Easily one of the best parts of a rough Sacramento Kings' season has been Dylan Cardwell. His infectious energy, combined with his elite rim protection and enthusiastic dunks, has made him a fan favorite. An injury has sidelined him, but the Kings need to protect him and bring him back slowly.
Cardwell was part of the 2025 NBA Draft Class, but no team chose to pick him up. During the offseason, the Kings decided to sign him to a two-way contract. For the first part of the season, Cardwell spent most of his time in the G League, playing great basketball.
Then, the injury bug climbed inside a steamroller, driving it back and forth over the Kings' roster. Suddenly, rookies like Maxime Raynaud found themselves as starters. And in the case of Raynaud, he has played so well that he continues to find himself a regular on the Kia Rookie Ladder.
This run of injuries also gave Cardwell a chance to pick up some rotations on the main roster, and he has impressed the entire league. He's one of the top shot blockers and rebounders among rookies in the NBA. He's done so well that the Kings signed him to a full NBA contract.
The Kings needs to resist the urge to bring Cardwell back too soon
Unfortunately, Sacramento announced that Cardwell injured his ankle in a practice during the All-Star break. It will leave him sidelined for a minimum of 14 games, with the team planning to re-evaluate him a month after the injury. That doesn't mean he'll be ready to come back by then, of course.
The Kings have no need to rush Cardwell back from his injury. While he has become a key part of their defense, Sacramento has a long way to go before they can even consider the postseason a possibility. It would be worse if his injury is exacerbated, and his recovery time is extended.
For argument's sake, assume he is ready to return after a 14-game absence. That only leaves 12 games left in the Kings' season, as everyone knows they are not making the Play-In or Playoffs. Cardwell being on the court for a handful of games is not going to turn things around.
For the Sacramento Kings, 2025-2026 is over. They just have to get through the remaining games, make it to the offseason, and focus on both the draft and getting some trades done. Give Cardwell the time he needs to heal and get ready for next season because he has work to do.