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.

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)

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.

“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.

“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.

Be sure to check out the full interview with Jerry Reynolds on the Sactown Sports YouTube page or the Sactown Sports app.

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

• Report: Kings unlikely to bring Russell Westbrook back for 2026-27
• George: Kings are not currently pursuing Mario Hezonja
• Carmichael Dave: Zach LaVine is too valuable for Sacramento to make a bad trade
• Comparing Darius Acuff Jr.’s Summer League to NBA star guards
• Farewell, Las Vegas: Kings takeaways from NBA Summer League
• Alex Karaban hopes to help change the Sacramento Kings’ culture

What is the next Sacramento Kings Offseason Event?

The start of the 2026-27 season is quickly approaching for 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 into Sactown Sports all offseason for roster updates, schedule announcements, analysis, and much more.

Upcoming Sacramento Kings Offseason Schedule

• August TBD – 2026-27 NBA Schedule release
• Late September – NBA training camps begin

Sacramento Kings 2026-27 Preseason Schedule

• 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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