RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesDylan Cardwell was one of the best shot blockers last season despite playing less than 70% of the Sacramento Kings ' games, which could put him above his All-Rookie teammate Maxime Raynaud.
It sounds absurd that an undrafted player may play more than his teammate, who was a top-10 rookie. But Domantas Sabonis returning healthy from a torn meniscus has shaken up the rotation.
Sabonis, without a doubt, is the starting center. The three-time All-Star averaged a double-double (15.8 points and 11.4 rebounds) and is a playmaking hub, serving as an initiator and finding open teammates.
Defense is his weakness, as he's not an average rim protector, averaging 0.5 career blocks.
To offset Sabonis' defensive deficiencies, Sacramento can run double big lineups. In his exit interview, the Kings big man said he was excited to run two big lineups, but his season-ending surgery prevented that.
Pairing Cardwell with Sabonis creates a duo that mitigates both of their weaknesses. The second-year undrafted center can anchor the defense and secure extra possessions while his duo-mate focuses on running the offense.
Cardwell averaged 1.5 blocks throughout the season, which would put him in a five-way tie with players like Ryan Kalkbrenner and Robert Williams III. He posted a career-high five blocks on multiple occasions; once against the Portland Trail Blazers and the New Orleans Pelicans .
One of his five blocks against the Pelicans was a game-saving denial on Zion Williamson.
That's not to say Raynaud can't play with Sabonis, but he is a redundant skill set. The 7-foot Frenchman can attack closeouts off the three-point line and has a nice touch floater in the pick-and-roll.
Becoming a legitimate floor spacer is the best way for the All-Rookie Second Teamer to fit with Sabonis. Raynaud shot 32.4% from three on one attempt last season, and experimented more in Summer League. He went 2-for-5 from beyond the arc in Sacramento's blowout loss to the Washington Wizards .
If he converts more three-pointers, his fit next to the Lithuanian center is more plausible.
The preseason is the perfect time for Coach Doug Christie to figure out which double big lineups are sustainable. Sacramento will play five preseason games in October, facing the Los Angeles Lakers twice, the Golden State Warriors , San Antonio Spurs and the Trail Blazers.
It will be in a limited sample size, as stars typically don't play more than 24 minutes in the preseason. Raynaud may be the better talent, but Cardwell could be the better fit next to Sabonis.
Sacramento has found an undrafted hidden gem that could play more than its second-round center, who earned Western Conference Player of the Month in March and All-Rookie Second Team .
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