Mark Jones sees ‘star quality’ in Darius Acuff Jr. despite Summer League struggles

Sacramento Kings rookie Darius Acuff Jr. hasn’t gotten off to the statistical start many fans envisioned in NBA Summer League, but longtime Kings broadcaster Mark Jones isn’t losing any sleep over it.

Joining Sactown Sports’ Jason Ross from Las Vegas, Jones explained why Acuff’s shooting percentages through his first few games don’t concern him and why he believes the seventh overall pick is built for long-term success.

“I’m not worried about it,” Jones said. “He was extremely efficient in college. 44 percent from three-point territory, 48 percent overall on field goals and 50 percent on catch-and-shoot threes.”

Jones believes Acuff’s role during Summer League has forced him into difficult offensive situations that won’t exist once the regular season begins.

“With [Domantas] Sabonis, Zach [LaVine], Keegan [Murray] on the floor and whoever that next guy is, there’s going to be a lot of open looks for him,” Jones said. “He won’t have to manufacture his own shots as he’s had to do a lot of times here in Summer League.”

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.

Instead, Jones pointed to the biggest adjustment Darius Acuff Jr. faces as he transitions from college basketball to the NBA.

“The biggest concern—and it might be a little bit legit—is just making the adjustment in the length of NBA defenders,” Jones said. “There have been a couple times where he’s had shots not blocked but deflected.”

Jones also reminded listeners that Acuff hadn’t played competitive five-on-five basketball since March before arriving in Las Vegas.

“Part of that is just rust,” Jones said. “He’s not worried.”

After speaking with Acuff’s father in Las Vegas, Jones came away even more confident the rookie will work through his early shooting woes.

“I asked him about his son’s shooting, and he said it’s not a big deal,” Jones said. “‘I’ll get a text from him tomorrow morning saying, ‘Pops, meet me at the gym at five. We’ll do some form shooting,’ and he’ll be fine.'”

(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

Beyond the numbers, Jones has been impressed with Darius Acuff Jr.’s poise against physical NBA competition.

“The best thing about it is that he hasn’t looked rattled,” Jones said. “His disposition and the way he comports himself on the floor—that’s what elite scouts and evaluators look at. He’s been unshakable so far.”

Jones added that Sacramento should continue giving Acuff heavy minutes throughout Summer League, believing the experience will only accelerate his growth.

“He’s going to have to get his scars,” Jones said. “He’s going to have to be given the latitude to make his mistakes and improve as a result of them. Success isn’t linear. He’ll get there.”

In Jones’ eyes, the growing pains are simply part of the process.

“He’s got star quality.”

Listen to The Carmichael Dave Show with Jason Ross from 6 – 10 a.m. PDT, Monday through Friday, on Sactown Sports 1140.

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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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