Dylan Cardwell brings an X-factor the Kings need on the court

If there's one thing the Sacramento Kings are lacking, and it is not just one thing, it's energy. They are not fired up in the least and need to find some passion for the game. That's where Dylan Cardwell comes in, who seemed like he was having the time of his life against the Blazers last night.

It's hard to blame the Kings' roster for being a little down right now. They are dead last in both the Pacific Division and the Western Conference. A significant portion of the roster is injured. Most of that same roster has no idea if or when they will be traded, though they know trades are coming.

Add to that the fact they're playing for a head coach who seems to be at war with his biggest stars, and it's not hard to imagine that morale is pretty low in the locker room. Frankly, more than a few members of the current roster are probably happy about the potential to be traded.

All of that is what makes the presence of the rookies so important to the Kings. They're just happy to be in the NBA and playing basketball professionally. That's the kind of energy Sacramento fans need to see from their team, with one rookie in particular bringing that heat.

Dylan Cardwell to the rescue

After going undrafted, the Kings signed Cardwell over the summer of 2025. He has spent most of the season either on the bench or in Stockton playing some really good ball in the G League. Sacramento's recent spate of injuries got him called up and on the NBA court.

It's only been a couple of games, but he's doing great work for the Kings, particularly on defense. Even more importantly, Cardwell is absolutely fired up to be there and be playing basketball for the Sacramento fans in the Golden 1 Center. They absolutely love this guy.

Keeping in mind how bad the season has gone, it would be easy for fans to be jaded and frustrated. Instead, they were going off the rails, cheering Cardwell on at home last night. He picked up five blocks against the Blazers and wanted the fans as excited as him.

Yes, Dylan Cardwell is a great defensive player and has the potential to put up some points once he gets rolling. But you cannot teach that level of enthusiasm or manufacture that kind of connection with the crowd. The Kings need Cardwell, now and into the future.