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Sactown Sports radio host Carmichael Dave has set Jalen Brunson's fourth year in the NBA as the standard for Darius Acuff to surpass in his rookie season with the Sacramento Kings.
At the time, Brunson averaged 16.3 points for the Dallas Mavericks in the 2021-22 season. Dave expects Acuff to average more than Brunson did, but would be "falling out of my chair" shocked if he accomplishes his goal efficiently.
"I fully expect Darius Acuff to average in the 17-18 point range," Dave told his co-host, Jason Russ, on "The Carmichael Dave Show" on Monday. "But I would also be shocked if Darius Acuff shot anything above 42%, probably high 30s."
Sacramento's seventh overall pick wasn't an effective scorer in Summer League. He failed to shoot 50% or better from the field in every game, except in the final appearance against the Brooklyn Nets.
Acuff put together some abysmal shooting performances: 9-for-29 in the California Classic opener, 7-for-19 against the Milwaukee Bucks, 6-for-20 in the Las Vegas Summer League opener and 4-for-14 against the Washington Wizards. That totals out to 31.8% overall.
The 6-foot-3 guard showed promise getting to his favorite spots on the floor, setting up his defenders with nifty dribble moves and blowing past them. He just couldn't convert, especially from three-point range.
As a small guard who isn't the most athletic player on the court, he has to rely on his craftiness to score. Size definitely played a role in Acuff's poor efficiency.
There is room for improvement for the former Arkansas Razorback, though. Receiving comparisons to Brunson influenced him to break down the New York Knicks' star's film from the NBA Finals.
“I’ve been focusing on both teams, of course, but really been seeing how Jalen Brunson is navigating through the defense and stuff like that," Acuff Jr. told Draymond Green on "The Draymond Green Show" on June 7. "Obviously, as a PG myself, I’ve been paying attention to that.”
Brunson's footwork is part of what makes him such an efficient scorer. When he picks up his dribble in a crowded paint, he twists and turns to see which way he wants to score. If a defender bites on the pump fake, he steps in for a floater; if he creates enough separation with a shoulder bump, he'll shoot a turnaround jumper.
Acuff can learn from his comparison's grounded scoring style. It allows him to absorb contact without being pushed off his spot, and continue surveying the defense for scoring or passing opportunities.
The former Razorback could meet Dave's expectations, especially since he led the SEC in scoring this past season at 23.5 points. His efficiency will take some refining, but he'll adjust to the NBA's pace sooner rather than later.
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At the time, Brunson averaged 16.3 points for the Dallas Mavericks in the 2021-22 season. Dave expects Acuff to average more than Brunson did, but would be "falling out of my chair" shocked if he accomplishes his goal efficiently.
"I fully expect Darius Acuff to average in the 17-18 point range," Dave told his co-host, Jason Russ, on "The Carmichael Dave Show" on Monday. "But I would also be shocked if Darius Acuff shot anything above 42%, probably high 30s."
Sacramento's seventh overall pick wasn't an effective scorer in Summer League. He failed to shoot 50% or better from the field in every game, except in the final appearance against the Brooklyn Nets.
Acuff put together some abysmal shooting performances: 9-for-29 in the California Classic opener, 7-for-19 against the Milwaukee Bucks, 6-for-20 in the Las Vegas Summer League opener and 4-for-14 against the Washington Wizards. That totals out to 31.8% overall.
The 6-foot-3 guard showed promise getting to his favorite spots on the floor, setting up his defenders with nifty dribble moves and blowing past them. He just couldn't convert, especially from three-point range.
As a small guard who isn't the most athletic player on the court, he has to rely on his craftiness to score. Size definitely played a role in Acuff's poor efficiency.
There is room for improvement for the former Arkansas Razorback, though. Receiving comparisons to Brunson influenced him to break down the New York Knicks' star's film from the NBA Finals.
“I’ve been focusing on both teams, of course, but really been seeing how Jalen Brunson is navigating through the defense and stuff like that," Acuff Jr. told Draymond Green on "The Draymond Green Show" on June 7. "Obviously, as a PG myself, I’ve been paying attention to that.”
Brunson's footwork is part of what makes him such an efficient scorer. When he picks up his dribble in a crowded paint, he twists and turns to see which way he wants to score. If a defender bites on the pump fake, he steps in for a floater; if he creates enough separation with a shoulder bump, he'll shoot a turnaround jumper.
Acuff can learn from his comparison's grounded scoring style. It allows him to absorb contact without being pushed off his spot, and continue surveying the defense for scoring or passing opportunities.
The former Razorback could meet Dave's expectations, especially since he led the SEC in scoring this past season at 23.5 points. His efficiency will take some refining, but he'll adjust to the NBA's pace sooner rather than later.
Join our ROUNDTABLE community! It's free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members.
Download the free Roundtable APP, (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/roundtable-rtb/id6450423049) and stay even more connected!
Continue reading...
