Darius Acuff Jr. made Andre Miller take notice at Kings’ summer workouts

Darius Acuff Jr. has already impressed plenty of people with his scoring ability, but Sacramento Kings television voice Mark Jones believes one of the most telling evaluations of the rookie came from a former NBA point guard who knows exactly what it takes to run an offense.

That former point guard was Andre Miller.

Miller, a 17-year NBA veteran and one of the best playmakers in league history, is currently working in the coaching ranks and remains highly regarded as an evaluator of point guard talent.

After watching Acuff during some of the Kings’ recent workouts in Los Angeles, Miller apparently saw something that immediately caught his attention.

Jones shared the story while joining Sactown Sports’ The Carmichael Dave Show with Jason Ross.

“Everybody knows about Darius Acuff’s ability to score,” Jones said. “44 percent on threes last year at Arkansas. 50 percent on catch-and-shoot threes. Can make his own food. Great at creating his own shot.”

But it was one particular sequence during a scrimmage that really stood out.

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – JULY 04: Darius Acuff Jr. #5 of the Sacramento Kings dribbling the ball looks to drive to the basket 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)

Acuff came off a Dylan Cardwell screen, snaked the pick and put his defender on his hip before throwing a left-handed hook pass off the bounce to Nique Clifford in the corner. Clifford knocked down the game-winning three.

According to Jones, Miller immediately walked over to Kings head coach Doug Christie.

“Doug, that your point guard right there? That dude, your point guard?” Miller asked.

Jones said Miller continued to marvel at what he was seeing from the seventh overall pick.

“He was saying, ‘Wow, he can go. He’s making every pass, making all kinds of shots,’” Jones said.

For the Kings, that evaluation could be particularly meaningful. Acuff’s scoring was never much of a question after a sensational freshman season at Arkansas, where he averaged 23.5 points and 6.4 assists while shooting 44% from three.

He earned SEC Player of the Year, SEC Rookie of the Year, and Consensus All-American honors before Sacramento selected him seventh overall in the 2026 NBA Draft.

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – MARCH 13: Darius Acuff Jr. #5 of the Arkansas Razorbacks looks on during the second half iagainst the Oklahoma Sooners n the quarterfinal game of the 2026 SEC Men’s Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena on March 13, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Johnnie Izquierdo/Getty Images)

More on Kings PG Darius Acuff Jr.

The bigger question has been whether Darius Acuff Jr. can consistently translate his playmaking ability to the NBA.

Seeing Miller, a player who ranks 13th on the NBA’s all-time assists list, react so strongly to Acuff’s passing provides an encouraging early sign.

Jones also pointed to the continued development of Clifford, who has shot the ball well since returning from Summer League, and said the young Kings have been “going at it hard” during workouts.

Now, Jones is eager to see what Acuff and the rest of Sacramento’s young players look like alongside veterans such as Domantas Sabonis, Zach LaVine, Keegan Murray, and De’Andre Hunter.

“I think we’re going to get the best version of those players,” Jones said, noting that both veterans appear highly motivated heading into the season.

For Acuff, however, the most intriguing endorsement may have come from Miller–a point guard who immediately recognized something special in Sacramento’s newest franchise guard.

Listen to The Carmichael Dave Show with Jason Ross from 6 – 10 a.m. PDT, Monday through Friday, on Sactown Sports 1140.

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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 to Sactown Sports all offseason for roster updates, analysis, and much more.

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)

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