With the 7th pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, the Sacramento Kings selected Darius Acuff Jr., PG from Arkansas.
The Kings have been widely connected to Acuff throughout the draft process, but it wasn’t clear if he would last to them all the way at 7 with both the Los Angeles Clippers and Brooklyn Nets also showing interest but the Clippers went with Illinois guard Keaton Wagler and Brooklyn went with Louisville guard Mikel Brown Jr.
Acuff Jr. joins the Kings after a very successful season at Arkansas where he average 23.5 points, 6.4 assists and shot 44% from three. He led the SEC in both scoring and assists and finished as a 1st Team All-American and was the SEC Player of the Year. Acuff joins a Kings team badly in need of a star and will likely be given the keys to franchise almost immediately. Acuff is widely considered one of the best offensive prospects in the draft, but also has serious question marks regarding his defense.
The Kings still have a lot of issues, but their biggest need was a true star, and Acuff Jr. in my mind was one of the best bets for the Kings to get that type of player and it’s a miracle that there was a player of his caliber available all the way at 7. For once, luck might have gone the Kings way. Of course, there’s no guarantees this pans out but for at least tonight and the near future, I have some hope for this team again.
Welcome to Sacramento, Darius Acuff Jr.! Barring a trade, the Kings are done for today but we’ll be sure to provide updates in case anything happens. They also have the #34 and #45 picks in tomorrow’s second round draft.