The Sacramento Kings hand the offensive reins to Darius Acuff Jr. as their 2026 NBA Draft first rounder. The Arkansas scoring guard entered Tuesday linked to the Western Conference franchise. But no one is more over the moon about this selection than John Calipari.
“Coach Cal” showed how hyped he was after the selection got made.
Darius Acuff Jr. is headed to SacTown
Coach Cal was hyped to see his guy drafted by the Kings at No. 7
pic.twitter.com/nkg3AkF4rD
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) June 24, 2026
Once again the pick felt obvious for Sacramento for multiple reasons. Russell Westbrook is aging and on his final NBA run. Injuries stung the Kings too at point guard, including Westbrook missing action momentarily. Devin Carter and Malik Monk earned action in his place, though the latter became a subject of December trade rumors.
Acuff walks into the league earning hefty praise, especially from ESPN commentator Kendrick Perkins.
“When you talk about a three-level score, when you talk about a guy 6’2 that’s going to get a bucket NBA ready, elite offensive player being able to create off the bounce, here it is right here getting to his [midrange],” Perkins said during the pre-draft preview.
The past NBA Finals winner with the Boston Celtics raved about Acuff’s “elite vision” on the floor too. He even likened Acuff’s quickness through traffic to a snake who can still attack downhill.
Acuff will spark renewed energy for a team itching for relevancy again. Especially after the Kings watched former head coach Mike Brown celebrate winning the NBA Finals title with the New York Knicks. Sacramento also watched past star De’Aaron Fox lead the San Antonio Spurs to the championship round.
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