Mark Jones on the Kings’ keys to success in 2026-27

The Sacramento Kings’ season may hinge on how quickly Darius Acuff Jr. can become a lead guard without taking the ball out of the hands of Sacramento’s established scorers.

Play-by-play voice Mark Jones sees that balance, and Keegan Murray’s two-way growth, as key to what the team can become.

Jones joined Sactown Sports’ The Carmichael Dave Show with Jason Ross to discuss the Kings’ roster.

He said Acuff’s early development will be measured by how well he scores while also creating opportunities for Zach LaVine, Murray and Domantas Sabonis.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 08: Darius Acuff Jr. #5 of the Sacramento Kings dribbles the ball against the Los Angeles Lakers in a preseason game at Crypto.com Arena on October 08, 2026 in Los Angeles, 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 Luke Hales/Getty Images)

“The surprise is going to be in how fast Darius Acuff is able to take the reins of the offense and strike that delicate balance,” Jones said. “How much he is scoring versus how much he is getting off the ball and distributing.”

Acuff’s defense will also be worth watching. Jones pushed back on the idea that the rookie is disinterested on that end, saying Acuff is proud and doesn’t want to be viewed as a weak link. How he competes defensively, Jones said, will be one measure of his progress.

Murray faces a different challenge. Ben Simmons’ absence takes away a versatile defender who could have guarded players across several positions.

That leaves Murray with more responsibility on defense at a time when Sacramento also needs him to rediscover the shooting touch he showed as a rookie.

Jones sees Murray’s two-way impact as another important barometer for the Kings. If Murray can handle tough defensive assignments while returning to form as a shooter, he can give Sacramento more flexibility around its high-usage scorers.

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 10: Keegan Murray #13 of the Sacramento Kings dunks the ball during the first half of the preseason game against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on October 10, 2026 in San Francisco, 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 Godofredo A. Vásquez/Getty Images)

Sabonis’ health is just as important.

Jones said the center hadn’t had much time to build up to the season, so it could take a few games for him to get going. But keeping Sabonis on the floor and getting him back to his productive, double-double form would give the Kings a steady foundation.

“Just keeping Sabonis healthy on the floor and getting him back to the double-double machine that he was,” Jones said.

The Kings have several questions to answer, but Jones’ outlook centers on how these core pieces fit together. Acuff needs to direct the offense without becoming passive. Murray has to help on both ends. And Sabonis needs to stay available as a reliable hub.

If those pieces come together, Sacramento may have more room to surprise than outside expectations suggest.

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

More Sacramento Kings content from Sactown Sports

• Sacramento Kings fans rank 6th in Nielsen NBA Fandom Index
• Sacramento Kings announce 2026-27 opening night roster
• Kenny Caraway wants to see an aggressive Zach LaVine
• Turner: Sacramento Kings need to find a role for Emanuel Sharp

Sacramento Kings 2026-27 Regular Season Schedule

• Friday, October 23rd vs. Portland Trail Blazers (7:00 P.M. PT)
• Sunday, October 25th vs. Memphis Grizzlies (6:00 P.M. PT)
• Tuesday, October 27th @ San Antonio Spurs (5:00 P.M. PT)
• Thursday, October 29th @ New Orleans Pelicans (5:00 P.M. PT)
• Saturday, October 31st @ Memphis Grizzlies (5:00 P.M. PT)

Thank you for reading SactownSports.com. Follow us on X/Twitter and Google News, and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

Related

Tim Plough: UC Davis Must Earn Its Confidence BackMatt Barrows: 49ers should ‘double down’ at the Trade DeadlineSacramento Kings fans rank 6th in Nielsen NBA Fandom IndexSacramento Kings announce 2026-27 opening night rosterMike Evans update: Kyle Shanahan hopeful after Achilles flare-up49ers survive Commanders’ attempted comeback, improve to 6-0