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After converting Dylan Cardwell to a standard contract, Sacramento Kings general manager Scott Perry spoke very highly of the rookie, even comparing him to a Hall of Famer.
Cardwell has emerged as a key contributor for the Kings, averaging 5.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.7 blocks and 1.1 assists while shooting 60.2% shooting from the field in 26 appearances. He is third among rookies in blocks (44) and fourth in offensive rebounds (79).
The 24-year-old signed a two-way contract with the Kings after going undrafted out of Auburn last year. The organization signed him to a four-year contract on Thursday after a productive start to the season, which he called a dream come true.
"It is something I've prayed for, for a very long time," Cardwell said, via Sactown Sports 1140. "There were moments in my life where I was very discouraged. ... I remember my first summer league basketball game where I had zero points and zero rebounds. There were so many trials along the way. My first training camp with Sacramento, I got a DNP in practice. I didn't sub in once; there was no rep for me to get. There were many times where I was very upset and frustrated with the process, but the lord gave me peace through it all and reminded me that he is for me."
Cardwell entered the 2025 NBA draft after five years with the Tigers, leaving tied for seventh all-time in career games played (128). He is the winningest player in program history, having helped the group to 121 career victories after arriving in 2020.
Despite earning only an invitation to the G League Elite Camp, Cardwell was on the Kings' radar early in the draft process. They were the only team to offer him a two-way contract after he impressed in a predraft workout. Perry is eager to watch his continued development.
Cardwell has appeared in each of the last 17 games for coach Doug Christie, averaging 5.7 points, 8.6 rebounds, 1.6 blocks and 1.2 assists. He finished with a career-high 14 points, 14 rebounds and two blocked shots on Friday in a loss to the LA Clippers.
With the Kings in last place in the Western Conference, the team will likely prioritize minutes for players like Cardwell for the remainder of the season. He wants to capitalize on his opportunity and play his brand of basketball for the group.
"Just being free and realizing that I got to be a threat out there offensively and try to look at the basket," Cardwell said. "That is something I'm trying to improve on. Just guarding, playing with high effort and energy, rebounding and just having fun defending."
This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: Kings news: Scott Perry sees similarities between Cardwell and a Hall of Famer
Continue reading...
Cardwell has emerged as a key contributor for the Kings, averaging 5.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.7 blocks and 1.1 assists while shooting 60.2% shooting from the field in 26 appearances. He is third among rookies in blocks (44) and fourth in offensive rebounds (79).
The 24-year-old signed a two-way contract with the Kings after going undrafted out of Auburn last year. The organization signed him to a four-year contract on Thursday after a productive start to the season, which he called a dream come true.
"It is something I've prayed for, for a very long time," Cardwell said, via Sactown Sports 1140. "There were moments in my life where I was very discouraged. ... I remember my first summer league basketball game where I had zero points and zero rebounds. There were so many trials along the way. My first training camp with Sacramento, I got a DNP in practice. I didn't sub in once; there was no rep for me to get. There were many times where I was very upset and frustrated with the process, but the lord gave me peace through it all and reminded me that he is for me."
Cardwell entered the 2025 NBA draft after five years with the Tigers, leaving tied for seventh all-time in career games played (128). He is the winningest player in program history, having helped the group to 121 career victories after arriving in 2020.
Despite earning only an invitation to the G League Elite Camp, Cardwell was on the Kings' radar early in the draft process. They were the only team to offer him a two-way contract after he impressed in a predraft workout. Perry is eager to watch his continued development.
Cardwell has appeared in each of the last 17 games for coach Doug Christie, averaging 5.7 points, 8.6 rebounds, 1.6 blocks and 1.2 assists. He finished with a career-high 14 points, 14 rebounds and two blocked shots on Friday in a loss to the LA Clippers.
With the Kings in last place in the Western Conference, the team will likely prioritize minutes for players like Cardwell for the remainder of the season. He wants to capitalize on his opportunity and play his brand of basketball for the group.
"Just being free and realizing that I got to be a threat out there offensively and try to look at the basket," Cardwell said. "That is something I'm trying to improve on. Just guarding, playing with high effort and energy, rebounding and just having fun defending."
This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: Kings news: Scott Perry sees similarities between Cardwell and a Hall of Famer
Continue reading...
