Undrafted dynamo Dylan Cardwell's game-saving blocks and relentless energy have revitalized the Kings, proving his immense value.
From undrafted to game-saving blocks, the Sacramento Kings struck gold with Dylan Cardwell when they signed him to a two-way contract.
Cardwell single-handedly saved the Kings with back-to-back blocks in the team's victory against the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday. He met the explosive Zion Williamson in the air and chased down Jeremiah Fear for his second block in the game's final seconds.
The 6-foot-10 center finished the game with six points, eight rebounds and five blocks.
Cardwell brings high energy and consistent effort, something his teammates have noticed.
"He is an unbelievable defender, an unbelievable energy guy," Nique Clifford said after the game. "I think the whole city of Sacramento knows it by now. I love playing with him. [He] makes our life easier, brings energy, brings life to the locker room."
Coach Doug Christie said he's glad Cardwell is wearing a Kings uniform, especially after finding his groove coming back from a left ankle sprain.
He suffered the sprain on Feb. 17 during practice and the injury sidelined him for 11 games. After his return, he's averaged 4.2 points and seven rebounds in 11 games.
When Cardwell is out on the court, he rolls hard after setting a screen and positions himself to fight for a rebound when his teammate shoots the ball. He's recorded 12 double-digit rebounding games, including five straight before spraining his ankle.
Rebounding is Cardwell's strong suit in the NBA, but scouts saw it as a weakness when he played for Auburn last year.
"A lot of these teams questioned my rebounding ability, especially in the draft process," Cardwell said in "Conversations with Deuce and Mo" on YouTube. "And it was like, man, like that's crazy that the one thing that could probably get me out of the NBA is if I don't rebound. So, I'm like, hey, this is my job on the line."
He averaged 3.9 rebounds in five seasons with the Tigers. Cardwell never surpassed four rebounds a game until last season, when he averaged 5.1.
Cardwell in Sacramento is vastly different from Cardwell at Auburn. He said he used to win the day if he didn't give up an offensive rebound to his matchup.
Now, he hustles hard on every play, fighting for position in the paint for rebounds to give the Kings extra possessions.
"I have to go get these rebounds, like secure extra rebounds for extra possessions for my team," Cardwell said. "And then keep the other team from getting extra possessions."
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