21Breakdown
Performance
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February 10, 2026
Grabs double-digit boards again
Cardwell closed Monday's 120-94 loss to the Pelicans with six points (3-5 FG), 11 rebounds, one assist, two blocks and two steals in 32 minutes off the bench.
Analysis
The Kings were down by 15 at halftime and gave younger players like Caldwell plenty of run in the rout. The undrafted rookie center responded to the big workload by pulling down double-digit rebounds for a fourth straight game, a stretch in which he's averaging 9.3 points, 11.8 boards, 1.8 assists, 1.5 blocks and 1.0 steals in 28.5 minutes. Domantas Sabonis (back) has been on the shelf for three of those contests, but even once he's healthy, Sacramento seems likely to prioritize the development of youngsters like Caldwell given the team's league-worst 12-43 record.
February 5, 2026
Gets upgraded from two-way deal
Cardwell agreed Thursday with the Kings on a four-year contract, Shams Charania of ESPN reports.
Analysis
As expected, the Kings ended up upgrading Cardwell from his two-way deal after the undrafted rookie out of Auburn had played his way into a regular spot in the NBA rotation. According to Charania, the first two seasons of Cardwell's deal will be fully guaranteed. While appearing in each of Sacramento's last 16 games, Cardwell has averaged 5.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, 1.6 blocks, 1.2 assists and 0.5 steals in 21.3 minutes per contest.
February 5, 2026
Grabs 11 boards in loss
Cardwell logged five points (1-2 FG, 3-4 FT), 11 rebounds, one assist and one block across 26 minutes during Wednesday's 129-125 loss to Memphis.
Analysis
Cardwell pulled down a game-high 11 rebounds, adding at least one block for the 10th straight game. Since entering the rotation, Cardwell has at least provided Sacramento with some much-needed energy, often resulting in borderline 12-team value. In seven games over the past two weeks, he has averaged 4.9 points, 6.7 rebounds and 1.9 blocks, putting him firmly on the streaming radar.
