Jerry Reynolds: Darius Acuff should be a big part of the offense, not all of it

Sacramento Kings legend Jerry Reynolds said the preseason has offered some encouraging individual performances, but he wants to see Sacramento’s key players on the floor together before drawing firm conclusions about the team.

Several prominent players still hadn’t appeared heading into Saturday’s matchup against Golden State, making it hard to assess the Kings’ rotations and on-court chemistry. Reynolds said the team has a short preseason and needs to quickly identify its rotations.

“At some point, I think they’ve got to be out there together a little bit,” Reynolds said during an interview with Sactown Sports’ The Drive Guys. “The few games you do play, I think it becomes even more important to kind of thin the herd a little quicker.”

Reynolds singled out Precious Achiuwa and Daeqwon Plowden as players who had made the most of their opportunities. He said Achiuwa deserves a place in the rotation, while Plowden’s effort and shooting have stood out when he gets minutes.

The bigger questions, Reynolds said, will require seeing the full group. That includes how rookie Darius Acuff fits alongside veterans such as Domantas Sabonis, Malik Monk and Keegan Murray–and whether Acuff can be effective without carrying the offense.

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 28: Darius Acuff Jr. #5 of the Sacramento Kings poses for a picture during the Kings Media Day at Sacramento Kings Practice Facility on September 28, 2026 in Sacramento, 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 Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

“I think they’re going to have to figure out some different ways to use him,” Reynolds said. “You really want him to be a big part of the offense, but not the offense.”

Reynolds said Acuff’s frequent dribbling could make him easier to defend if he has to create too much on his own. He suggested the Kings should move the ball, get Acuff involved in different ways, and allow him to develop at a normal pace.

“He’s not going to get 30, not productively,” Reynolds said. “Let the guy develop at a normal rate, and gosh, I think he could be terrific.”

The matchup with the Clippers could test that approach. Reynolds noted that defenders such as Kris Dunn and Derrick Jones Jr. could make life difficult for Acuff if Sacramento expects him to beat them off the dribble.

He said Sabonis and Murray could help by providing passing options and allowing Acuff to get the ball out of his hands.

Reynolds also said De’Andre Hunter has been disappointing so far. The veteran forward came to Sacramento with expectations as a three-and-D player, but Reynolds said he hasn’t shown much in either area during the preseason.

John Collins #20 of the Los Angeles Clippers dribbles against De’Andre Hunter #15 of the Sacramento Kings in the first quarter at Golden 1 Center on February 06, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Eakin Howard/Getty Images)

Among the younger players, Reynolds praised Jonathan Mogbo’s effort and athleticism, while cautioning that preseason minutes can be misleading. He was somewhat more encouraged by Alex Karaban, whom he said could eventually find a role, though he may need time to develop.

For Reynolds, the early games have raised useful questions, but the Kings’ outlook will be clearer once the main rotation plays together.

Watch the full conversation in the video player at the top of the page or on the Sactown Sports YouTube page.

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

Click here for full episodes of The Drive Guys.

More Sacramento Kings content from Sactown Sports

• Kyle Draper: Sacramento faces familiar challenges entering new season
• Raynaud avoids serious injury, will be re-evaluated in two weeks
• Has Sacramento Kings GM Scott Perry’s next free agent target been revealed?
• Has Keegan Murray reached his NBA ceiling?
• Doug Christie: Nothing I read about Ben Simmons was true

Sacramento Kings Schedule: 2026-27 Preseason

• Tuesday, October 13th vs. Portland Trail Blazers (7:00 P.M. PT)
• Friday, October 16th @ San Antonio Spurs (7:00 P.M. PT)

Sacramento Kings 2026-27 Regular Season Schedule

• Wednesday, October 21st @ Los Angeles Clippers (7:30 P.M. PT)
• 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)

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