NBA Analyst: Why the Kings are ‘in a great spot’ holding the 7th pick

The Sacramento Kings may have missed out on a top-four pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, but NBA.com’s Krysten Peek believes the organization is still in an enviable position.

Joining Sactown Sports’ The Matt & Kayla Show, Peek praised the depth of this year’s guard class and said Sacramento could still come away with a franchise cornerstone at No. 7.

“I’m not mad about it, because no one ever knows what the Brooklyn Nets are going to do,” Peek said. “I think sitting at seven, you guys, the Kings are in a great spot, especially in this lead guard lottery.”

One name that continues to generate excitement in Sacramento leading into the draft is Arkansas star guard Darius Acuff Jr.

Coming off a remarkable freshman season, Acuff averaged 23.5 points and 6.4 assists while shooting 44 percent from three-point range. He captured SEC Player of the Year, SEC Rookie of the Year, and Consensus All-American honors, cementing himself as one of the top prospects in the class.

SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 26: Darius Acuff Jr. #5 of the Arkansas Razorbacks dribbles the ball against the Arizona Wildcats during the first half in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at SAP Center on March 26, 2026 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Peek believes Acuff separated himself as the premier point guard in college basketball.

“He was the best point guard in all college basketball,” Peek said. “He led the SEC in scoring. He was the SEC Player of the Year.”

Peek was particularly impressed by Acuff’s ability to thrive alongside fellow ball-dominant guards Malik Thomas and DJ Wagner at Arkansas.

“For him to come in and do what he did this season and still cement himself as the best lead guard in college basketball playing alongside two other very ball-heavy guards showed a lot,” Peek said.

Despite concerns surrounding Acuff’s defense, Peek dismissed the criticism.

“I don’t buy this,” Peek said. “Teams called him on it, and he said, ‘You’re right, this is an area of improvement.’ He totally owned up to it.”

Peek also noted that Acuff measured better than many expected, coming in at 6-foot-2 without shoes during the pre-draft process.

While Sacramento fans are hoping Acuff falls to seventh, Peek believes the Kings may have to get aggressive.

“I think you’re going to have to do some work if you’re hoping he’s there at seven,” she said.

Even if Acuff is off the board, Peek sees plenty of intriguing options available. She singled out Houston guard Kingston Flemings and Louisville’s Mikel Brown Jr. as prospects capable of making an immediate impact.

HOUSTON, TEXAS – MARCH 04: Kingston Flemings #4 of the Houston Cougars brings the ball up court against the Baylor Bears during the second half at Fertitta Center on March 04, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)

“The Kings are in a great spot,” Peek said. “[Drafting] seventh is fantastic.”

For a franchise searching for its next face, Peek believes the opportunity is still very much there.

Check out the full conversation at the top of the page or by heading over to the Sactown Sports YouTube channel.

Listen to and watch Sactown Sports’ The Matt & Kayla Show with Matt George & Kayla Anderson, airing weekdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. PT on Sactown Sports.

More Sacramento Kings content from Sactown Sports

What is the next Sacramento Kings Offseason Event?

The Sacramento Kings are preparing for a crucial 2026 NBA Draft, which is set to take place from Tuesday, June 23rd, through Wednesday, June 24th.

Sacramento owns the 7th pick in the Draft, giving them a chance at selecting a talented player with upside, such as Arkansas guard Darius Acuff Jr., Louisville guard Mikel Brown Jr., Houston’s Kingston Flemings, and Illinois guard Keaton Wagler, among others.

Be sure to stay locked into Sactown Sports for pre-draft workout news, player breakdowns, draft rumors, and MUCH more.

Upcoming Sacramento Kings & NBA Offseason Schedule

• Tuesday, June 23rd – NBA Draft (Round 1)
• Wednesday, June 24th – NBA Draft (Round 2)
• Tuesday, June 30th – NBA Free Agency negotiation period begins (3 PM PT)
• Saturday, July 4th – Monday, July 6th – California Classic at Golden 1 Center
• Thursday, July 9th – NBA Las Vegas Summer League begins
• Monday, July 13th – Free Agency moratorium ends / signings can become official

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