Kings suffer another hit to C depth, lose Cardwell due to calf strain

The Sacramento Kings could be short-handed at center when the regular season begins, with second-year big men Dylan Cardwell and Maxime Raynaud both expected to miss time.

Cardwell was diagnosed with a left calf strain after soreness following Sacramento’s October 8th preseason game against the Los Angeles Lakers. The Kings say he will be reevaluated in approximately two weeks.

Raynaud’s MRI, meanwhile, revealed a right patellar subluxation after he left Saturday’s preseason game against Golden State.

The All-Rookie Second Team big man is also due for another evaluation in about two weeks. Those timelines put both centers in doubt for at least Sacramento’s first five or six games, and potentially longer.

Maxime Raynaud #42 of the Sacramento Kings, Dylan Cardwell #32, and Nique Clifford #5 stand on the court after the game against the Washington Wizards at Golden 1 Center on January 16, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Eakin Howard/Getty Images)

More on Dylan Cardwell

The news is a tough blow for Cardwell, who became a fan favorite after going undrafted out of Auburn last summer.

Cardwell began his NBA career on a two-way contract and quickly impressed as a rim protector, earning a standard deal before the end of his rookie season.

In 44 games, Cardwell averaged 5.4 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks in 20.6 minutes per game. His paint defense gave Sacramento a valuable young option behind Domantas Sabonis.

The center depth matters. Last season, Raynaud appeared in 74 games, and Cardwell played 44, while Sabonis was limited to 19 games due to injury.

With both young centers facing early absences, Sacramento will need other bigs to absorb those minutes as the schedule gets underway, and Sabonis’ return comes at an ideal time for the rotation.

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 27: Dylan Cardwell #32 of the Sacramento Kings reacts after teammate Keon Ellis #23 made a three-point shot against the Dallas Mavericks in the second hal at Golden 1 Center on December 27, 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 Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

Above all, the Kings need Sabonis healthy to start the season. The three-time All-Star provides a proven presence in the middle, but the injuries to Dylan Cardwell and Maxime Raynaud leave Sacramento with little margin for another setback at center.

Precious Achiuwa can also step in and fill minutes at the center position, especially with Ben Simmons–a player who can be slotted into any position–at head coach Doug Christie’s disposal.

The Kings will open the regular season next Wednesday, October 21st, against the Los Angeles Clippers at the Intuit Dome.

More Sacramento Kings content from Sactown Sports

• Turner: Kings need to find a role for Emanuel Sharp
• Could Ben Simmons play his way into a starting spot?
• Jerry Reynolds: Darius Acuff should be a big part of the offense, not all of it
• Raynaud avoids serious injury, will be re-evaluated in two weeks

Sacramento Kings Schedule: 2026-27 Preseason

• Friday, October 16th @ San Antonio Spurs (7:00 P.M. PT)

Sacramento Kings 2026-27 Regular Season Schedule

• Wednesday, October 21st @ Los Angeles Clippers (7:30 P.M. PT)
• Friday, October 23rd vs. Portland Trail Blazers (7:00 P.M. PT)
• Sunday, October 25th vs. Memphis Grizzlies (6:00 P.M. PT)
• Tuesday, October 27th @ San Antonio Spurs (5:00 P.M. PT)
• Thursday, October 29th @ New Orleans Pelicans (5:00 P.M. PT)

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