Dylan Cardwell believes Darius Acuff Jr. is a ‘generational’ talent

Sacramento Kings rookie Darius Acuff Jr. turned plenty of heads during the California Classic, and one of his biggest supporters might be center Dylan Cardwell.

Following Sacramento’s victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday night at Golden 1 Center, Cardwell didn’t hold back when discussing the seventh overall pick, who poured in 22 points while knocking down four of his nine three-point attempts.

Acuff capped off his impressive performance with a game-sealing three-pointer in the final 30 seconds, continuing a strong start to his first Summer League with the Kings.

Darius Acuff Jr. EXCELLED tonight 🙌

22 PTS
3 REB
3 AST
4 3PM
2 BLK

The 7th overall pick led the @SacramentoKings to victory at the California Classic 🔥 pic.twitter.com/AwpZZ4ro0C

— NBA (@NBA) July 7, 2026

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Cardwell, who finished with a dominant stat line of 12 points, 12 rebounds, four blocks and four steals, believes Darius Acuff Jr.’s impact goes well beyond the box score.

“I’m excited to play with a player like Darius. He’s a phenomenal, phenomenal point guard, phenomenal talent,” Cardwell said. “Anybody that leads the SEC in assists is a great basketball player, but to lead in both assists and points? I mean, generational player.”

Acuff entered the NBA after one of the most decorated freshman seasons in college basketball.

At Arkansas, he averaged 23.5 points and 6.4 assists while shooting 44 percent from three-point range, earning SEC Player of the Year, SEC Rookie of the Year and Consensus All-American honors before Sacramento selected him with the No. 7 overall pick.

Cardwell said opposing defenses have already shown just how much respect Acuff commands.

“Everyone’s blitzing his ball screens,” Cardwell explained. “We haven’t played a player yet where they’re blitzing him every single play. That gives you insight into how dangerous he is and how much respect he commands from other teams.”

While those aggressive coverages have limited Sacramento’s pick-and-roll opportunities, Cardwell is eager to see what the duo can become once defenses are forced to play Acuff more honestly.

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – JULY 04: Darius Acuff Jr. #5 and Emanuel Sharp #34 of the Sacramento Kings looks on 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. 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)

“As we get started every season and we see other defenses who are more confident in playing two-on-two, I’m excited to play a two-on-two game with him,” Cardwell said. “Right now it feels as if we’re playing two-on-five because of how great he is.”

Cardwell also praised the Kings’ rookie class as a whole, saying the front office hit on all three newcomers–Acuff, UConn forward Alex Karaban, and Houston guard Emanuel Sharp.

“I’m really proud of Darius. I feel like our front office chose three really great rookies,” he said.

The veteran big man has also tried to keep Acuff focused through the ups and downs of Summer League, reminding the rookie not to overreact to every make or miss.

“Darius said he didn’t have his legs after some of the shots,” Cardwell recalled. “I told him, ‘I don’t care.’ These games are here for us to get better. Don’t put too much stock into the ebbs and flows of Summer League.”

If Monday’s performance is any indication, Darius Acuff Jr. is already giving the Kings plenty of reasons to believe their future is in good hands.

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What is the next Sacramento Kings Offseason Event?

With the California Classic in the rearview, the Sacramento Kings will head to the desert for the NBA’s Las Vegas Summer League, with action set to tip off on Thursday night at UNLV.

Sacramento is set to face the fifth-overall pick, Keaton Wagler, and the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday night at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Sactown Sports will be ON SITE in Las Vegas ALL WEEK LONG from July 12-19th! Be sure to remain locked into Sactown Sports for your Sacramento Kings Summer League news, analysis, and much more!

Upcoming Sacramento Kings Offseason Schedule

• Thursday, July 9th – Sunday, July 19th – NBA Las Vegas Summer League
• August TBD – 2026-27 NBA Schedule release
• Late September – NBA training camps begin

2026 Sacramento Kings Las Vegas Summer League Schedule

• Thursday, July 9: vs. Los Angeles Clippers (8 p.m. PT)
• Sunday, July 12: vs. Washington Wizards (5 p.m. PT)
• Tuesday, July 14: vs. Brooklyn Nets (3 p.m. PT)
• Wednesday, July 15: vs. Boston Celtics (5 p.m. PT)
• Final game TBD

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