NBA analyst: Struggling Darius Acuff Jr. ‘is going to be just fine’

Sacramento Kings fans may be growing anxious over Darius Acuff Jr.’s shooting numbers through Las Vegas Summer League, but NBA analyst Krysten Peek believes the rookie guard has already shown plenty of reasons for optimism.

Joining Sactown Sports’ The Drive Guys from Las Vegas, Peek said she’s far more encouraged by Acuff’s defensive effort than concerned about his offensive production, calling the early struggles a natural part of the transition to the NBA.

Entering play on Tuesday, the Arkansas product is shooting eight-of-31 (26%) from three-point range and shooting 31 percent from the field over four games.

“I think he’s fine,” Peek said. “Darius is someone that just loves to compete. He wants to perform every single night and win. He’s obviously struggling with that, so he’s in his feelings a little bit. But I think he’s going to be just fine.”

Peek cautioned against placing too much stock in Summer League box scores.

“You have to remember Summer League is a place for overreaction,” she said. “People are stat-line scouting, but Darius is going to be just fine.”

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – JULY 04: Darius Acuff Jr. #5 of the Sacramento Kings dribbling the ball looks to drive to the basket on John Ukomadu #7 of 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)

More on Darius Acuff Jr.

Darius Acuff Jr., the seventh overall pick in last month’s NBA Draft, has acknowledged his own mistakes after games, taking accountability for turnovers, passing decisions and shot selection. That maturity has stood out to Peek just as much as his play on the court.

“He said, ‘I’ve got to make better passes. I’ve got to get my teammates more involved,'” Peek said. “He’s trying to find that chemistry, and where he succeeds is on the ball. I think he’s going to be just fine.”

While much of Acuff’s pre-draft criticism centered around his defense, Peek believes that narrative is already changing.

“If you’re a Kings fan, you should be more encouraged by the fact that he’s playing defense and defending very well in Summer League,” Peek said. “Everybody said he was the worst defender in college basketball, and they were worried about his defense. I’m not worried about the offense.”

Instead, Peek believes Acuff simply needs time to adjust to the speed and physicality of the professional game.

“He’s adjusting to the pace and the physicality of the NBA game,” she said. “What I know of Darius from high school through Arkansas is he’s going to figure it out offensively. He is a bucket getter.”

Peek also reminded fans how highly Acuff was viewed throughout the pre-draft process.

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – MARCH 14: Darius Acuff Jr. #5 of the Arkansas Razorbacks looks on during the first half against the Ole Miss Rebels in the semifinal game of the 2026 SEC Men’s Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena on March 14, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Johnnie Izquierdo/Getty Images)

“In any other draft, there is zero chance someone like Darius Acuff falls to seven,” she said. “This is a player who worked out for Utah at No. 2 because they were really high on him.”

For Peek, the biggest takeaway isn’t Acuff’s shooting percentage but his competitiveness.

“He was in his feelings after the game because it mattered to him,” Peek said. “If you’re the future franchise point guard, that’s exactly what you want. He’s taking it seriously, and that’s a really good sign.”

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

More Sacramento Kings content from Sactown Sports

What is the next Sacramento Kings Offseason Event?

Darius Acuff Jr. & the Sacramento Kings will continue their Las Vegas Summer League slate on Wednesday afternoon at UNLV when they play the second game of a back-to-back.

Sacramento is set to face the Boston Celtics at 5 p.m. on Wednesday 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

• Tuesday, July 14: vs. Brooklyn Nets – 3 p.m. PT (Prime Video)
• Wednesday, July 15: vs. Boston Celtics – 5 p.m. PT (ESPN 2)
• Final game TBD

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

Related

Why Zach LaVine Could Have Trade Value Next SeasonA’s Injury Report: Nick Kurtz lands on IL as Athletics’ Injury List grows49ers’ Special Teams Coach reacts to Deebo Samuel reunion: ‘He’s a Difference Maker’Madden 27: George Kittle remains among NFL’s elite TE’s despite Achilles injuryFaithful Flashbacks #27: Trading for Christian McCaffreyHave the Giants officially entered a rebuild?