NBA writer explains why he gave Kings ‘C’ grade for offseason moves
Jason Jones explains why he gave the Sacramento Kings a C offseason grade & why fans shouldn't worry about Darius Acuff's summer struggles.
Watch: The Athletic’s Jason Jones Breaks Down Kings’ Offseason Grade | 27 mins
The Sacramento Kings didn’t make a splash this offseason, but according to The Athletic’s Jason Jones, that doesn’t necessarily mean they had a bad summer.
Appearing on Sactown Sports’ The Matt and Kayla Show, Jones explained why he handed Sacramento a C grade for its offseason while stressing that the team’s limited salary cap flexibility left general manager Scott Perry with few realistic options.
“They were very limited in what they could do,” Jones said. “I wasn’t going to ding them for not doing a lot when they didn’t have a lot they could do.”
Jones pointed to the Kings selecting Darius Acuff Jr. with the seventh overall pick as the defining move of the offseason.
“Acuff was really their offseason in terms of the big move they were going to be able to make,” Jones said. “He fell to them at seven. Perfect for them.”
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)
While Sacramento explored options such as restricted free-agent center Jalen Duren, Jones noted that restricted free agency and the club’s cap situation prevented the Kings from making significant additions.
Instead, he believes Perry’s biggest roster changes will likely come during the regular season.
“I think their real turnover starts during the season,” Jones said. “You have to be patient because they really don’t have a choice. This is just the team they have right now.”
Jones also believes Perry deserves time before being judged, considering he inherited the roster following the De’Aaron Fox trade.
“I think Scott’s real imprint on the team probably will begin after this season,” Jones said. “He inherited the roster. This is just kind of what he had.”
Despite Acuff’s inconsistent start in NBA Summer League, Jones urged Kings fans not to overreact. The rookie guard has struggled with efficiency through his first few games, but Jones believes Summer League is an unreliable measuring stick.
“I don’t think there’s anything to worry about with Darius,” Jones said. “He has a whole track record from Arkansas that shows he can score.”
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)
Jones explained that Summer League environments are often chaotic, with players competing for contracts rather than building chemistry.
“It’s such a weird thing because you’re playing largely with guys you will not be playing with once training camp starts,” Jones said.
He even recalled only one former Kings lottery pick who truly concerned him during Summer League.
“The only time I watched Summer League and thought, ‘Oh my God, there’s a problem,’ was Thomas Robinson,” Jones said.
As for Acuff, Jones expects the rookie to benefit once he’s surrounded by established NBA talent.
“He’ll have a healthy [Domantas] Sabonis. He’ll have guys around him who will make the job easier,” Jones said. “I wouldn’t be worried about Darius at all.”
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
- Wednesday, July 15: vs. Boston Celtics – 5 p.m. PT (ESPN 2)
- Final game TBD
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Comments
1 Comments
Considering what limited movement Perry was restricted to...I'd rate it a solid C+. With considering the draft though, I'd hand out a B+ grade at least.