Jerry Reynolds questions the Kings’ heavy starter minutes

Former Sacramento Kings head coach, general manager, and broadcaster Jerry Reynolds joined Sactown Sports’ The Drive Guys to discuss Sacramento’s struggles, Darius Acuff Jr.’s development, and the team’s reliance on its starters.

Reynolds sees Acuff’s talent, but said the rookie’s development depends on more than letting him shoot as often as he wants. After Acuff’s recent 30-point, 10-assist performance, Reynolds liked the signs of greater selectivity and playmaking.

“I wasn’t a big fan of his volume shooting, to be honest,” Reynolds said. “I liked the idea [on Thursday night] where the 14 assists are heading in the right direction.”

He said Acuff has the potential to score 20 points a game while taking around 15 shots and pairing that scoring with 10 assists. That balance, Reynolds suggested, would give Sacramento a stronger foundation to build around the 19-year-old guard.

The former coach also questioned the workload placed on Acuff and the other starters so early in the season. He said playing a teenager around 40 minutes a night is a concern, especially with a long season ahead.

“I just don’t like it,” Reynolds said. “And really, for the starters playing that much, this is a long way to go.”

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 25: Sacramento Kings head coach Doug Christie complains about a call against the Memphis Grizzlies at Golden 1 Center on October 25, 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)

Sacramento’s bench has struggled to produce, but Reynolds cautioned that limited minutes make it difficult for reserves to find a rhythm.

He said the team needs to develop its bench as well as its rookie, and pointed to Nique Clifford as a player the Kings should evaluate after trading up to draft him.

“You need to find out: Can he be a reasonable, valuable reserve?” Reynolds said.

Reynolds also offered a broader critique of Sacramento’s offense, saying the team should add something to what it is currently doing. Asked whether Acuff would benefit from more dribble-drive motion, he said the guard could adapt to different approaches, but stressed the need for additional options.

On the coaching conversation surrounding Doug Christie, Reynolds warned against getting ahead of the situation. He also rejected injuries as a sufficient explanation for the Kings’ struggles, noting that every team deals with absences.

“If you play that game, that just allows—that’s just an excuse,” he said. “And that’s what you don’t want to get in the habit of giving.”

Darius Acuff Jr. #5 of the Sacramento Kings looks on against the Los Angeles Lakers in a preseason game at Crypto.com Arena on October 08, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)

The conversation also touched on a proposed trade involving Orlando’s Anthony Black and Jalen Suggs.

Reynolds liked Black’s potential, describing him as a long, defensive-minded guard who could develop into a player with similarities to Boston’s Derrick White. He opposed taking on Suggs’ long-term contract, arguing Sacramento should avoid adding another costly commitment.

Across the interview, Reynolds’ message was consistent: give Acuff room to grow, find out what the reserves can contribute, and avoid putting the season’s burden on the starters alone.

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

• Sam Amick shares his intel on Doug Christie’s job security with the Kings
• Why the Sacramento Kings should give Darius Acuff Jr. room to grow
• Sacramento Kings exercise third-year option on Nique Clifford
• Kings Injury Updates: Raynaud, Cardwell, and Murray

Sacramento Kings 2026-27 Regular Season Schedule

• Monday, November 2nd @ Dallas Mavericks (5:00 P.M. PT)
• Wednesday, November 4th vs. Los Angeles Lakers (7:00 P.M. PT)
• Friday, November 6th vs. San Antonio Spurs (7:00 P.M. PT)
• Sunday, November 8th vs. Miami Heat (6:00 P.M. PT)
• Tuesday, November 10th vs. Orlando Magic (7:00 P.M. PT)

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