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By Anne Erickson
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The Sacramento Kings are at a turning point.
The familiar faces are gone, the expectations have changed and the franchise is looking for its next player to build around.
That could be Darius Acuff Jr. It's not difficult to see that, either.
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The rookie guard is the Kings' x-factor heading into the 2026-27 season because his development will tell us a lot about where this team is headed. Sacramento needs someone who can create shots, make plays when the game slows down and eventually become a player opponents have to worry about every night.
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Acuff has already shown he can do the hardest thing in basketball: put the ball in the basket.
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During his freshman season at Arkansas, he led the SEC in scoring and assists, showing a rare combination of shot-making and playmaking. He isn't the biggest guard on the floor, but he plays with the confidence of someone who doesn't care much about that detail.
Frankly, that confidence is part of what makes him so good.
There will be nights when the NBA reminds him he's a rookie. His size could create challenges defensively, and Sacramento will have to help him grow on that end of the floor. Nobody expects a young guard to walk into the league with every weakness solved.
So, the main thing is to see Acuff keep making progress.
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The Kings also added Alex Karaban with the No. 29 pick and Emanuel Sharp at No. 45. Karaban brings a winning background after two national championships at UConn and gives Sacramento a reliable 3-and-D option who can fit alongside younger players.
But this roster will be judged by how quickly Acuff can become a major player.
The Kings are searching for their next star. If Acuff Jr. can turn his scoring ability into consistent NBA success, Sacramento may have found the player who helps define its future.
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