Sabonis' absence ignites rookie centers Raynaud and Cardwell, who shatter expectations, claiming top-5 scoring spots among NBA newcomers at their position.
Prior to the start of the 2025-26 campaign, the Sacramento Kings were hoping for some fantastic center play from their 3-time All-Star Domantas Sabonis.
Unfortunately, the 3-time rebounding champion and skilled play-maker has only suited up 11 times, though his absence has been chock full of silver linings.
With Sabonis sidelined since Nov. 16 with a partial meniscus tear, Sacramento's tandem of rookie centers Maxime Raynaud and Dylan Cardwell have received plenty of time to shine and have taken advantage of their opportunities.
According to stats shared by KingsMuse on X, both big men have placed within the top-5 in the NBA among rookie centers in scoring, with Raynaud and Cardwell boasting averages of 10.5 points and 3.9 points to grab second and fourth-place spots, respectively.
Despite the Kings recently falling to 8-29 and holding on strong to the Western Conference's No. 14 seed, Raynaud and Cardwell have shown plenty of flashes as of late.
Raynaud, Sacramento's No. 42 overall selection in the 2025 NBA Draft, has been putting on a show as of late. On Dec. 18 in an eventual overtime defeat at the hands of the Portland Trail Blazers, the French product poured in a career-high 29 points to go along with 11 rebounds, two assists and two steals on 10-for-20 shooting from the floor.
Cardwell also showed out in limited minutes during that hard-fought 134-133 loss, registering eight points, seven rebounds (three offensive) and three blocks in only 16 minutes of work, making a world of difference for a group trying their best to fend off Portland's 7-foot-2, 280-pound giant Donovan Clingan.
The pair's scoring prowess has been noted, but their ability to impact the game in a myriad of areas should be the main talking point whenever either of the two are brought up. This goes for Cardwell, especially, who has proved to be a true game-wrecker thanks to his wonderful mix of athleticism and strength.
In 10 appearances this season, the undrafted 6-foot-10 big has contributed 3.9 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.7 blocks and 0.9 steals on a solid 51.9% field goal percentage, providing a strong force on the boards whenever Raynaud exits the contest.
With the trade rumor mill heavily focusing on what the Kings' next steps will be with regard to the futures of Sabonis, Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, Malik Monk and others, the franchise certainly has something to look forward to if they were to move off of their current star paint presence.
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