inside. Cardwell plays with the kind of energy that jumps off the screen - he’s physical, he’s vocal, and he doesn’t back down.
There’s a rawness to his game, sure. But there’s also a fearlessness, and that’s something you can’t teach.
A Spark That’s Spreading
Cardwell’s impact isn’t just showing up in the box score - it’s showing up in the way the Kings are playing. His energy is contagious, and it’s rubbing off on the rest of the roster. He’s already building chemistry with fellow rookies Nique Clifford and Maxime Raynaud, and there’s a sense that this young core is starting to find its rhythm together.
And then there’s the attitude. Cardwell plays like someone who knows every minute on the floor is earned, not given.
You can see it in the way he dives for loose balls, the way he fights for rebounds, the way he celebrates a block like it’s a game-winner. He’s not just happy to be in the league - he’s determined to stay.
The Contract Clock Is Ticking
Here’s the catch: Cardwell is still on a two-way contract, which means Sacramento is working with a limited number of NBA games before they hit a wall. If the Kings want to keep riding this defensive wave, they’ll need to make a move - and soon.
Converting Cardwell’s deal into a standard NBA contract isn’t just a formality; it’s a necessity if they want to keep him in the rotation long-term. That might mean clearing a roster spot or moving some cap space around, but with trade season heating up, the timing couldn’t be better.
The Kings are in the middle of a rebuild that’s starting to take shape. They’ve got a young core, a competitive edge, and now, thanks to Cardwell, a defensive identity that’s been sorely missing. If they want to keep that momentum going, locking in a player who’s already proven he can change games on the defensive end should be at the top of their to-do list.
Because right now, Dylan Cardwell isn’t just filling in - he’s standing out.