Kings Rookie Trio Secure Win in First LVSL Game

With a 3-0 record in the California Classic behind them, the Sacramento Kings 2026 Summer League team kicked off their first game in Las Vegas on Thursday night against the Los Angeles Clippers.

All eyes were on the guard matchup between Clippers’ Keaton Wagler and Sacramento’s Darius Acuff Jr. Wagler, selected fifth overall, was taken two spots before the Kings selected Acuff at seventh.

While teams are obviously still aiming to come away with wins, the more important takeaways are how individual players performed and what that could mean for their long-term outlook with the main club.

Kings’ rookie Acuff and Emanuel Sharp both participated in two California Classic games, but it marked the Summer League debut for UCONN product Alex Karaban. Kings general manager Scott Perry elected to trade up for another first-round pick (29th overall) to add Karaban.

Returning second-year players Nique Clifford and Dylan Cardwell were also focal points, while Maxime Ranyuad joined the team fresh of two FIBA qualifier games with France but did not participate in the first game. In a mid-game interview, Ranyuad said he “will probably play the second or third game.”

As always needs to be mentioned, it’s important to keep the context of Summer League in mind, and that performances there often don’t translate directly to the NBA level.

Clifford and Cardwell made an obvious impact in the eventual 91-85 win over the Clippers, but let’s focus on Sacramento’s rookie trio getting their first taste of the Las Vegas Summer League.

Darius Acuff Jr.

Game one in Vegas was about what you would expect from Acuff Jr. and on par with his showings in Golden 1 Center days prior. Sacramento’s offense ran through their projected starting point guard for next season, even as defenses were clearly focused on limiting his scoring impact.

Known as a tough shot maker, the guard didn’t shy away from getting his attempts up. The highly anticipated rookie recorded 19 points and seven assists while shooting 6/20 FG and 3/9 3P after starting the night 1/5 from the field.

Kings Summer League head coach Chris Darnell wants his group to play ‘advantage basketball,’ and it’s clear that Acuff runs the lead in creating those advantages. The pick-and-roll game was essential to that in the halfcourt, but Acuff’s ability to play with pace after turnovers also stood out with some tough finishes after sprinting down the floor.

count it ‼️ pic.twitter.com/sdH1sezmww

— Sacramento Kings (@SacramentoKings) July 10, 2026

After a back-and-forth first half, Sacramento pulled away in the third quarter before a late 10-0 Clippers run made it a single-digit game in the final minutes.

Trusting their new lead guard to calm the tides and run the show, he led them to an eventual victory, even if it was a fellow rookie who stood out more so later in the action.

Emanuel Sharp

Acuff and Sharp shared defensive responsibilities on Wagler, but there was a stark contrast between the two. The crowd and viewers from home were reminded of the Houston product he earned Big 12 All-Defensive Honors last season thanks to his active, physical brand of basketball on that end of the floor.

Despite 10 fouls being the foul-out marker in Las Vegas, he still was successful in managing to be physical without fouling and forcing turnovers (4 steals), which Kings head coach Doug Christie must love to see from their new addition.

At the halfway point, with his side owning a 44-41 lead, Sharp had eight points on 2/6 3P shooting, but he came alive in the second half. He rarely hesitated to pull-up from beyond the arc, a shot he’s comfortable with as he left Houston with the school’s all-time record for made triples.

Sharp connects for a triple 🔥 pic.twitter.com/5bNQZsStwf

— Kings on NBCS (@NBCSKings) July 10, 2026

Converting important looks late, he ended the night with a game-high 21 points on 4/10 FG, 3/8 3P, and 7/8 FT.

Keep in mind that Summer League rules allow free throws to be worth more than one point outside of the final two minutes, but his conversion rate from the line was crucial to their eventual victory.

Fans know what to expect of Acuff, so it felt like Sharp’s performance was the standout in their win.

Alex Karaban

Given that it was his first time suiting up with ‘Kings’ across his chest, many were curious to see how the winningest player in UCONN men’s basketball history would perform. Drawing a charge within the first few possessions was a prime example of him finding ways to positively impact the game.

But it was the definition of an off-night for Karaban. Of course, he was just returning from an ankle sprain, and it’s difficult to gauge how much that may have impacted his performance.

No matter, being earning a reputation as a sharpshooter in college with impressive range and intelligence using that gravity to cut off ball, Karaban found good looks but struggled to convert. In 24 minutes, the rookie forward ended the night with zero points, 0/6 FG, and 0/4 3P. He also had two rebounds and one assist.

If you’re prioritizing process over results, it wasn’t a horrible night, but surely Karaban would’ve preferred to knock down a few of his looks.

The good news is, it was only his first game since being drafted 29th overall, leaving more chances for him to bounce back. Sacramento’s next matchup in Las Vegas will come against number one overall pick AJ Dybanasta and the Washington Wizards on Sunday, July 12th at 5 p.m. PST.

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What is the next Sacramento Kings Offseason Event?

With the California Classic in the rearview, the Sacramento Kings will head to the desert for the NBA’s Las Vegas Summer League, with action set to tip off on Thursday night at UNLV.

Sacramento is set to face the first-overall pick, AJ Dybantsa, and the Washington Wizards on Sunday night 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

• Sunday, July 12: vs. Washington Wizards – 5 p.m. PT (Prime Video)
• 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

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