Warriors Regretting Passing on Auburn Star in Last Year’s Draft
Auburn legend Dylan Cardwell is making several NBA teams especially the Golden State Warriors — second-guess their decisions from the 2025 NBA Draft.
Cardwell helped the Auburn Tigers capture multiple SEC titles and reach one of the program’s rare Final Fours. Now, he’s proving just as valuable to the Sacramento Kings, who scooped him up as an undrafted free agent one of their few universally praised roster moves.
Sacramento isn’t earning much admiration for bringing together the struggling former Chicago Bulls duo Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan, but they are getting credit for landing Cardwell. Meanwhile, the Warriors are left wondering what they missed.
As Peter O’Keefe of Blue Man Hoop explained, Golden State is feeling buyer’s remorse after choosing Australian prospect Alex Toohey originally taken 52nd overall by Phoenix and now stuck with the G League’s Santa Cruz Warriors without a single NBA minute played instead of the SEC-proven Cardwell.
O’Keefe noted that even if Cardwell never develops into a full-time NBA starter, he still has the potential to be “one that got away,” particularly if Toohey never becomes part of Golden State’s future plans.
Cardwell’s NBA Upside
With his defensive energy, rim-finishing ability, and hustle, Cardwell fits the mold of a productive, low-minute center the kind of player teams love to plug into high-impact roles. Surrounded by strong offensive wings or paired with a capable pick-and-roll guard, he brings clear value.
O’Keefe doesn’t project Cardwell as a long-term starter, but a development path similar to Naz Reid would be a nightmare for the rest of the league. Cardwell has legitimate NBA size, nonstop effort, and strong locker-room intangibles traits that don’t always come in the same package.
Sacramento found a gem last offseason and their rivals are wishing they had discovered him first.
