Jerry Reynolds: Darius Acuff Jr. could be ‘the best guard to ever play in Sacramento’

The Sacramento Kings have believed in Darius Acuff Jr. for months, connecting with the Arkansas star throughout the pre-draft process before selecting him with the 7th overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft on Tuesday night.

Now, one of the most respected voices in franchise history believes Sacramento may have landed a generational talent.

Kings icon Jerry Reynolds joined Sactown Sports’ The Drive Guys following the draft and didn’t hesitate when asked for his evaluation of Acuff.

“I think they got a real potential star,” Reynolds said. “I started watching him in December, and I just think there’s been drafts where he’d have been certainly a top-three pick most of the time.”

Reynolds then took his praise to another level.

“I’ll be surprised if he’s not the best guard to ever play in Sacramento,” Reynolds said.

NBA commissioner Adam Silver shakes hands with Darius Acuff Jr. after he is drafted seventh overall by the Sacramento Kings during Round One of the 2026 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 23, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images)

More on Kings PG Darius Acuff Jr.

It’s a remarkable statement considering the guards who have worn a Kings uniform, but Reynolds believes Darius Acuff Jr. possesses the offensive skill set to eventually surpass them all.

Acuff arrives in Sacramento after one of the most decorated freshman seasons in college basketball. He averaged 23.5 points and 6.4 assists while shooting 44 percent from three-point range at Arkansas, earning SEC Player of the Year, SEC Rookie of the Year, and Consensus All-American honors.

His relationship with Kings general manager Scott Perry also dates back years, as Perry previously coached Acuff’s father during his college career at Eastern Kentucky.

While many draft analysts questioned Acuff’s defense entering the NBA, Reynolds believes concerns on that end of the floor shouldn’t overshadow elite offensive talent.

“The team with the most points always wins, and that’s why they call it a scoreboard,” Reynolds said. “They don’t call it a defensive board.”

Reynolds pointed to players such as Jalen Brunson, Stephen Curry, and Steve Nash, all of whom entered the NBA with defensive question marks before developing into stars. He believes Acuff deserves the same opportunity.

PORTLAND, OREGON – MARCH 21: Darius Acuff Jr. #5 of the Arkansas Razorbacks looks on against the High Point Panthers during the second half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Moda Center on March 21, 2026 in Portland, Oregon. (Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images)

What stands out most to Reynolds is Acuff’s shooting ability, especially considering the degree of difficulty on many of his attempts.

“He shot 44% as the main guy, being the main focus for the opposition,” Reynolds said. “He made threes off the dribble, going right, going left. There aren’t very many point guards in the league that are comfortable doing that.”

Although many have compared Acuff to Damian Lillard, Reynolds sees another NBA champion when evaluating his game.

“I’ll tell you who I think he’s like,” Reynolds said. “Kyrie Irving. I think he reminds me a lot of Kyrie, his ability to finish at the basket right and left-handed. He’s strong, and he’s got a great handle.”

Reynolds also pushed back against the narrative that Acuff is simply an elite scorer, arguing his playmaking has become underrated throughout the draft process.

“I think his passing is really underrated,” Reynolds said. “He made more assists, and he had the better turnover ratio. Please explain why there are better point guards.”

The Kings are hoping Darius Acuff Jr. develops into the franchise cornerstone they’ve been searching for. If Reynolds’ evaluation proves accurate, Sacramento may have drafted not only its point guard of the future, but the greatest guard in franchise history.

Listen to The Drive Guys from 2 – 6 p.m. PST, Monday through Friday, on Sactown Sports 1140.

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What is the next Sacramento Kings Offseason Event?

The Sacramento Kings will now set their sights on the California Classic, with action set to run from July 4th through July 6th at Golden 1 Center.

New Kings point guard Darius Acuff Jr. (7th pick in the 2026 NBA Draft) will go head-to-head against Brooklyn Nets guard Mikel Brown Jr. (6th pick in the 2026 NBA Draft) at 2 pm PT on July 4th, right here in downtown Sacramento.

Be sure to remain locked into Sactown Sports for your Sacramento Kings Summer League news, analysis, and much more!

Upcoming Sacramento Kings & NBA Offseason Schedule

• 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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