Kyle Draper: Sacramento faces familiar challenges entering new season

Former Sacramento Kings broadcaster Kyle Draper sees familiar questions facing the team: Can it find more consistency, improve its three-point shooting, and give its young players the support they need to grow?

Draper joined Sactown Sports’ The Drive Guys to share his perspective on Sacramento and what it will take for rookie Darius Acuff to succeed. He said Acuff will have ups and downs, and the Kings cannot rely on the rookie to carry the offense.

“If we’re asking Acuff to go out there and average 22, 25 points, shoot 15, 20 times a game, the Kings are in trouble because he’s a rookie,” Draper said. “He’s going to have some good nights, and he’s going to have some nights like we saw.”

Draper said the team’s veterans will need to raise their level of play to make Acuff’s job easier.

He named Zach LaVine, Malik Monk, De’Andre Hunter, Domantas Sabonis and Keegan Murray as players whose contributions could help take pressure off the rookie.

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 05: Darius Acuff Jr. #5 of the Sacramento Kings goes in for a layup after stealing the ball from the Los Angeles Lakers in the first half of the preseason game at Golden 1 Center on October 05, 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 Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

The need for steadier play, Draper said, is part of a broader challenge. He pointed to stretches when the Kings were outplayed and said their three-point shooting remains a concern.

Draper also questioned whether Sacramento has done enough to help its young players develop.

He mentioned Keon Ellis (now with the Brooklyn Nets) and Devin Carter (now with the Boston Celtics), both of whom he believes can contribute in the NBA. In his view, young players need a meaningful opportunity and the confidence to play through mistakes.

“You have to inspire these young guys to be the best they can be,” Draper said.

He said Carter did not get a consistent chance in Sacramento, while Ellis also had limited opportunity. Draper noted that players can flourish elsewhere when they receive more room to play, and challenged the Kings to assess how they develop their prospects.

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 30: Keegan Murray poses for a photo during a media day photo shoot at Sacramento Kings Practice Facility on September 30, 2024 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 John Todd/Getty Images)

That question extends to Murray, whom Draper said was drafted fourth overall. Sacramento must decide whether Murray has reached his ceiling and whether his development matches the expectations that came with his draft position.

Draper also discussed Sabonis and how the NBA values the center position today. He called Sabonis a talented player but said teams increasingly prize floor spacing and certain defensive skills from big men. Sabonis’ three-point shooting, Draper said, can affect how the Sacramento Kings’ offense fits together.

Across the roster, Draper’s assessment came back to execution and development: the veterans need to support Acuff, the team needs more consistency, and the organization must help its young players reach their potential.

Watch the full conversation in the video player at the top of the page or on the Sactown Sports YouTube page.

Listen to The Drive Guys from 2 – 6 p.m. PST, Monday through Friday, on Sactown Sports 1140.

Click here for full episodes of The Drive Guys.

More Sacramento Kings content from Sactown Sports

• Raynaud avoids serious injury, will be re-evaluated in two weeks
• Has Sacramento Kings GM Scott Perry’s next free agent target been revealed?
• Has Keegan Murray reached his NBA ceiling?
• Doug Christie: Nothing I read about Ben Simmons was true

Sacramento Kings Schedule: 2026-27 Preseason

• Tuesday, October 13th vs. Portland Trail Blazers (7:00 P.M. PT)
• Friday, October 16th @ San Antonio Spurs (7:00 P.M. PT)

Sacramento Kings 2026-27 Regular Season Schedule

• Wednesday, October 21st @ Los Angeles Clippers (7:30 P.M. PT)
• Friday, October 23rd vs. Portland Trail Blazers (7:00 P.M. PT)
• Sunday, October 25th vs. Memphis Grizzlies (6:00 P.M. PT)
• Tuesday, October 27th @ San Antonio Spurs (5:00 P.M. PT)
• Thursday, October 29th @ New Orleans Pelicans (5:00 P.M. PT)

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