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Nearing the end of the NBA Summer League, ESPN's Zach Kram released his rankings for the top rookie performers thus far, with Sacramento Kings point guard Darius Acuff Jr. falling to No. 11.
Through July 18, Acuff averaged 19 points, 5.3 assists, and one steal, showing flashes of the scoring prowess that led him to being named the SEC Player of the Year.
Acuff delivered multiple pinpoint passes to his teammates throughout the games, making strong reads out of pick-and-roll actions and setting up shooters on the perimeter.
However, Acuff's shooting splits were not strong, as he shot just 36.5% from the field, 26.3% from deep, and 64.3% from the free-throw line.
Kram noted his struggles in his listing.
"Acuff also checked off almost every negative box for a small guard. He didn't assuage any concerns about his lackadaisical defense, especially off the ball. And his offensive efficiency was subpar in all but one game," Kram wrote. "Including his play in the California Classic, Acuff shot 35% from the field, 27% on 3-pointers and 70% on free throws this summer."
Acuff's best scoring performance was in his first game of his professional career, as he dropped 25 against the Brooklyn Nets in the California Classic.
However, efficiency was once again a struggle, as the former Razorback made just 9-of-29 attempts.
Passing was more of a consistent positive for Acuff, who frequently delivered on-the-money dishes to his teammates.
"Acuff looks the part of a lead creator," Kram wrote. "As he threaded several nifty passes through traffic in Vegas, I grew excited to watch him partner with Domantas Sabonis in pick-and-rolls and handoffs this season."
We at KingsRoundtable have closely monitored Sabonis' situation this offseason, but it seems more likely than ever that the 3-time All-Star will be back in Sacramento for the 2026-2027 campaign.
Having talented offensive players like Sabonis and Zach LaVine should help diminish the attention put on Acuff each possession, as teams clearly honed in on him during Summer League.
Nearly every action Acuff was put in, the defense blitzed, essentially double-teaming the Kings' top pick and trying to force the ball out of his hands.
Next to LaVine, Sabonis, and the rest of Sacramento's roster, teams will be more-hesitant to do so.
Going forward, Acuff's Summer League woes don't mean much, as we have seen great players like Jalen Brunson and Trae Young have their fair share of struggles in the preseason.
The consistent praise and confidence shared by Acuff's teammates and members of the front office and coaching staff has not diminished.
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It's completely free to join, simply by clicking the yellow button at the top of the homepage. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members.
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Through July 18, Acuff averaged 19 points, 5.3 assists, and one steal, showing flashes of the scoring prowess that led him to being named the SEC Player of the Year.
Acuff delivered multiple pinpoint passes to his teammates throughout the games, making strong reads out of pick-and-roll actions and setting up shooters on the perimeter.
However, Acuff's shooting splits were not strong, as he shot just 36.5% from the field, 26.3% from deep, and 64.3% from the free-throw line.
Kram noted his struggles in his listing.
"Acuff also checked off almost every negative box for a small guard. He didn't assuage any concerns about his lackadaisical defense, especially off the ball. And his offensive efficiency was subpar in all but one game," Kram wrote. "Including his play in the California Classic, Acuff shot 35% from the field, 27% on 3-pointers and 70% on free throws this summer."
Acuff's best scoring performance was in his first game of his professional career, as he dropped 25 against the Brooklyn Nets in the California Classic.
However, efficiency was once again a struggle, as the former Razorback made just 9-of-29 attempts.
Passing was more of a consistent positive for Acuff, who frequently delivered on-the-money dishes to his teammates.
"Acuff looks the part of a lead creator," Kram wrote. "As he threaded several nifty passes through traffic in Vegas, I grew excited to watch him partner with Domantas Sabonis in pick-and-rolls and handoffs this season."
We at KingsRoundtable have closely monitored Sabonis' situation this offseason, but it seems more likely than ever that the 3-time All-Star will be back in Sacramento for the 2026-2027 campaign.
Having talented offensive players like Sabonis and Zach LaVine should help diminish the attention put on Acuff each possession, as teams clearly honed in on him during Summer League.
Nearly every action Acuff was put in, the defense blitzed, essentially double-teaming the Kings' top pick and trying to force the ball out of his hands.
Next to LaVine, Sabonis, and the rest of Sacramento's roster, teams will be more-hesitant to do so.
Going forward, Acuff's Summer League woes don't mean much, as we have seen great players like Jalen Brunson and Trae Young have their fair share of struggles in the preseason.
The consistent praise and confidence shared by Acuff's teammates and members of the front office and coaching staff has not diminished.
Join the Community
Don't miss out on our ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news!
It's completely free to join, simply by clicking the yellow button at the top of the homepage. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members.
Continue reading...
