Scott Perry sets bold expectations for Darius Acuff Jr. as Kings’ starting PG

Anthony Slater’s latest ESPN feature offered the clearest look yet at Scott Perry’s vision for the Sacramento Kings, and Sactown Sports’ Matt George and Kayla Anderson believe one message stood above the rest: Darius Acuff Jr. isn’t being brought along slowly.

Instead, Sacramento’s second-year general manager is handing the top responsibility to its 19-year-old rookie from day one.

“The point guard is a quarterback,” Perry said in Slater’s article. “There’s going to be a lot on his plate.”

For George, that quote wasn’t just about responsibility–it was confirmation that the recent seventh overall pick is expected to open the season as Sacramento’s starting point guard and eventually become the franchise centerpiece.

“I like this from Perry because it’s setting the expectation right away that Darius Acuff Jr. is going to be the starter,” George said. “He’s going to be looked at as the franchise guy right off the bat, and it is very much trial by fire.”

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JULY 15: Darius Acuff Jr. #5 of the Sacramento King poses for a portrait during the 2026 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot at UNLV on July 15, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

Big Things Ahead For Darius Acuff Jr.

Unlike De’Aaron Fox, who came off the bench behind veteran George Hill as a rookie in 2017-18, George praised the Kings for skipping the developmental training wheels this time around.

“I like the fact that there’s no easing him in,” George said. “There’s not a better option for starting point guard than the guy that you just brought in.”

Anderson agreed that Darius Acuff Jr. understood exactly what he was signing up for when Sacramento drafted him.

“This is the best way, trial by fire, as we call it, to enter the league,” she said, acknowledging that the approach will inevitably invite criticism whenever the rookie struggles.

The conversation also shifted to Sacramento’s veteran stars.

Although Domantas Sabonis and Zach LaVine were both involved in offseason trade discussions, Slater reported they’ve recommitted to the organization after maintaining transparent communication with Perry.

George argued the arrangement benefits everyone involved.

“If Zach LaVine plays well, you boost that value,” he said. “You could say the same thing about Sabonis.”

Domantas Sabonis #11 and Zach LaVine #8 of the Sacramento Kings pose for a photo during a media day photo shoot at Sacramento Kings Practice Facility on September 29, 2025 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Eakin Howard/Getty Images)

Whether they’re still on the roster after the trade deadline or not, both veterans can increase their own value while helping Acuff develop into Sacramento’s next franchise player.

Perry revealed both Sabonis and LaVine reached out to Darius Acuff Jr. immediately after he was drafted, calling it “an excellent gesture.” He added that experienced players must not only provide constructive feedback but also “encourage, welcome, and help fast-track his growth.”

For a rebuilding Kings team, that partnership may be exactly what Acuff needs as he learns on the job.

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

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What is the next Sacramento Kings Offseason Event?

The start of the 2026-27 season is quickly approaching for Darius Acuff Jr. and 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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