The Sacramento Kings’ season has been a rollercoaster - and not the fun kind. Injuries have hit hard, with key contributors like Domantas Sabonis and Keegan Murray missing significant time.
It’s been tough for the Kings to build any real momentum. But amid the turbulence, there’s been a bright spot: the emergence of their rookie class.
Maxime Raynaud and Dylan Cardwell, in particular, have started to carve out real roles in the rotation. And it’s not just that they’re getting minutes - it’s what they’re doing with them. There’s a developing chemistry between the two big men that could become a foundational piece for Sacramento moving forward.
Opportunities Born from Adversity
With so many veterans sidelined, the Kings have been forced to dig into their bench - and that’s opened the door for the rookies to get valuable reps. Maxime Raynaud, Nique Clifford, and Dylan Cardwell have all taken advantage.
This isn’t just garbage-time development either. These are meaningful minutes, and the rookies are responding.
Raynaud, in particular, has been turning heads. He’s earned himself a regular spot on the Kia Rookie Ladder - a sign that the league is taking notice. The French big man has shown offensive polish beyond his years, with a soft touch around the rim and a growing confidence in his mid-range game.
Cardwell, meanwhile, is bringing the kind of energy and defensive grit that coaches love. He’s not just filling space - he’s making life difficult for opposing bigs.
His intensity on the defensive end has quickly made him a fan favorite, and it’s easy to see why. He plays like every possession matters, and in a season where consistency has been hard to find, that kind of effort stands out.
A Frontcourt Duo with Real Potential
What’s especially intriguing is how Raynaud and Cardwell complement each other. Raynaud leans offensive, with a knack for scoring and a feel for ball movement.
Cardwell is the enforcer - a rim protector and rebounder who thrives on hustle plays. Together, they could form a modern big-man duo that gives the Kings flexibility on both ends.
The NBA is trending back toward size and versatility, and these two fit the mold. Both can play either the four or the five, and they’re mobile enough to switch on defense when needed. If the Kings want to go big, they’ve got the personnel to make it work - and that’s before even factoring in Precious Achiuwa, who adds another layer of physicality and athleticism to the mix.
Now that Sabonis is back in the lineup, the Kings are experimenting with different frontcourt pairings. Achiuwa or Cardwell have been getting run alongside Sabonis, helping to shore up his defensive shortcomings. And Raynaud, with his offensive IQ, could become a natural target for Sabonis’s passing game - especially in high-low sets or short-roll actions.
Looking Ahead
Then there’s Nique Clifford. Once he’s fully up to speed, the Kings could be looking at a young, athletic core that actually fits together. Clifford brings length and defensive upside on the wing, and if he can develop into a reliable shooter, he could slot in nicely alongside Raynaud and Cardwell.
Of course, the Kings have a history of getting in their own way when it comes to player development. But if they can stay the course, this rookie class has the potential to be something more than just a silver lining in a tough season - they might be the building blocks of something real.
The road ahead is still bumpy, but Sacramento’s youth movement is giving fans a reason to keep watching. And if Raynaud and Cardwell continue to grow together, the Kings might just be laying the groundwork for a frontcourt that could cause problems for years to come.