The Sacramento Kings have many needs as they try to get back into the postseason, and they may have gotten the guard they covet in Arkansas’ Darius Acuff Jr.
In 36 games for the Razorbacks, Acuff Jr. averaged 23.5 points, 6.4 assists, and 3.1 rebounds per game while shooting 48.4% from the field, 44.0% from three, and 80.9% from the free throw line.
With his ability to score, this pick has received high praise, which isn’t something the Kings are accustomed to.
NBA World Reacts to Kings Selecting Darius Acuff Jr.
Although there have been some questions about Acuff, his talent is obvious, and the NBA world clearly believes in Acuff’s ability.
“Darius Acuff WILL BE a star in the NBA,” writes Ryan Hammer. “Way too talented & natural on the ball at such a young age, insane feel, efficient splits, takeover ability, confidence & aggression, Coach cal guard. Kings need this one they got it.”
Darius Acuff WILL BE a star in the NBA.
Way too talented & natural on the ball at such a young age, insane feel, efficient splits, takeover ability, confidence & aggression, Coach cal guard.
Kings need this one they got it 👑⭐️ pic.twitter.com/8LjdUEbTsM
— Ryan Hammer🔨 (@ryanhammer09) June 24, 2026
Acuff’s coach at Arkansas, former National Champion John Calipari, was very proud of his former player and posted a picture of them together.
“With NBA Lottery pick and Sacramento Kings Guard Darius Acuff Jr!!! Congratulations to the entire family! The Kings are getting a fierce competitor and winner,” wrote Calipari.
With NBA Lottery pick and Sacramento Kings Guard Darius Acuff Jr!!! Congratulations to the entire family! The Kings are getting a fierce competitor and winner https://t.co/pk7T9H8e8b
— John Calipari (@CoachCalArk) June 24, 2026
Ethan Minton was very excited about the selection.
“Welcome to the Sacramento Kings, Darius Acuff Jr!” Minton wrote. “The Beam Team just gained a generational offensive prospect who can score on all three levels! He showed out at the University of Arkansas under coach John Calipari, and now it’s official… he’s a King!”
Welcome to the Sacramento Kings, Darius Acuff Jr!
The Beam Team just gained a generational offensive prospect who can score on all three levels!
He showed out at the University of Arkansas under coach John Calipari, and now it’s official… he’s a King! pic.twitter.com/Gf4sUS9Cww
— Ethan Minton (@ETrainSports) June 24, 2026
According to ESPN’s Anthony Slater, this has been the Kings’ target throughout the draft process.
“The Kings sit in the seventh slot and grab Darius Acuff Jr., the scoring guard who general manager Scott Perry targeted throughout this draft process,” reports Slater. “Acuff becomes the spotlight player on the ground floor of Sacramento’s rebuild.”
The Kings sit in the seventh slot and grab Darius Acuff Jr., the scoring guard who general manager Scott Perry targeted throughout this draft process. Acuff becomes the spotlight player on the ground floor of Sacramento’s rebuild.
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) June 24, 2026
Jon Chepkevich of Draft Express is also a fan of the selection.
“The Sacramento Kings nab Darius Acuff Jr. with the 7th overall pick of the 2026 NBA Draft,” said Chepkevich. “Acuff put forth a historical freshman campaign, leading the SEC with 23.5 PPG and 6.4 APG on a 44.0 3P% while leading Arkansas to their first SEC title since 2000. Offensive engine.”
The Sacramento Kings nab Darius Acuff Jr. with the 7th overall pick of the 2026 NBA Draft.
Acuff put forth a historical freshman campaign, leading the SEC with 23.5 PPG and 6.4 APG on a 44.0 3P% while leading Arkansas to their first SEC title since 2000.
Offensive engine. pic.twitter.com/ooUG8GBXDs
— Jon Chepkevich (@JonChep) June 24, 2026
The Kings have so often been a team without hope or direction, so it’s easy to see why the fans can get behind a pick like this.
Acuff emerged as the best guard in the country during his lone season at Arkansas under John Calipari. Standing at 6’3 with a strong build, he plays with confidence and controls the game at a speed most defenders struggle to keep up with.
Acuff is a creative scorer who can beat defenders off the dribble, score from anywhere on the court, and finish through contact with either hand. He stands out in isolation and pick-and-roll situations, using skill and composure to create offense against any defense.
Although he is known for creating his own shots, he also shows promise as a playmaker, using his awareness to find open teammates when defenses close in.
Defensively, Acuff leaves a lot to be desired, but his strength and effort help balance out his average quickness. Acuff looks like a confident lead guard who can control the game for long stretches.
