Hustle, energy, and blocks define Cardwell's unique NBA impact. This undrafted rookie is proving doubters wrong, securing a multimillion-dollar contract and a vital role with the Sacramento Kings.
Sacramento Kings' Dylan Cardwell is paving his own way to the NBA, doing so through hustle and energy.
The rookie center is not a high-level scorer, averaging just 5.4 points per game this season. But this is not a revelation for the scrappy big man.
"In college I averaged five points per game, I rebounded the ball five times per game, I averaged like 1.6 blocks per game," Cardwell told reporters on Jan. 21, after the Kings fell 117-109 to the visiting Toronto Raptors. "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."
Cardwell later went viral for adding that he has never scored more than 15 points in a game, dating back to high school. However, this has not affected the undrafted prospect from Auburn, as he has carved out a significant role on the Kings.
After originally being signed to a two-way deal, allowing him to play both in the NBA and the G League, Cardwell earned a standard four-year, NBA contract worth roughly $8.3 million.
Also speaking to reporters after the loss to Toronto, Kings coach Doug Christie told reporters he knew "right away" that Cardwell belonged in the Association.
"We value what he does. And I don't think everybody values what he does. But for us, defense really means something. Rebounding really means something. Rim protection really means something. Communication really means something.
"Now we need to polish it and buff it," Christie said. "But the base of who he is -- all of that. That physicality, setting screens, communication -- it's at a high level."
Unfortunately, Cardwell injured his ankle in practice two weeks ago, keeping him sidelined since Feb. 11. Despite missing this stretch, Cardwell still ranks first in blocks per game among rookies, averaging 1.6 per contest.
Cardwell has been a block-machine, recording 13 straight games, from Jan. 18 to Feb 9, with a rejection. In nine of these games, Cardwell swatted away two or more shots, with his highest total coming in a four-block showing against the Raptors.
His best offensive outing was a 14-point, 14-rebound double-double against the Los Angeles Clippers in early February. Cardwell dominated the offensive glass, pulling in eight offensive boards, while providing himself and his teammates second-chance opportunities.
Cardwell will be re-evaluated in the coming weeks as he looks to return from injury and with starting Kings center Domantas Sabonis sidelined for the remainder of the season, Cardwell's playing time will remain imperative for a thin Kings frontcourt.
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