NBA Draft analyst isn’t worried about Darius Acuff Jr.’s Summer League showing

Darius Acuff Jr.’s first taste of NBA Summer League produced flashes of the talent that made him a lottery pick, but it also highlighted areas that still need significant development.

While the Sacramento Kings guard averaged 19.0 points, 5.3 assists and 1.0 steals in three games in Las Vegas, he also shot just 36 percent from the field, 26 percent from three-point range and committed 4.7 turnovers per game.

So, should Kings fans be worried?

According to Hoop Obsession’s Bobby Gerould, the answer is no, even if Acuff’s Summer League performance left plenty to critique.

“He was not good in Summer League, and there’s no reason really to hide from that,” Gerould said on Sactown Sports’ The Carmichael Dave Show with Jason Ross. “He shot 35 percent, 27 percent from three-point range. Assist-to-turnover ratio wasn’t good enough.”

Darius Acuff Jr. #5 of the Sacramento Kings shoots a technical foul shot against the Brooklyn Nets during the second half in the California Classic a NBA Summer League game at Golden 1 Center on July 04, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

More on Darius Acuff Jr.

Despite those struggles, Gerould believes it’s important to keep the bigger picture in mind.

“All that being said, I’m not worried,” he said. “He’s a kid playing point guard in a chaotic environment.”

Gerould still saw several encouraging traits that translated from Darius Acuff’s college game. The rookie’s quickness consistently allowed him to beat defenders off the dribble, and he flashed creativity as a playmaker once he got into the paint.

“I still love his speed,” Gerould explained. “Once he gets a shoulder past a defender, I thought he showed real improvisational skills. Sometimes getting to the basket and then at the last minute dumping off a pass.”

Gerould also shared a personal moment from Las Vegas that served as a reminder of Acuff’s age and long-term outlook.

“I look across the way, and there’s Darius Acuff with his mom and dad,” Gerould said. “That kind of just slapped me over the head. Like, wow, this really is a kid.”

The biggest surprise for Gerould wasn’t the turnovers or the growing pains running an offense. It was Acuff’s shooting. After connecting on 44 percent of his three-pointers in college, Gerould expected that part of his game to translate more quickly.

Darius Acuff Jr. #5 of the Sacramento Kings shoots over Ben Saraf #77 of the Brooklyn Nets during the first half in the California Classic a NBA Summer League game at Golden 1 Center on July 04, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

“I thought the 44 percent from three-point range in college was pretty legitimate,” he said. “Sometimes just that extra distance in the pros can get the best of guys.”

Defensively, Gerould admitted Darius Acuff still has plenty of work ahead.

“He may not ever be a great defender, but I think you’ve got to get him to a point where he’s at least a passable defender,” he said.

For now, Gerould’s evaluation is simple: “Bad Summer League, good prospect.” That’s likely the perspective the Kings will carry into training camp.

Listen to The Carmichael Dave Show with Jason Ross from 6 – 10 a.m. PDT, Monday through Friday, on Sactown Sports 1140.

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What is the next Sacramento Kings Offseason Event?

The start of the 2026-27 season is quickly approaching for the Sacramento Kings.

Sacramento will begin training camp in late September as they prepare to begin preseason play on Monday, October 5th when they face Luka Doncic and the new-look Los Angeles Lakers at Golden 1 Center.

Be sure to stay tuned into Sactown Sports all offseason for roster updates, schedule announcements, analysis, and much more.

Upcoming Sacramento Kings Offseason Schedule

• August TBD – 2026-27 NBA Schedule release
• Late September – NBA training camps begin

Sacramento Kings 2026-27 Preseason Schedule

• Monday, October 5th vs. Los Angeles Lakers (7 P.M. PST)
• Thursday, October 8th @ Los Angeles Lakers (7:30 P.M. PST)
• Saturday, October 10th @ Golden State Warriors (5:30 P.M. PST)
• Tuesday, October 13th vs. Portland Trail Blazers (7:00 P.M. PST)
• Friday, October 16th @ San Antonio Spurs (7:00 P.M. PST)

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