Darius Acuff Jr., a guard from Arkansas, was notably selected No. 7 overall by the Sacramento Kings during the 2026 NBA Draft, marking him as the first player from the Southeastern Conference to be drafted. He had an exceptional freshman season, highlighted by being named SEC Player of the Year and earning a spot on the AP All-America first team while leading Arkansas to the Sweet 16. Acuff averaged 23.5 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 3.1 assists, showcasing outstanding shooting with a 44% success rate from three-point range. His strong performance had him projected as a potential lottery pick, and he joins a prestigious list of players developed under coach John Calipari. The Kings continue their struggle, having finished last in the Pacific Division with a 22-60 record.

By the Numbers
  • Darius Acuff Jr. averaged 23.5 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 3.1 assists during his freshman season.
  • The Sacramento Kings had a 22-60 record in the 2025-26 season, missing the playoffs for the third consecutive year.
Yes, But

Despite Acuff's impressive credentials, there may be concerns regarding the Kings' ability to develop talent effectively, given their recent performance history and failure to make playoff appearances.

State of Play
  • Darius Acuff is set to join a struggling Kings team that has not made the playoffs in three years.
  • Acuff's success places him in a lineage of high-profile players coached by John Calipari, which could heighten expectations for his performance in the NBA.
What's Next

Looking ahead, Acuff will aim to establish himself as a key player for the Kings, potentially leading to a turnaround in the team's fortunes while working to meet the high expectations set by his drafting position.

Bottom Line

Acuff's selection reflects his tremendous potential, but his success will depend significantly on the Kings' ability to leverage his skills amid their ongoing struggles.