The Sacramento Kings appear focused on adding a long-term answer at point guard, and one prospect is emerging as a serious candidate ahead of the 2026 NBA Draft.
According to NBA insider Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, Sacramento is “enamored” with Arkansas guard Darius Acuff Jr., a prospect who fits an organizational need after a disappointing 22-60 season that left the Kings with the No. 7 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
Scotto reported that Kings general manager Scott Perry has a personal connection to Acuff’s background. Perry previously coached Darius Acuff Sr. at Eastern Kentucky, creating a layer of familiarity as Sacramento evaluates potential backcourt options.
“It’s worth noting Sacramento’s general manager, Scott Perry, coached Darius Acuff Sr. at Eastern Kentucky, as Sacramento is in search of a long-term floor general for the future,” Scotto wrote for HoopsHype. “Should Acuff Jr. be off the board, other guards such as Keaton Wagler, Mikel Brown Jr., and Kingston Flemings could be available.”
The timing of Sacramento’s reported interest aligns with a roster that lacks a clear long-term answer at lead guard. Russell Westbrook led the team with 6.7 assists per game while functioning in multiple roles, yet he is 37 and not a long-term solution as a primary initiator.
Younger guards such as Devin Carter and Killian Hayes remain developmental pieces, but neither established himself as a consistent full-time floor general during the season. Sacramento finished 14th in the Western Conference after going 22-60, increasing pressure to strengthen a roster built around veterans Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan and Domantas Sabonis.
Acuff’s profile explains why Sacramento could view him as a fit.
The Arkansas freshman produced one of the strongest individual seasons in college basketball, averaging 23.5 points, 6.4 assists and 3.1 rebounds across 36 starts while shooting 48.4% from the field and 44.0% from three-point range. He also converted 80.9% of his free throws and earned multiple first-team All-America honors.
The draft board could complicate Sacramento’s plans.
The Kings hold the No. 7 pick, while the Washington Wizards, Utah Jazz, Memphis Grizzlies, Chicago Bulls, LA Clippers and Brooklyn Nets all select ahead of them. If Acuff is unavailable, Scotto reported Sacramento could pivot toward guards including Keaton Wagler, Mikel Brown Jr. or Kingston Flemings.
The 2026 NBA Draft is scheduled for June 23-24 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, leaving Sacramento with a month to determine whether Acuff is the franchise’s next lead guard.
