Former Auburn center sees RED during his rookie NBA season

As the NBA Finals tip off this Wednesday between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs, the league crowns its 2025-26 champion. For the 10th consecutive year, the roster of the title-winning team will be devoid of any player hailing from an Alabama high school or college. The last NBA champion with roots in the state remains Mo Williams, who secured a title with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016.

While many of the 23 players with Alabama connections are spending their downtime recovering or preparing for the next chapter, former Auburn standout Dylan Cardwell stands out as a true success story. His journey to a guaranteed NBA roster spot was far from a certainty.

From Unheralded Prospect to NBA Rotation

Cardwell’s collegiate career at Auburn featured a school-record 166 appearances, yet his modest averages of 4.2 points and 3.9 rebounds per game didn't scream "NBA prospect" to the masses. Even during Auburn’s 2024-25 Final Four run, he averaged just 5.0 points and 5.1 rebounds.

Undeterred, Cardwell signed a two-way deal with the Sacramento Kings. He quickly proved his worth, earning a four-year, $8.284 million contract that locks him in through the 2026-27 season. Sacramento coach Doug Christie noted the impact, stating, "Dylan, he wasn’t even drafted. And he affects winning like nobody’s business." Even in a challenging 22-60 season, teammate Malik Monk pointed to Cardwell as a primary source of joy.

The 'RED' Philosophy

Cardwell credits former Auburn assistant KT Harrell for instilling a specific mantra that paved his way to the professional ranks. Cardwell explained that "RED" stands for Rebound, Energy, and Defense. By embracing the "dirty work" often overlooked by high-scoring stars, Cardwell found his niche.

"I’m going to be the best rebounder on the court, I’m going to play with the most effort and energy on the court and I’m going to defend the best on the court," Cardwell said. "I got to give a big shoutout to KT Harrell because if it wasn’t for him, I don’t know where I’d be at if it wasn’t for those three words, those three letters."

Proving He Belongs

Cardwell’s breakthrough moment arrived in mid-December. After a stint in the G League, he capitalized on his opportunity against the Portland Trail Blazers with eight points, seven rebounds, and three blocks. He later held his own against the physical frontcourts of the Houston Rockets and Detroit Pistons, realizing he had the physicality to hang with the best in the league.

By season's end, Cardwell had logged 44 games, averaging 5.4 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks in 20.6 minutes per contest. On a per-minute basis, he ranked fifth in the NBA in blocked shots. Now, he is fully locked in on the off-season. "We have a plan going forward," Cardwell said, "but I’m excited to come back this next year and be better."