Dylan Cardwell did what he does best in Las Vegas: Defend

Dylan Cardwell burst onto the scene for the Sacramento Kings in 2025-26, and the undrafted big man is quickly becoming a fan favorite in the 916.

Cardwell, who went undrafted in the 2025 NBA Draft following five seasons at Auburn, ascended from a two-way contract to a standard deal in what felt like the blink of an eye as the regular season unfolded.

With the Kings dealing with injuries to its starting frontcourt of Domantas Sabonis and Keegan Murray, the door opened for Cardwell and fellow rookie center Maxime Raynaud to get regular minutes, and both players took their opportunities and ran with them.

Raynaud earned All-Rookie Second Team honors for his role on the offensive end, but Cardwell’s ability to defend the paint and control the glass–as well as his infectious personality on the court–struck a chord with fans, especially for a Sacramento team that has lacked rim protection for what feels like decades.

Over 44 games, Cardwell averaged 5.4 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game while shooting 58 percent from the field.

Cardwell’s 7.5 boards per game led all rookies (min. 40 games played), while his 1.5 blocks per game placed him in a tie with Charlotte Hornets center Ryan Kalkbrenner.

Here’s what Dylan Cardwell showed during his time in Summer League as he hopes to anchor down a rotation spot for 2026-27:

Dylan Cardwell #32 of the Sacramento Kings reacts during their game against the Toronto Raptors at Golden 1 Center on January 21, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Recapping Dylan Cardwell’s Las Vegas Summer League Showing

In Las Vegas, Dylan Cardwell did what he does best–protect the rim.

The undrafted big man turned fan favorite swatted 2.8 shots per game (5th among players in Las Vegas) over his four appearances, and there’s little doubt that Cardwell is already one of Sacramento’s better rim protectors in recent memory.

Cardwell also hit the glass, pulling down 6.8 rebounds per contest, but his shooting numbers were also low (43% FG), which was likely a casualty of the center creating his own offense and taking set jump shots far more than he did during his rookie season.

If Cardwell can improve his offense, that would be a plus, but in my opinion, it isn’t really needed or as important in comparison to what he already brings to the table.

Whether it’s Sabonis or Raynaud, one of those two will likely assume most of the minutes at center, with Cardwell getting stretches here and there for defensive purposes.

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 20: Dylan Cardwell #32 of the Sacramento Kings reacts after a play in the first quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers at Golden 1 Center on December 20, 2025 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)

The Kings have been one of the worst defensive teams in the NBA over the years, and having Cardwell in the paint against certain matchups can start to change that narrative. This is why, even if Sacramento opens the season with both Sabonis and Raynaud in the fold, Cardwell will have his chance at rotation minutes.

Precious Achiuwa and Keegan Murray can hold their own when it comes to defense, but Cardwell is the best defender on the roster–at arguably the most important position, too.

Sabonis has longstanding issues with rim protection, and if he’s assuming his usual workload (around 35-40 minutes per game), it will be interesting to see how head coach Doug Christie works Cardwell in to combat opposing bigs around the league.

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What is the next Sacramento Kings Offseason Event?

The start of the 2026-27 season is quickly approaching for the Sacramento Kings.

Sacramento will begin training camp in late September as they prepare to begin preseason play on Monday, October 5th when they face Luka Doncic and the new-look Los Angeles Lakers at Golden 1 Center.

Be sure to stay tuned into Sactown Sports all offseason for roster updates, schedule announcements, analysis, and much more.

Upcoming Sacramento Kings Offseason Schedule

• August TBD – 2026-27 NBA Schedule release
• Late September – NBA training camps begin

Sacramento Kings 2026-27 Preseason Schedule

• Monday, October 5th vs. Los Angeles Lakers (7 P.M. PST)
• Thursday, October 8th @ Los Angeles Lakers (7:30 P.M. PST)
• Saturday, October 10th @ Golden State Warriors (5:30 P.M. PST)
• Tuesday, October 13th vs. Portland Trail Blazers (7:00 P.M. PST)
• Friday, October 16th @ San Antonio Spurs (7:00 P.M. PST)

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