The Sacramento Kings may be having one of their worst seasons in recent memory, but that isn’t going to keep Dylan Cardwell down.
Cardwell, who has burst onto the scene during his first NBA season, continues to produce at a high level off the bench, especially on the glass and defensive end–two facets that this current version of the Beam Team has sorely lacked amid a 12-33 start.
Through 18 appearances thus far, the 24-year-old holds averages of 4.7 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game while shooting 53 percent from the field over 18.9 minutes per contest.
In light of Domantas Sabonis’ lengthy knee injury, Cardwell was inserted into head coach Doug Christie’s rotation as a backup center, with fellow rookie big man Maxime Raynaud ahead of him.
Over the past nine games, Cardwell has taken a leap in production, pushing his averages to 5.4 points, 9.4 boards, and 1.4 blocks per game, collecting 10+ rebounds in each of Sacramento’s past three games.
Cardwell may be winning over Kings fans with his on-court celebrations following a blocked shot or scored basket, but his ability to crash the boards is making him a must-play option for Christie, someone who values defensive impact and hustle between the lines.
What an effort from Dylan Cardwell 💪 pic.twitter.com/8uCDjZLpY0
— Kings on NBCS (@NBCSKings) January 22, 2026
“We value what he does. Not everyone values what he does,” Christie said following Wednesday’s loss to Toronto, one that saw Cardwell block four shots and secure a career-high 13 rebounds.
“He’s extremely coachable, plays extremely hard, and has a level of physicality you don’t teach. You’re either about that life or you ain’t.”
More on Sacramento Kings center Dylan Cardwell
During the loss to the Raptors, Dylan Cardwell, an undrafted free agent out of Auburn, posted his 11th-straight game with six or more boards, joining fellow rookie center Maxime Raynaud as the first Kings rookie bigs since DeMarcus Cousins to collect 6+ rebounds in 10 or more consecutive contests.
The 6’11 center finished the night with a career-high 13 rebounds to go along with four blocks and one steal over 25 minutes of action in what was another showcase of why Cardwell will all but surely have his two-way contract converted to a standard contract once the February 5th trade deadline passes.
Cardwell also became the fifth Kings rookie in the Sacramento era (1985-present) to finish a game with at least 13 rebounds and four blocks, joining Lionel Simmons (1991), Brian Grant (1995), Michael Stewart (1998), and Jason Thompson (2009).
This success has been a surprise to many, including Cardwell himself, who told the media, “I’m not supposed to be here,” following his career performance.
“In college, I averaged 5 points per game, I rebounded the ball five times per game, and I averaged, like, [1.3] blocks per game. No one thought I was an NBA player. I’m not supposed to be here. I’m living my childhood dream. This is a dream come true for me.”
Well, now Dylan Cardwell is here, and he doesn’t appear to be going anywhere anytime soon.
The Kings are currently in the beginning stages of a rebuild, one that could see several key players on the roster shipped off in the coming weeks during the NBA trade deadline.
It’s unknown whether three-time All-Star center and franchise centerpiece Domantas Sabonis will remain with the organization past February 5th, as general manager Scott Perry evaluates the future of each player, but Dylan Cardwell’s inclusion in the closing lineup over the past week has been noticeable.
Sabonis, known for his playmaking and rebounding dominance, was not included in the closing lineups during Sacramento’s losses to Portland and Miami, and the star center played only five minutes in the second half of Tuesday’s loss to the Heat.
Christie called on Cardwell instead, citing a need for defense on the floor–the same answer he gave when asked why All-Star guard Zach LaVine was left out of the closing lineup against Miami.
The Kings are nearing a period of change, but Dylan Cardwell is the type of player Sacramento needs in the locker room and on the floor for what comes next. Whatever changes transpire in the coming weeks, it’s clear that the first-year center has been happy to mesh with this current roster and learn from the veterans around him.
“We might not be having a great season, but this is the best locker room I’ve really been a part of outside of my last year at Auburn,” Cardwell said. “I really appreciate being on this team and being in this locker room.”
More Sacramento Kings content from Sactown Sports
The NBA trade deadline is roughly two weeks away, and plenty of Sacramento Kings players have been involved in rumors.
Brett Siegel, NBA Insider for ClutchPoints, joined The Drive Guys to discuss the trade landscape and potential value of DeMar DeRozan, Jonathan Kuminga, Domantas Sabonis, Zach LaVine, and Keon Ellis.
The final name on the list, Ellis, is perhaps the most sought after. Regularly getting DNP-CDs under head coach Doug Christie — and previously Mike Brown — has been a confusing part of the season as Christie has often pointed to the “logjam” they have at the guard position.
With Ellis being on an expiring minimum contract ($2.3 million), he’s easy for the team to acquire. If a team were to trade for him, they would also obtain his bird rights, allowing them to go over the salary cap to re-sign him.
Siegel: ‘Over half the league has talked with Sacramento’ regarding Keon Ellis
When is the next Sacramento Kings game?
The Sacramento Kings will embark on a six-game road trip that will begin on Friday night against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Last season, the Kings swept a two-game regular-season series against the Cavs, who finished the year with a 64-18 record (the best in the Eastern Conference).
Be sure to catch all of the Sacramento Kings vs. Cleveland Cavaliers action right here on Sactown Sports 1140 AM, with pregame coverage beginning at 3:00 PM PT on Game Night before a 4:30 pm PT tip-off from downtown Cleveland.
Upcoming Sacramento Kings schedule for the 2025-26 season
Friday, January 23rd – @ Cleveland Cavaliers – 4:30 PM PT
Sunday, January 25th – @ Detroit Pistons – 12:00 PM PT
Tuesday, January 27th – @ New York Knicks – 4:30 PM PT
Thursday, January 29th – @ Philadelphia 76ers – 4:00 PM PT
Friday, January 30th – @ Boston Celtics – 4:30 PM PT
Thank you for readingSactownSports.com. Follow us onTwitterandGoogle News, and subscribe to ourYouTubechannel.