If you follow anyone Auburn-related on Twitter, then you have definitely seen what Dylan Cardwell has been up to since he left the Plains for the Sacramento Kings. The beloved former Auburn player has quickly won over fans in California’s capital city with his enthusiasm and joyful play on the court, which were such a large part of the Neville Arena experience during his time with the Tigers.
Cardwell blocks a shot? He’s going to ask for more noise by putting his hand up to his ear toward the crowd. A nicely timed alley-oop from a teammate resulting in a Cardwell slam? He’s going to run down the court with his hands raised in the air.
"I told him it's important to stay true to who you are,” Russell Westbrook, his teammate on the Kings, said. “I'm loving how he's impacting the game in a variety of ways. It's good for our team."
Just watch these recent highlights, and you can see why playing with Cardwell would be so fun.
Russell Westbrook says he's supportive of rookie center Dylan Cardwell's energy that he brings on the floor:
— Frankie Cartoscelli (@FCartoscelli3) January 17, 2026
"I told him it's important to stay true to who you are. I'm loving how he's impacting the game in a variety of ways. It's good for our team."pic.twitter.com/0kdAE1zuok
DYLAN CARDWELL ARE YOU KIDDING ME pic.twitter.com/ptsQ9oHjjA
— Dylan Cardwell Muse (@dcardwellmuse) January 17, 2026
That last dunk is one example of how Cardwell has raised his game from a player no one saw being drafted to a producer as an NBA rookie. His defense earns his playing time, something that is valuable as teams look for players willing to be a force on that end of the floor, while his offense (and free throw shooting) still needs to come some ways, but any team would take what Cardwell gives defensively for his scoring six to eight points each game.
Cardwell brings the energy every night
It’s also an enthusiasm that many teams need during a grind of a stretch during the NBA season. Playing on back-to-back nights and all of the travel will take it out of every player, but Cardwell never seems to have a bad night, as far as having fun, on the court. It’s refreshing to see, although it comes as no surprise to anyone who watched Auburn during the past several seasons.
With Auburn struggling to find a leader on this year’s team, it makes you wonder how much of a difference Cardwell’s presence would be in the locker room and huddle.