Dylan Cardwell: Goal is to make the Playoffs, ‘anything less’ is a frustration

Dylan Cardwell went from an undrafted rookie fighting for an opportunity to an important part of the Sacramento Kings’ plans entering his second NBA season.

Now, Cardwell is embracing a much larger responsibility.

Speaking with Sactown Sports’ The Matt & Kayla Show during Kings Media Day, Cardwell reflected on a rookie season in which he exceeded expectations and established himself as one of Sacramento’s most impactful young players.

“Having 29 teams essentially telling me I’m not an NBA player, that hurts,” Cardwell said. “There’s a lot of doubt, a lot of frustration, a lot of worry, and then here comes Sacramento.”

Cardwell rewarded the Kings for taking a chance on him. As a rookie, he averaged 5.4 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks in 44 games, leading all rookies in both rebounds and blocks per game.

Now, the 23-year-old wants to use what he learned to help establish a new standard in Sacramento.

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)

More from Kings center Dylan Cardwell

Dylan Cardwell said the Kings need to become “the toughest, most relentless team” possible and believes part of his role is making sure the team does not lose sight of that identity during the grind of an 82-game season.

“We’re not going to quit. We’re not going to bow down to anybody,” Cardwell said. “We’re going to get every loose ball. We’re going to dive on the floor. We’re going to butt heads with other teams.”

Cardwell’s goals are not modest. He believes Sacramento should be targeting the postseason, saying, “My goal is for us to make the playoffs. Anything less than that would be a frustration.”

The Kings’ young core has also spent significant time together this offseason, including runs organized by Rico Hines in Los Angeles. Cardwell has been encouraged by the development of rookies Darius Acuff Jr., Alex Karaban and Emanuel Sharp.

Acuff, in particular, has caught Cardwell’s attention.

“He’s a worker, man. He’s a workhorse,” Cardwell said. “He’s in here, first one in here, last one in here.”

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)

Cardwell also sees an opportunity for Sacramento to utilize multiple bigs together. With Domantas Sabonis healthy again and Maxime Raynaud joining the roster, Cardwell believes double-big lineups could become an important weapon, particularly in playoff situations.

“It’s going to be a great tool to have to kind of mess other teams up,” Cardwell said.

After spending his rookie season proving he belonged, Cardwell enters Year 2 in better shape, more experienced and with considerably bigger expectations.

“I’m the best shape I’ve ever been in my life,” Cardwell said. “I feel really good. I feel like I’m in great shape.”

For a player who arrived in Sacramento hoping for a chance, Cardwell now sounds like someone determined to help lead the Kings somewhere they haven’t been in years.

Listen to and watch Sactown Sports’ Matt George and Kayla Anderson with Matt George & Kayla Anderson, airing weekdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. PT on Sactown Sports.

More Sacramento Kings content from Sactown Sports

• Ben Simmons has ‘no limitations’ entering Kings Training Camp
• Doug Christie sets Kings’ defensive standard ahead of 2026-27 NBA season
• Kings GM Scott Perry details Ben Simmons signing, Sacramento’s new team identity
• Sacramento Kings release 2026-27 training camp roster
• Do the Sacramento Kings face brutal reality ahead of 2026-27 season?

Sacramento Kings Schedule: 2026-27 Preseason

• 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)

Thank you for reading SactownSports.com. Follow us on X/Twitter and Google News, and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

Related

Ben Simmons has ‘no limitations’ entering Kings Training CampDoug Christie sets Kings’ defensive standard ahead of 2026-27 NBA seasonKings GM Scott Perry details Ben Simmons signing, Sacramento’s new team identitySacramento Kings release 2026-27 training camp rosterDo the Sacramento Kings face brutal reality ahead of 2026-27 season?Report: 49ers WR Mike Evans has rib strain, will be evaluated Monday