Like many members of the Sacramento Kings, Dylan Cardwell is currently out injured. Hopefully, he should be back soon. If Doug Christie is smart, he'll begin the process of putting together a line of young players with Cardwell at center. That is how Sacramento really starts building for the future.
There's no question that Cardwell's rise was one of the biggest feel-good stories in the NBA last season. He went from undrafted to a two-way contract to a full member of the Kings' main roster in a matter of months. It was fantastic to see someone put the work in and get the opportunity he earned.
Cardwell fills some serious gaps for the Kings, particularly on defense. He's a dangerous man in the paint and is already considered an elite-level shot blocker. On offense, Cardwell is a legit lob threat, not to mention one of the best offensive rebounders in the game. The Kings are really missing him.
Back in the preseason, Cardwell sustained a left calf strain that has caused him to miss the first few games of the season so far. He has reportedly started on-court activities as part of his rehabilitation and return, with a re-evaluation coming in the next couple of days.
Cardwell could be the face of the next generation
When he does make his inevitable return, the Kings need to make good use of Cardwell and not just use him as a third-string center. There is a real opportunity to build a line around him that puts this team's young guns to work on a whole new level. This will, of course, require one more key return.
Maxime Raynaud is also out injured and will take a bit longer to come back. When he does, the move is to make Cardwell the center, Raynaud the power forward, Alex Karaban the small forward, Nique Clifford the shooting guard, and lock in Darius Acuff Jr. as the point guard.
Once they find a groove together, this group would be lethal. Four out of five of them are good defenders. Between Cardwell and Raynaud, they're pulling down all the offensive rebounds and feeding Acuff. Plus, Clifford and Karaban will find their way to being long-range threats.
This line puts all five players in positions that will use them perfectly alongside teammates who match their energy and complement their respective skill sets. It all starts with Cardwell at center. His charisma, positivity, and confidence make him a natural leader. He is the future of the Kings.
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