Jerry Reynolds: No need to overreact to Summer League struggles

Sacramento Kings fans got an honest evaluation of the team’s Summer League performance from one of the most respected voices in franchise history.

Former Kings head coach, general manager, scout and broadcaster Jerry Reynolds joined Sactown Sports’ The Drive Guys to discuss Sacramento’s young players in Las Vegas, including seventh-overall pick Darius Acuff Jr., who faced some struggles during his first NBA action.

While Acuff showed flashes of his talent, the rookie guard shot just 36% from the field and 26% from three across three Summer League games.

Reynolds acknowledged there were areas where Acuff needs to improve, but he also emphasized why Summer League results should be taken with perspective.

Darius Acuff Jr. #5 of the Sacramento Kings shoots a technical foul shot 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. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

More on Darius Acuff Jr.

“I thought he showed a lot of creativity in his passing,” Reynolds said. “I think once he gets with guys who can make shots and catch the ball better, his assist-turnover ratio has a chance to be pretty good.”

Reynolds pointed specifically to Acuff’s defensive effort, noting that while the rookie competed when guarding the ball, his off-ball defense was inconsistent.

“Defensively, away from the ball, he had the walkabouts a little bit,” Reynolds said. “But that’s why you have coaches. He’s certainly athletic enough to be an average defender.”

The former Kings coach also pointed out that many of the highly regarded young guards struggled during Summer League, making it difficult to draw major conclusions from a small sample size.

“I was disappointed a little bit, but none of the guards of the so-called top guys really had good stats in Vegas,” Reynolds said. “I don’t make too much of it because I always remember Steph Curry in Summer League, and you would have never thought.”

One factor Reynolds believes will help Darius Acuff Jr. once the regular season begins is the presence of Sacramento’s veteran players. Playing alongside players like Domantas Sabonis, Zach LaVine and Keegan Murray should create better opportunities and more space for the rookie.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JULY 15: Darius Acuff Jr. #5 of the Sacramento King poses for a portrait during the 2026 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot at UNLV on July 15, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

“He’ll be better with better players because they were really focused on him,” Reynolds said. “That’s not going to be the case in the regular season.”

Reynolds also praised Darius Acuff’s mindset, saying the rookie’s willingness to acknowledge his own mistakes is an encouraging sign.

“I like that a lot,” Reynolds said. “You can’t solve a problem if you can’t admit you got one.”

Beyond Acuff, Reynolds was encouraged by second-round pick Emanuel Sharp, calling him a potential bright spot for Sacramento.

“I think they got a player,” Reynolds said. “He’s a tough guy. He guards you, likes to guard you, fights over screens, can make shots and has range.”

As the Kings move toward training camp, Reynolds believes patience will be important. With roster spots potentially available, he expects Sacramento to remain active and wait for opportunities rather than rushing into decisions.

Emanuel Sharp #34 of the Sacramento Kings looks on in the second half of the 2026 NBA Summer League game against the Boston Celtics at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 15, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Louis Grasse/Getty Images)

“Patience would be called for,” Reynolds said. “There’ll be some decent players waived. You want to be in a spot to get them.”

For Acuff, Reynolds’ message was clear: Summer League was only the beginning. The real evaluation will come when he joins Sacramento’s veterans and begins his first NBA season.