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Kings Mock Draft Roundup: Final 7th pick predictions

With the 2026 NBA Draft set to begin on Tuesday, here's one final look at NBA Mock Drafts as analysts predict the Sacramento Kings' 7th pick.

Watch: Are the Kings Really the Worst Team in the Western Conference? | 24 mins

The Sacramento Kings have been linked to several prospects throughout the pre-draft process, but what do the final NBA Mock Drafts say?

With the 2026 NBA Draft set to begin tomorrow night, it’s time for one last look at who experts and analysts believe Sacramento will select with the 7th overall pick.

Coming off a disappointing 22-60 season, the Kings are looking for a difference-maker. Could Arkansas guard Darius Acuff Jr. be the answer? How about Houston guard Kingston Flemings?

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According to the latest NBA Mock Drafts, one of those two talented guards could be headed to Sacramento.

Here’s one final NBA Mock Draft roundup before the 2026 NBA Draft tips off on Tuesday night.

SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 26: Darius Acuff Jr. #5 of the Arkansas Razorbacks shoots a free throw against the Arizona Wildcats during the first half in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at SAP Center on March 26, 2026 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Darius Acuff Jr. #5 of the Arkansas Razorbacks shoots a free throw against the Arizona Wildcats during the first half in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at SAP Center on March 26, 2026 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

NBA Mock Draft Roundup: Sacramento Kings (7th pick)

ESPN: 7th pick: Arkansas PG Darius Acuff Jr.

Sources say there is a strong mutual interest between Acuff and Sacramento, the question simply being whether he makes it to the Kings’ pick. They appear content to wait and see. They have looked closely at the other guards in this range and have not seemed itchy to move up the board.

Acuff is drawing consideration from the Clippers and Nets, but much of the talk in recent days points to him landing at his preferred destination. He would plug in immediately for a Kings team hoping to land its point guard of the future.

ESPN’s Jeremy Woo | June 22, 2026

 

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Yahoo!: 7th pick | Arkansas PG Darius Acuff Jr.

All indications are that the Kings front office will stay put here and hope that Acuff is on the board. Acuff is a wiry scorer who can get a bucket from anywhere on the floor with a quick trigger, slippery handle, and a feel for manipulating defenses.

After entering college with the reputation of a ball hog, he changed that and emerged as a skilled, low-turnover playmaker who sprayed the ball around the floor and put in significant effort moving off-ball.

So while he is not the biggest guard or the most explosive athlete, he reads defenses like someone who’s been in the league for a decade. He still needs to make dramatic improvements on defense, though, as he was one of the worst defenders in college basketball last season.

Yahoo! Sports’ Kevin O’Conner | June 22, 2026

 

Bleacher Report: 7th pick | Arkansas PG Darius Acuff Jr.

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Assuming the first four picks unfold as many have expected for weeks, the Los Angeles Clippers at No. 5 could be the first true wild card.

“The Clippers have been at the center of trade rumors over the past week, and rival teams say they’ll have options available, including moving back in the draft,” Woo reported.

And even if L.A. keeps its pick, there isn’t one clear favorite. Woo said Illinois’ Keaton Wagler and Louisville’s Mikel Brown Jr. are most commonly connected with the Clippers.

Bleacher Report’s Joseph Zucker in his NBA Mock Draft piece | June 22, 2026

 

The Athletic: 7th pick | Arkansas PG Darius Acuff Jr.

The Kings are likely to stay at No. 7 and select the best guard who falls to them. In this case, they seemingly get their wish of Acuff being on the board; most teams below this slot are working under the impression that the Kings are Acuff’s floor.

Sacramento general manager Scott Perry has a relationship with the Acuff family, as he coached Eastern Kentucky in the 1990s when Darius Acuff Sr. played for the Colonels. The team is in desperate need of an offensive engine at the lead guard slot. If Acuff is available here, it would be a massive win for the Kings.

The Athletic‘s Sam Vecenie in his latest NBA Mock Draft update| June 22, 2026

 

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CBS Sports: 7th pick | Arkansas PG Darius Acuff Jr.

The worst kept secret in the NBA Draft is the Kings admiration for Acuff. Kings general manager Scott Perry coached his father in the 1990s when he was the coach at Eastern Kentucky.

Acuff, in my opinion, is the best true point guard in the draft. He can be an offensive engine in the NBA. That’s exactly what Sacramento needs. There has been a lot of talk about Sacramento potentially trading up to secure Acuff. I’ll believe it when I see it.

CBS’ Cameron Salerno in his latest NBA Mock Draft piece | June 22, 2026

 

USA Today: 7th pick | Arkansas PG Darius Acuff Jr.

The Kings need a potential star and according to Yahoo’s Kevin O’Connor, folks around the league “widely believe” they are targeting Arkansas freshman Darius Acuff Jr. in this class.

En route to the Sweet 16, the SEC Player of the Year proved he is one of the most enticing offensive prospects in recent memory. Acuff Jr. led the nation for points created (1,394) either by himself or through an assist, per CBB Analytics.

The speedy guard led freshmen for field goals made in transition (72) and field goals made from both the left and right side of the court. He was among the freshmen leaders in alley-oop assists (17) as well.

He has significant defensive deficiencies but is one of the most exciting offensive prospects in recent memory. It’s also worth noting Kings executive Scott Perry coached Acuff’s father in college.

USA Today’s Bryan Kalbrosky | June 8, 2026

 

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Sports Illustrated: 7th pick | Arkansas PG Darius Acuff Jr.

The Kings have consistently been connected to Acuff, in part because his father played for Kings top executive Scott Perry in college. It’s very possible Acuff won’t be available at No. 7 though.

If the Kings are enamored, they may need to package assets to move up a spot or two. If not, they could play the waiting game knowing that another top point guard is guaranteed to be available even if Acuff isn’t.

Sports Illustrated’s Kevin Sweeney | June 22, 2026

 

SB Nation: 7th pick: Houston PG Kingston Flemings

Tankathon: 7th pick: Houston PG Kingston Flemings

More Sacramento Kings content from Sactown Sports

What is the next Sacramento Kings Offseason Event?

The Sacramento Kings are preparing for a crucial 2026 NBA Draft, which is set to take place from Tuesday, June 23rd, through Wednesday, June 24th.

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Sacramento owns the 7th pick in the Draft, giving them a chance at selecting a talented player with upside, such as Arkansas guard Darius Acuff Jr., Louisville guard Mikel Brown Jr., Houston’s Kingston Flemings, and Illinois guard Keaton Wagler, among others.

Be sure to stay locked into Sactown Sports for pre-draft workout news, player breakdowns, draft rumors, and MUCH more.

Upcoming Sacramento Kings & NBA Offseason Schedule

  • Tuesday, June 23rd – NBA Draft (Round 1)
  • Wednesday, June 24th – NBA Draft (Round 2)
  • Tuesday, June 30th – NBA Free Agency negotiation period begins (3 PM PT)
  • Saturday, July 4th – Monday, July 6th – California Classic at Golden 1 Center
  • Thursday, July 9th – NBA Las Vegas Summer League begins
  • Monday, July 13th – Free Agency moratorium ends / signings can become official

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Frankie Cartoscelli Lead Editor & Kings Beat Writer

Author Name: Franklin Cartoscelli Bio: Franklin 'Frankie' Cartoscelli is Sactown Sports 1140's Lead Editor, Sacramento Kings beat writer and co-host of the Return of the Roar podcast. Professional Background: Worked in professional sports… Read more

Comments

1 Comments

D
Daniel Smith 2 months ago

Good content Frankie, keep it comin' man