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The Sacramento Kings are wholeheartedly embracing rookie Darius Acuff Jr., and Dylan Cardwell is at the forefront of the praise train, believing he's a generational guard.
Acuff Jr. has had a shaky start to Summer League by his high standards. The seventh overall pick has averaged 23.3 points in three games, but has shot 32.3% from the field (22-for-68).
Sacramento's lottery pick has shown flashes of getting to his spots, but he's still adjusting to the NBA pace. Acuff Jr.'s talent is abundant, and Cardwell is excited to play with such a dominant guard.
"He's a phenomenal, phenomenal point guard, phenomenal talent," Cardwell told reporters after the California Classic finale on Monday. "Anybody that leads the SEC in assists is a great basketball player, but to lead in both assists and points? I mean, generational player."
Acuff Jr. played for the Arkansas Razorbacks under coach John Calipari. He averaged 23.5 points and 6.4 assists during his freshman campaign.
Arkansas' lead guard often willed the team with his versatile offensive skill set. The Razorbacks lost a double-overtime match to then-No. 25 Alabama, but Acuff Jr. was the hero of the game. He played 50 minutes, scored 49 points and nailed the game-tying three with 12 seconds left to send the game into overtime.
Although his offense has not been efficient in the Summer League, defenses still fear what Acuff Jr. can do. Opposing teams are throwing out multiple coverages to mitigate Acuff Jr's impact on the game.
"Everyone's blitzing his ball screens," Cardwell said. "We haven't played a player yet where they're blitzing him every single play. That gives you insight into how dangerous he is and how much respect he commands from other teams."
Acuff Jr. has struggled so far, and teams will not let up on the defensive pressure in the following Summer League games. The Kings will face off against the first overall pick, AJ Dybansta, and the Washington Wizards on Sunday.
Jahmir Watkins took the responsibility of guarding Darryn Peterson, the second overall pick, when Washington played the Utah Jazz on Thursday. He hounded Peterson as he dribbled up the court and made him work for every bucket.
It should be no different when facing Acuff Jr. Watkins will most likely defend the 6-foot-3 guard the entire game, aiming to disrupt his rhythm even further.
However, Acuff Jr. is bound to figure the NBA out sooner rather than later. He dominated the SEC, leading the conference in points and assists.
Cardwell believes his rookie teammate is a generational talent and is mentoring him every step of the way through Summer League.
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Acuff Jr. has had a shaky start to Summer League by his high standards. The seventh overall pick has averaged 23.3 points in three games, but has shot 32.3% from the field (22-for-68).
Sacramento's lottery pick has shown flashes of getting to his spots, but he's still adjusting to the NBA pace. Acuff Jr.'s talent is abundant, and Cardwell is excited to play with such a dominant guard.
"He's a phenomenal, phenomenal point guard, phenomenal talent," Cardwell told reporters after the California Classic finale on Monday. "Anybody that leads the SEC in assists is a great basketball player, but to lead in both assists and points? I mean, generational player."
Acuff Jr. played for the Arkansas Razorbacks under coach John Calipari. He averaged 23.5 points and 6.4 assists during his freshman campaign.
Arkansas' lead guard often willed the team with his versatile offensive skill set. The Razorbacks lost a double-overtime match to then-No. 25 Alabama, but Acuff Jr. was the hero of the game. He played 50 minutes, scored 49 points and nailed the game-tying three with 12 seconds left to send the game into overtime.
Although his offense has not been efficient in the Summer League, defenses still fear what Acuff Jr. can do. Opposing teams are throwing out multiple coverages to mitigate Acuff Jr's impact on the game.
"Everyone's blitzing his ball screens," Cardwell said. "We haven't played a player yet where they're blitzing him every single play. That gives you insight into how dangerous he is and how much respect he commands from other teams."
Acuff Jr. has struggled so far, and teams will not let up on the defensive pressure in the following Summer League games. The Kings will face off against the first overall pick, AJ Dybansta, and the Washington Wizards on Sunday.
Jahmir Watkins took the responsibility of guarding Darryn Peterson, the second overall pick, when Washington played the Utah Jazz on Thursday. He hounded Peterson as he dribbled up the court and made him work for every bucket.
It should be no different when facing Acuff Jr. Watkins will most likely defend the 6-foot-3 guard the entire game, aiming to disrupt his rhythm even further.
However, Acuff Jr. is bound to figure the NBA out sooner rather than later. He dominated the SEC, leading the conference in points and assists.
Cardwell believes his rookie teammate is a generational talent and is mentoring him every step of the way through Summer League.
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...
