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After an injury-riddled season with the Sacramento Kings, 3-time All Star guard Zach LaVine picked up his hefty $49 million player option this offseason, forming a strong offensive backcourt alongside Darius Acuff Jr.
Acuff, who was the Kings' No. 7 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, averaged 19 points, 5.3 assists, and one steal per game in Summer League, while displaying moments of brilliance on the offensive end.
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.
Despite this, LaVine supported his rookie teammate, saying he was "impressed" by what he saw from Acuff.
"He was impressed with him," ESPN NBA Senior Writer Vincent Goodwill said on NBA Today. "He said 'I really like his game, I think we’re gonna play well together.' He understands that Acuff is the future of the franchise."
Leading up to the draft, reports surfaced about Sacramento being "enamored" with the reigning SEC Player of the Year, with the front office cashing in on their top prospect.
Acuff was one of the most dynamic offensive talents in the country last season, averaging 23.5 points and 6.4 assists per game en route to an SEC Championship.
For a Kings backcourt in desperate need of shot creation and playmaking, Acuff provides both, taking over games last season.
Acuff's ability to get to his spots and knock down jump shots is one of his biggest strengths, but he also possesses the speed and strength to get to the rim and finish through contact.
After a 28-point, 13-assist performance against the Longhorns, Acuff received high praise from Texas head coach Sean Miller.
"In my time -- and I'll just go 34 years -- I've never seen a point guard better," Miller said. "People talk about who's going to be the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft or who's the best player in the conference. ... This No. 1 pick thing, I don't know why people aren't talking about him more. I can't imagine anybody better."
In Summer League, Acuff was guarded like a top pick, as most teams opted to blitz him in pick-and-roll actions to try to get the ball out of his hands.
Acuff is a willing passer, which means LaVine should get open looks from his penetration and playmaking.
While the defensive end of the floor is definitely a concern, Acuff has talked about improving on that end, while LaVine's size and athletic ability make him a competent perimeter defender.
Having an electric offensive talent in Acuff should energize the fanbase and give head coach Doug Christie a bonafide 1-2 punch alongside LaVine.
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Acuff, who was the Kings' No. 7 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, averaged 19 points, 5.3 assists, and one steal per game in Summer League, while displaying moments of brilliance on the offensive end.
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.
Despite this, LaVine supported his rookie teammate, saying he was "impressed" by what he saw from Acuff.
"He was impressed with him," ESPN NBA Senior Writer Vincent Goodwill said on NBA Today. "He said 'I really like his game, I think we’re gonna play well together.' He understands that Acuff is the future of the franchise."
Leading up to the draft, reports surfaced about Sacramento being "enamored" with the reigning SEC Player of the Year, with the front office cashing in on their top prospect.
Acuff was one of the most dynamic offensive talents in the country last season, averaging 23.5 points and 6.4 assists per game en route to an SEC Championship.
For a Kings backcourt in desperate need of shot creation and playmaking, Acuff provides both, taking over games last season.
Acuff's ability to get to his spots and knock down jump shots is one of his biggest strengths, but he also possesses the speed and strength to get to the rim and finish through contact.
After a 28-point, 13-assist performance against the Longhorns, Acuff received high praise from Texas head coach Sean Miller.
"In my time -- and I'll just go 34 years -- I've never seen a point guard better," Miller said. "People talk about who's going to be the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft or who's the best player in the conference. ... This No. 1 pick thing, I don't know why people aren't talking about him more. I can't imagine anybody better."
In Summer League, Acuff was guarded like a top pick, as most teams opted to blitz him in pick-and-roll actions to try to get the ball out of his hands.
Acuff is a willing passer, which means LaVine should get open looks from his penetration and playmaking.
While the defensive end of the floor is definitely a concern, Acuff has talked about improving on that end, while LaVine's size and athletic ability make him a competent perimeter defender.
Having an electric offensive talent in Acuff should energize the fanbase and give head coach Doug Christie a bonafide 1-2 punch alongside LaVine.
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...
