Sacramento Kings rookie Dylan Cardwell shared how Al Horford influenced his professional routine during the predraft process, highlighting the importance of daily habits and accountability.
Sacramento Kings rookie center Dylan Cardwell is focused on building strong habits early in his NBA career, and he credits Golden State Warriors veteran big man Al Horford as a major influence on his approach to the game.
During the predraft process, Cardwell made a point to ask about Horford and what separated him as a long-term professional in the league. The answers he received left a lasting impression and helped shape how he now prepares on a daily basis.
"When I was in predraft workouts, I asked about Al Horford...they mentioned how much of a pro he was in his routine and how he just continued to rep out things he wanted to get better at each and every day. I asked him how he did that. I try to make sure my routine is dead straight. My wife holds me accountable each time. Just being a professional on and off the court, and how I take care of my body and how I approach the game," he said in a post-game press conference.
Credit IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect - Scanpix
While Cardwell continues to develop his role in Sacramento, the Kings were unable to keep pace with the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday night, falling 122-109 at home. Toronto took control after halftime behind a strong third-quarter run.
Scottie Barnes led the Raptors with 23 points, added eight rebounds, seven assists, and four steals while shooting 8 of 17 from the field.
Brandon Ingram also scored 23 points, while Sandro Mamukelashvili contributed 22 points and nine rebounds. Immanuel Quickley added 18 points for Toronto, which won in Sacramento for the first time since January 25, 2023.
For the Kings, Russell Westbrook finished with 23 points. Zach LaVine recorded 19 points and five assists, and Malik Monk added 17 points. Sacramento has now lost three straight games following its season-high four-game winning streak.
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