High octane Dylan Cardwell is back (and Kings’ fans love it)

Sacramento Kings center Dylan Cardwell impressed fans in the team's preseason home opener against the Los Angeles Lakers. Writer Ian Goodwillie highlights that Cardwell showed heightened confidence and aggression, finishing the game with nine points, 10 rebounds, three assists, three steals, and one block while leading Sacramento in both total rebounds and steals.

Goodwillie notes that Cardwell, who went undrafted in 2025 before earning a standard NBA contract, remains a fan favorite in Sacramento. While praising Cardwell's energetic defense and rim-rattling dunks, Goodwillie points out that the sophomore still needs to reduce his five fouls and three turnovers.