Darius Acuff Jr. leads Kings to Summer League victories

Nineteen‑year‑old guard Darius Acuff Jr., the No. 7 overall pick of the 2026 NBA draft, has become the offensive focal point for the Sacramento Kings in the NBA Summer League. In the opening game against the Nets, Acuff scored 25 points on 29 attempts, hitting a decisive three‑pointer in the final minutes of a 79‑76 win. He followed that with a 22‑point performance against the Bucks, shooting 7‑for‑19 and adding two blocks, a steal and a late self‑created three that sealed the victory.

Acuff’s high‑volume shooting—48 attempts across two games—suggests his role could mirror his projected NBA usage. While critics noted his defensive limitations, he showed signs of improvement and contributed in multiple statistical categories. The Kings, in a rebuilding phase after securing several top‑10 draft picks, view Acuff as a cornerstone of their future offensive strategy.

The team's next Summer League matchup is set for Las Vegas against the Clippers, where Acuff will continue to test his rookie transition under the spotlight of a rebuilding franchise.