Why Darius Acuff Jr.’s development matters more than the Kings’ record

The Sacramento Kings enter the 2026-27 season with plenty of uncertainty, but perhaps no storyline will be more important than the development of rookie point guard Darius Acuff Jr.

Acuff was selected seventh overall in June and is expected to play a significant role immediately for a Kings team that could endure plenty of losing.

For Hoop Obsession’s Bobby Gerould, however, Sacramento’s record should not be the primary measuring stick for Acuff’s rookie season.

Gerould joined Sactown Sports’ The Matt & Kayla Show and emphasized that rookie point guards historically go through growing pains, citing players such as Cade Cunningham, Trae Young, Kyrie Irving and John Wall.

“I think you just want to see progress,” Gerould said. “It takes time.”

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)

More on Darius Acuff Jr.

That could be particularly important in Sacramento, where patience has become a difficult word for Kings fans to hear. Gerould acknowledged that reality but believes allowing Acuff to develop naturally is the prudent approach.

“Kings fans will have to be patient again, which I know is a hard ask because that’s seemingly every year it’s be patient,” Gerould said. “But I think that’s the prudent path here is to give Darius Acuff some time to get it figured out and get it together.”

Gerould also pushed back against the idea that Sacramento must find a veteran specifically to serve as Darius Acuff’s mentor. He believes mentorship can come from throughout the organization rather than necessarily coming from another point guard.

“I’m just one who believes that the mentor doesn’t have to be someone who plays your position,” Gerould said.

That philosophy extends to Sacramento’s roster decisions. Gerould strongly criticized the idea of adding players such as Ben Simmons or Elfrid Payton, arguing that the Kings cannot afford to sacrifice spacing after ranking near the bottom of the NBA in three-point shooting and attempts last season.

Instead, Gerould believes Malik Monk should already be viewed as Sacramento’s best backup point guard option.

“He has instincts and passing ability, and certainly a connection with Domas that others just don’t,” Gerould said. “He’s someone who would definitely be a high-tier backup in the NBA, in my opinion.”

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 12: Malik Monk #0 of the Sacramento Kings reacts after he made a three-point basket over LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers in the fourth quarter at Golden 1 Center on January 12, 2026 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Behind Domantas Sabonis, Gerould sees Maxime Raynaud settling into a traditional backup center role after an impressive rookie season. He believes Raynaud’s increased size makes playing him primarily at the four less likely.

Defensively, however, Gerould remains concerned. He believes the combination of Acuff, Zach LaVine and Sabonis could leave Sacramento vulnerable unless the team makes significant strides on that end.

“The defense has not been addressed enough, and I think that’s why the Kings are likely to struggle,” Gerould said.

For De’Andre Hunter, Gerould identified shooting as the swing skill. If Hunter can provide efficient offense while defending and contributing as a veteran presence, Gerould believes he can become the type of glue player Sacramento needs.

Ultimately, the Kings’ 2026-27 season may be less about wins and losses and more about determining whether Acuff and the rest of Sacramento’s young core can develop into the foundation of the next competitive Kings team.

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 should Sacramento Kings fans expect from De’Andre Hunter?
• Which free agent guard would be the best fit with Darius Acuff Jr.?
• Sources: Kings GM Scott Perry in Florida to watch Ben Simmons workout
• ESPN projects Sacramento Kings to finish last in Western Conference
• Sacramento Kings to honor Rick Adelman with jersey band during 2026-27 season

Sacramento Kings Schedule: 2026-27 Preseason

• 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)

Thank you for reading SactownSports.com. Follow us on X/Twitter and Google News, and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

Related

49ers’ RB depth could change Christian McCaffrey’s roleStockton Kings release 2026-27 Season ScheduleWarren: Cousins may be Raiders’ QB1, but Mendoza is progressingFaithful Flashbacks #9: The Alley-Oop CatchWhat should Sacramento Kings fans expect from De’Andre Hunter?The 49ers’ O-Line could determine Christian McCaffrey’s ceiling