Sacramento’s rebuild hinges on development–not wins

The Sacramento Kings are entering a new era, and according to Kings Herald editor-in-chief Akis Yercostas, the organization’s focus should be squarely on developing its young talent while allowing the results to take care of themselves.

Joining Sactown Sports’ The Drive Guys on Sactown Sports, Yercostas broke down Sacramento’s rookie class, the expectations surrounding several young players, and why patience remains critical as the franchise continues its rebuild.

Yercostas remains optimistic about seventh overall pick Darius Acuff Jr., despite an up-and-down showing in NBA Summer League. While Acuff’s shooting efficiency drew criticism, Yercostas believes too much is being made of those numbers.

“Outside of those top four guys, Acuff is the guy that I wanted the Kings to get,” Yercostas said. “I think because of the strength of this draft, it’s the only reason we were able to get a guy as talented as he is at seven.”

He pointed out that many of the draft’s top guards struggled offensively in Las Vegas but liked what he saw from Acuff’s ability to create offense.

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – JULY 04: Darius Acuff Jr. #5 of the Sacramento Kings dribbles the ball up court past Drake Powell #4 of 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. 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 only worry about guys in Summer League if they look like they can’t play,” Yercostas said. “He didn’t look like that. He looked like he was able to get to his spots, get shots, and he was trying on defense.”

Yercostas also offered his thoughts on first-round forward Alex Karaban, describing the former UConn standout as a complementary piece whose value should become more apparent alongside NBA-caliber talent.

“He always seemed to know exactly where to be on the floor,” Yercostas said. “Whenever he was asked to do anything with the ball that wasn’t just catch it and shoot it or catch it and pass it, that’s where he kind of struggled.”

While he questioned whether trading up for Karaban was necessary, Yercostas noted that finding a reliable rotation player late in the first round would still represent a successful draft outcome.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JULY 15: Darius Acuff Jr. #5 and Alex Karaban #33 of the Sacramento Kings pose for a portrait during the 2026 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot at UNLV on July 15, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

Looking ahead, Yercostas believes Sacramento should resist any temptation to prioritize lottery positioning over player growth.

“You play the guys, you try to do what you can, and let the lottery fit where it might,” he said. “Obviously, the biggest thing is developing these guys.”

He also expects veterans like Domantas Sabonis and Zach LaVine to ease Acuff’s transition by taking defensive attention away from the rookie, something Acuff rarely experienced during Summer League.

Yercostas added that while the Kings have improved their wing depth, he still believes the roster lacks the length and defensive versatility needed to contend long-term.

As the rebuild continues, Sacramento’s success will ultimately depend less on its record and more on whether its young core develops into the foundation the franchise hopes it can become.

Be sure to check out the full interview with Akis Yercostas on the Sactown Sports YouTube page or the Sactown Sports app.

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What is the next Sacramento Kings Offseason Event?

The start of the 2026-27 season is quickly approaching for Darius Acuff Jr. and the Sacramento Kings.

Sacramento will begin training camp in late September as they prepare to begin preseason play on Monday, October 5th when they face Luka Doncic and the new-look Los Angeles Lakers at Golden 1 Center.

Be sure to stay tuned into Sactown Sports all offseason for roster updates, schedule announcements, analysis, and much more.

Upcoming Sacramento Kings Offseason Schedule

• August TBD – 2026-27 NBA Schedule release
• Late September – NBA training camps begin

Sacramento Kings 2026-27 Preseason Schedule

• Monday, October 5th vs. Los Angeles Lakers (7 P.M. PST)
• Thursday, October 8th @ Los Angeles Lakers (7:30 P.M. PST)
• Saturday, October 10th @ Golden State Warriors (5:30 P.M. PST)
• Tuesday, October 13th vs. Portland Trail Blazers (7:00 P.M. PST)
• Friday, October 16th @ San Antonio Spurs (7:00 P.M. PST)

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