Kings ‘Enamored' With 1 Star Guard Ahead of NBA Draft
The Sacramento Kings finished with a 22-60 record, tied with the Utah Jazz for the worst mark in the Western Conference.
Unfortunately, the ping-pong balls didn't exactly fall the Kings' way as they landed the seventh overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
The Kings were hoping for a top-five choice, but landing at No. 7 isn't the worst-case scenario.
The Kings reportedly have their eyes set on one target already, and Michael Scotto of Hops Hype revealed that Sacramento is "enamored" with Arkansas Razorbacks star Darius Acuff Jr.
"The Sacramento Kings are enamored with Arkansas star guard Darius Acuff Jr., according to league sources, but will he still be on the board by the seventh overall pick?" Scotto wrote.
"Acuff, who's considered a gifted offensive playmaker and scorer, measured well at the combine with a nearly 6-foot-7 wingspan after executives questioned his defensive potential, looking ahead to the NBA level," Scotto added.
Acuff led the entire SEC with 23.5 points per game as a freshman, and he scored 36 in Arkansas' NCAA Tournament game against High Point.
In three games in March Madness, here are Acuff's numbers.
- Round of 64 vs. Hawaii: 24 points, 7 assists
- Round of 32 vs. High Point: 36 points, 6 assists
- Sweet 16 vs. Arizona: 28 points, 3 assists
Acuff also had a 37-point game against Oklahoma in March in the SEC Tournament and a whopping 49-point showing against Alabama in February, so he was sensational.
Will Acuff Be on the Board at No. 7?
The big question is whether or not Acuff is even still there when the Kings are on the clock.
ESPN's Jeremy Woo had a mock draft recently, and he had the Brooklyn Nets selecting Acuff at No. 6, one pick before the Kings.
There is a bit of a connection between Sacramento and Acuff as well, as Scotto wrote.
"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."
That makes even more sense, and Sacramento will likely cross its fingers to see if Acuff falls to them at No. 7.
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This story was originally published May 25, 2026 at 10:01 AM.