The Sacramento Kings are witnessing a significant surge in the performance of rookie Dylan Cardwell, prompting calls for his elevation from a two-way contract to a full-time player on the main roster. In a thrilling matchup last night, the Kings secured their ninth victory of the season, with Cardwell showcasing his potential in what was undoubtedly his best performance yet.
Currently, Cardwell is navigating between the NBA and the G League while on a two-way contract. His contributions to the Kings have highlighted his readiness for the big leagues, including an impressive display against the Houston Rockets, where he achieved career highs of nine points and 11 rebounds in just 19 minutes on the court.
Despite this positive performance, Cardwell’s game was not without flaws; notably, he did not record a block—an unusual statistic for him—and he struggled with shooting efficiency, hitting only four of 11 attempts from the field. Additionally, he had five fouls, demonstrating an area that still needs improvement. However, considering he has played only 12 NBA games so far, Cardwell’s rapid advancement in skill is commendable.
Under the league’s regulations, players on two-way contracts can only participate in a maximum of 50 games at the NBA level in a single season. With 38 games remaining, Sacramento has an opportunity to secure Cardwell’s potential contribution going forward, especially since he is presently ineligible for postseason play—a further reason to integrate him into the main roster sooner rather than later.
The Kings are encouraged to consider converting Cardwell’s two-way contract. His minutes on the court already surpass some current deep bench players, including notable names like Dario Saric and Doug McDermott. The Kings would benefit from making roster adjustments to ensure Cardwell is included as a key component of their rebuilding efforts.
With exceptional defensive capabilities, an improving offensive game, and unmatched energy, Dylan Cardwell represents a significant asset for the Kings. Moving him into a permanent position on the main roster could not only enhance the team’s performance but also solidify his growth trajectory within the league. As the season progresses, the focus will be on optimizing the squad to harness the full potential of promising players like Cardwell.