Dylan Cardwell and Maxime Raynaud emerged as defensive bright spots for Sacramento, providing elite rim protection and game-saving blocks despite the team's historic struggles on defense.
Dylan Cardwell and Maxime Raynaud made an impact on the defensive end for the Sacramento Kings despite the team finishing with the third-worst defensive rating in NBA history last season.
The duo finished top 10 in blocks among rookies. Cardwell ranked third with 67 blocks behind New Orleans Pelicans center Derik Queen, and Raynaud tied with Philadelphia 76ers guard VJ Edgecomb for eighth with 39.
Cardwell's placement is impressive given he played the second-fewest games on this list. He played 44 games, six games more than Dallas Mavericks center Moussa Cisse.
The undrafted rookie averaged 1.5 blocks, and his role increased with Domantas Sabonis sidelined due to season-ending surgery on a torn right meniscus. Coach Doug Christie brought him off the bench for 20.6 minutes per game.
Sacramento desperately needed defense, and Cardwell rose to the challenge. His elite rim protection helped win close games during the final stretch.
Cardwell single-handedly protected his team's lead in its 117-113 victory over the Pelicans on April 3.
He blocked Zion Williamson's layup with less than 15 seconds remaining and shared an energetic celebration with Russell Westbrook. One possession later, he guarded Jeremiah Fears down the court and blocked his dunk attempt.
The 24-year-old began his career on a two-year contract and signed a four-year $8.28 million standard contract in February.
Raynaud isn't known for his defense, but there could be untapped potential for the 7-foot-1 Frenchman. He has the towering size of a rim protector; the instincts need to follow.
Sacramento played drop coverage when he was on the court. Raynaud saw guards attack him downhill, and sometimes blocked shots after absorbing the initial contact.
In those scenarios, the second-round pick needs to keep his hands up and eyes on the ball to time his blocks. That's where he can improve as a defender and become a reliable rim protector by altering shots.
Offensively, he's supremely talented. He has a soft touch around the rim and developed a strong two-man game with Westbrook. The second-round pick credited much of his success to the veteran guard, who recently retired.
Westbrook assisted on 17 of Raynaud's career-high 32 points against the San Antonio Spurs in March. It was an impressive performance that played a significant role in winning the Western Conference Rookie of the Month award.
Raynaud also earned a nod to the All-Rookie Second Team after the season ended.
Sacramento has a talented young frontcourt with Cardwell and Raynaud. The duo needs to continue making strides as defenders to strengthen the team's defense and put themselves in a better position to win games.
