5 Reasons Why Dylan Cardwell Is The Sacramento Kings' Next Defensive Anchor
The NBA Draft may be over for Dylan Cardwell, but his professional journey is just beginning. As of late December 2025, the former Auburn Tigers center is no longer a prospect waiting on draft night; he is a professional basketball player signed to a Two-Way Contract with the Sacramento Kings organization. This path—going undrafted and proving his worth in the G League—is a fresh, high-stakes narrative that highlights his tenacity and NBA-ready skill set, particularly on the defensive end of the floor.
The transition from a collegiate defensive stalwart to a G League dominator has been swift, with Cardwell putting up eye-popping numbers for the Stockton Kings. His performance is a clear signal to Sacramento's front office that they may have found a hidden gem—an explosive, 6'11" rim protector whose relentless energy could soon earn him a permanent spot on the main roster. This article breaks down his complete profile, his current impact, and the compelling reasons why he is poised to become a key rotation piece for the Kings.
Dylan Cardwell: Complete Player Profile & Biography
Dylan Cardwell’s journey is defined by his development into one of college basketball's most impactful, albeit underappreciated, defensive centers. He spent five seasons at Auburn, culminating in a senior year where his defensive prowess was undeniable.
- Full Name: Dylan Cardwell
- Born: December 16, 2001 (Age 24 as of late 2025)
- Hometown: Evans, Georgia
- College: Auburn University (2020–2025)
- Position: Center (C) / Power Forward (PF)
- Height: 6'11" (208cm)
- Weight: 255 lbs (116kg)
- Wingspan: 7'0.75" (Measured at G League Elite Camp)
- NBA Status: Two-Way Contract with the Sacramento Kings
- G League Team: Stockton Kings
- College Achievements: SEC Regular Season Champion (one season)
The Undrafted Path: Dominating the G League with the Stockton Kings
Instead of being selected in the 2025 NBA Draft, Dylan Cardwell signed a crucial Two-Way Contract with the Sacramento Kings. This type of contract allows teams to carry three extra players who can shuttle between the main NBA roster and the G League affiliate, offering a direct development pipeline.
Cardwell has embraced his role with the Stockton Kings, quickly establishing himself as a force in the minor league. His G League statistics are a stark contrast to his more limited role at Auburn, showcasing his ability to produce when given starter minutes.
G League Performance: A Double-Double Machine
His early performance in the G League has been nothing short of dominant, focusing on the two areas the NBA values most in a modern center: rebounding and rim protection.
- Points Per Game (PTS): Approximately 11.0
- Rebounds Per Game (REB): Approximately 12.9 (Elite for the G League)
- Standout Game: A recent victory saw him log 14 points, an impressive 15 rebounds, and three blocks, demonstrating his two-way impact.
These numbers prove that Cardwell possesses the physical tools and motor to be a consistent double-double threat. His high-energy play and rebounding instincts are exactly what a team like the Kings looks for in a developmental big man to back up All-Star center Domantas Sabonis.
Why Cardwell’s Defense Is NBA-Ready Right Now
The primary reason for Cardwell's NBA potential lies in his elite defensive profile. His scouting reports consistently praise him as an "explosive lob-finishing big with elite rim protection instincts." While his offensive game remains raw, his defensive capabilities are considered ready for the highest level of basketball.
1. Elite Rim Protection and Physical Tools
Cardwell's massive 7-foot-plus wingspan and NBA-ready 255-pound frame allow him to anchor a defense effectively. He is a true vertical threat, capable of altering or outright blocking shots without fouling. His ability to move his hips and core strength are keys to his success in the paint, making him a "physical center" that attracted the attention of teams like the Knicks and Cavaliers during pre-draft workouts.
2. The "Team Defense" Master
During his time at Auburn, Cardwell was lauded as one of the best team defenders in college basketball, a skill often overlooked in favor of individual block totals. He demonstrated a rare feel for a physical center, showcasing advanced screen-setting and short-roll passing ability. This high basketball IQ on defense, including his on/off differential, led many analysts to argue he should have been named to the SEC All-Defensive Team.
He has a proven ability to shut down various opponents, including other 7-footers, which is a critical skill for a center in the modern, positionless NBA.
3. Explosive Lob Threat and Transition Runner
Offensively, Cardwell’s role is simple and effective: a vertical spacer. He is an explosive athlete who runs the floor exceptionally well for a player his size, making him a prime target for alley-oops and transition baskets. In the modern NBA, a center who can finish lobs and put pressure on the rim is a valuable commodity, especially in a fast-paced system like the Sacramento Kings' offense, which relies heavily on transition play and pick-and-roll action with players like De'Aaron Fox, Malik Monk, and Keegan Murray.
The Future: Earning a Standard Contract and Addressing Key Challenges
The path from a Two-Way Contract to a fully guaranteed NBA roster spot is challenging but entirely achievable. For Cardwell, his future success hinges on a few key factors, primarily his ability to continue dominating the G League and demonstrating incremental improvement in his weaknesses.
The Non-Shooting Hurdle
The most significant challenge for Cardwell is his lack of a perimeter jump shot. He is openly a "non-shooter," which limits his offensive versatility in an era where centers are increasingly required to stretch the floor. For him to earn a permanent spot, his elite defense, rebounding, and lob-finishing must outweigh this limitation. He needs to become a truly elite interior player, a specialist who can change the dynamic of a game with his defense and energy alone.
The Kings’ Big Man Rotation
The Sacramento Kings' center rotation is currently anchored by Domantas Sabonis, a perennial All-Star. Cardwell’s competition for a backup role will be fierce, but his unique defensive profile offers something different from the Kings' current options. His ability to protect the rim and switch onto smaller players in short bursts could make him an ideal defensive change-of-pace option off the bench. Continued stellar play for the Stockton Kings is the only way to force the Kings' hand and secure a standard contract conversion, potentially by the mid-point of the 2025-2026 season.
Dylan Cardwell is one of the most intriguing undrafted centers to enter the league in recent memory. His Two-Way Contract is not an end, but a launching pad. By leveraging his elite defensive instincts, NBA-ready frame, and the valuable minutes he is receiving with the Stockton Kings, he is on the perfect trajectory to prove that he is not just an NBA prospect, but a full-fledged NBA player ready to contribute to a playoff contender like the Sacramento Kings.
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