Kings rookie Dylan Cardwell reveals on-court goals after ankle rehab
· Yahoo Sports
Sacramento Kings rookie Dylan Cardwell returned to practice Friday and is nearing a return to game action following a sprained left ankle suffered last month.
Cardwell has missed the last 11 games because of the injury sustained on Feb. 17 during a workout at the team practice facility. He was removed from the injury report and is expected to be available to play Saturday on the road against the LA Clippers.
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Initially expected to miss at least four weeks, Cardwell said Friday that he is back to 100% after a productive rehabilitation period. He was appreciative of the team guiding him through such a meticulous recovery plan over the past month.
"It was cool to see that they want me to be 100% before I step back out," Cardwell said, via James Ham of ESPN 1320. "Obviously, this is my livelihood now, so I can't afford to go out there and look bad or potentially get hurt again. They did a good job with the rehab process and not rushing me back."
Cardwell is averaging 5.4 points, 7.7 rebounds, 1.6 blocks and 1.2 assists while shooting 59.8% shooting from the field in 29 appearances with the Kings. He was third among first-year players in offensive rebounds (91) and blocked shots (47) at the time of his injury.
The undrafted center from Auburn had appeared in 20 straight games for coach Doug Christie after playing sparingly to begin the season. He hauled in at least 10 rebounds in five straight games before his injury, which is still the longest streak by a rookie this season.
Cardwell was rewarded with a four-year contract last month after a productive stretch on the court. With 15 games remaining, Cardwell will look to maximize his time on the court and build positive momentum heading into next season.
"I'm really just trying to make sure I'm at least a threat on offense and score in the paint," Cardwell said. "Then, just trying to guard 1-5, having reps and not being afraid to fail."
This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: Kings news: Rookie Dylan Cardwell receives positive injury update