The Sacramento Kings seem centered on including a long-term reply at level guard, and one prospect is rising as a critical candidate forward of the 2026 NBA Draft.
In accordance with NBA insider Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, Sacramento is “enamored” with Arkansas guard Darius Acuff Jr., a prospect who suits an organizational want after a disappointing 22-60 season that left the Kings with the No. 7 total choose within the 2026 NBA Draft.
Scotto reported that Kings common supervisor Scott Perry has a private connection to Acuff’s background. Perry beforehand coached Darius Acuff Sr. at Japanese Kentucky, making a layer of familiarity as Sacramento evaluates potential backcourt choices.
“It’s value noting Sacramento’s common supervisor, Scott Perry, coached Darius Acuff Sr. at Japanese Kentucky, as Sacramento is seeking a long-term ground common for the long run,” Scotto wrote for HoopsHype. “Ought to Acuff Jr. be off the board, different guards resembling Keaton Wagler, Mikel Brown Jr., and Kingston Flemings could possibly be obtainable.”
The timing of Sacramento’s reported curiosity aligns with a roster that lacks a transparent long-term reply at lead guard. Russell Westbrook led the workforce with 6.7 assists per sport whereas functioning in a number of roles, but he’s 37 and never a long-term answer as a major initiator.
Youthful guards resembling Devin Carter and Killian Hayes stay developmental items, however neither established himself as a constant full-time ground common in the course of the season. Sacramento completed 14th within the Western Convention after going 22-60, growing strain to strengthen a roster constructed round veterans Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan and Domantas Sabonis.
Acuff’s profile explains why Sacramento might view him as a match.
The Arkansas freshman produced one of many strongest particular person seasons in faculty basketball, averaging 23.5 factors, 6.4 assists and three.1 rebounds throughout 36 begins whereas taking pictures 48.4% from the sphere and 44.0% from three-point vary. He additionally transformed 80.9% of his free throws and earned a number of first-team All-America honors.
The draft board might complicate Sacramento’s plans.
The Kings maintain the No. 7 choose, whereas the Washington Wizards, Utah Jazz, Memphis Grizzlies, Chicago Bulls, LA Clippers and Brooklyn Nets all choose forward of them. If Acuff is unavailable, Scotto reported Sacramento might pivot towards guards together with Keaton Wagler, Mikel Brown Jr. or Kingston Flemings.
The 2026 NBA Draft is scheduled for June 23-24 at Barclays Middle in Brooklyn, leaving Sacramento with a month to find out whether or not Acuff is the franchise’s subsequent lead guard.
