Dylan Cardwell: "Take a Chance on Me"
Dylan Cardwell is a 23-year-old senior with a rather unimpressive statline. However, there still may be a lot to like about the big man from Auburn.
Dylan Cardwell spent 5 seasons at Auburn. He never really stuffed the stat sheet and didn’t average more than 20 minutes per game until his final season. However, he was always impactful, especially this past season. He received high praise from his coaches and was part of a special Auburn run to the Final 4. Here’s why I think the winningest player in Auburn history might be an intriguing option for an NBA team in need of big depth:
Basic Stats (2024-2025): 20.3 MPG, 5.0 PPG, 1.6 APG, 5.1 RPG, 0.8 SPG, 1.4 BPG, 0.6 TO, 70.0% FG
Pros:
Frame and Athleticism
Cardwell stands at 6’11” and is an imposing force. He has the ultimate combination of height, strength, and athleticism
He is a prime lob target and looks to dunk the ball every time its in his hands
He moves defenders easily and uses his physical traits to generate second chance opportunities (14.1% Off Rebound %, 95th percentile)
He sets good screens and is also a good cutter. He put up a 70th percentile PPP as a roll man and a 70th percentile PPP as a cutter
Efficiency around the rim
Cardwell takes advantage of his frame and strength by generating easy looks for himself at the rim
He generated 1.55 PPS at the rim (98th percentile) and put up a 70.4% eFG overall
He doesn’t get too cute. He puts the ball down, goes through contact, and dunks the ball. The volume and counting stats may be low, but he takes advantage of pretty much opportunity he gets down low
Passing
What’s often overlooked about Cardwell is his skillfulness. He has physical gifts that he uses to his advantage but he makes good decisions as well
One thing that immediately jumps out is his Ast/Tov ratio: 2.90x, 99th percentile.
He sees the floor really well and doesn’t rush. A lot of his assists come after he grabs an offensive board. Even when getting swarmed by 3 defenders at the rim, he has the poise to simply secure the ball and find open shooters quickly
Cardwell is also great for running handoffs. His frame makes it difficult for guards to get around him and this creates great looks for his teammates
Defense
Cardwell is simply a brick wall in the interior. On offense, he uses his size and hops to finish lobs. On defense, uses those traits to swat shots.
1.4 BPG, 7.4% Block % (91st percentile), 9.8% Hakeem % (94th percentile)
45.7% FG against at the rim
Aside from being a great shot blocker, Cardwell is also fairly versatile
0.229 PPP in Isolation (99th percentile) and 23.0% Time (99th percentile)
He moves his feet pretty well for such a big player and does a good job staying in front of his man, even against smaller guards. He obviously won’t be asked to guard Isos super often in the NBA but his defense in those situations highlights some really nice defensive qualities that he has
Cons:
Draft Age and Counting Stats
Despite his physical traits and the skillfulness he’s flashed, it’s jst hard to see an NBA team drafting a 23 year old, 5th-year center with unimpressive counting stats.
Free Throws
Bad would be an understatement. He shot 32.4% from the line this past season. This has to get better or he will be a Hack-a-Shaq candidate and will be unplayable in many situations
Fouling
This is Cardwell’s biggest knock as a defender. He simply concedes way too many free throws. He committed 5.0 PF/40
A lot of the fouls he commits are unnecessary. He bites on fakes and defends with his hands too much
Final Take: The reality is, Dylan Cardwell is probably not getting drafted. He’s played five years in college and only averaged 5 PPG this past season. He can’t make free throws and he fouls A LOT. However, I truly think Cardwell has some impressive qualities. His physical advantages are obvious, he’s exactly what you want in a big man. However, I believe his counting stats mask the fact that he is a truly skilled player. He doesn’t need to do anything fancy to be efficient at the rim. On top of that, he has court vision and composure. You can expect him to make the most of the second-chance opportunities that he generates. Dylan Cardwell has the blueprint to be a solid center and I believe that a team in need of depth at the 5 could be well served in offering him a contract.
Draft Projection: Undrafted
Player Comp: Ariel Hukporti