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By Anne Erickson
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October is getting a bit closer, and it's time to look at where the Sacramento Kings are at heading into the new season.
They certainly have a new look.
After leaning on veterans for much of the last few seasons, the franchise appears ready to put more responsibility on its younger players. Russell Westbrook and DeMar DeRozan? They're gone, so it's time for the next wave.
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The biggest piece of that plan is Darius Acuff Jr. He hits the season with a chance to take over as the team's starting point guard, and the Kings are clearly expecting him to play a major role right away.
Acuff showed plenty of confidence during summer league, putting up big numbers and taking 100 shots over five games.
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Now comes the real test. The NBA moves way faster, and Acuff will have to prove he can handle the pressure of running an offense while also adjusting to stronger defenders and a longer schedule. The Kings aren't bringing him along slowly. They need him to contribute.
That doesn't mean Sacramento is starting from scratch. Acuff will have plenty of help around him with Domantas Sabonis, Zach LaVine, Malik Monk and Keegan Murray still in place. Offensively, there is enough talent here to create problems for teams if everything clicks.
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The bigger question is on the defensive end. The Kings have had their struggles stopping teams consistently, and adding more young players means there will likely be some growing pains. But the front office seems willing to accept those bumps while building toward something longer term.
Sacramento also added Alex Karaban and Emanuel Sharp through the draft, giving the roster more young pieces to develop alongside Acuff.
This season will be about finding out what this new version of the Kings can become. The team has scoring ability, experienced players and a promising young guard who could change the direction of the franchise.
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