Which free agent guard would be the best fit with Darius Acuff Jr.?

The Sacramento Kings appear to be looking for one more veteran guard, but the question is what exactly they should be looking for.

With rookie Darius Acuff Jr. expected to open the season as Sacramento’s starting point guard, the Kings have reportedly explored several veteran options, including Ben Simmons, Cam Payne, Elfrid Payton and Victor Oladipo.

On Sactown Sports’ The Carmichael Dave Show with Jason Ross, the guys discussed which player would make the most sense — not only as a backup, but as someone who could help Acuff navigate his first NBA season.

For Dave, an open Simmons fan who has long wanted to see him play in Sacramento, Simmons is not the obvious answer.

“I don’t think it would be Ben Simmons,” Dave said when asked which player would be the best mentor for Acuff. “I just don’t see it. First off, I’m not really looking for Ben Simmons to give Darius Acuff advice on how to handle the NBA.”

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 23: Ben Simmons #25 of the Los Angeles Clippers looks on before the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Intuit Dome on March 23, 2025 in Inglewood, 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)

That doesn’t necessarily mean Simmons is the wrong player for the Sacramento Kings.

Simmons, 30, did not play in the 2025-26 season while recovering from back and other injuries, but he is reportedly healthy and attempting an NBA comeback.

Before the latest setback, he averaged 5.0 points, 4.7 rebounds and 5.6 assists in 51 games for the Brooklyn Nets and the Los Angeles Clippers in 2024-25.

His upside is obvious. If Simmons somehow rediscovers the form that made him a three-time All-Star, Sacramento could have found considerably more than a backup.

But that’s a major “if.”

Payne feels like the cleaner fit.

The 32-year-old point guard has 11 years of NBA experience and has consistently operated as a reserve capable of handling the ball, creating offense, and spacing the floor.

He averaged 7.4 points and 2.6 assists in 22 games with Philadelphia last season while shooting 33% from three. More importantly, his career résumé includes a productive stretch in Phoenix, where he averaged 9.8 points and 4.2 assists over 174 games.

That’s exactly the type of insurance the Kings need behind Acuff.

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – MARCH 23: Cameron Payne #20 of the Philadelphia 76ers dribbles the ball during a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Xfinity Mobile Arena on March 23, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)

Acuff arrives with tremendous offensive expectations after averaging 23.5 points and 6.4 assists while shooting 44% from three at Arkansas. But he is still a 19-year-old rookie entering a season in which he will be asked to run an NBA offense.

Payne doesn’t need to take Acuff’s job. He simply needs to make sure Sacramento’s offense doesn’t completely fall apart when Acuff sits.

Dave and Jason also raised a larger question: Does Sacramento even need a traditional veteran mentor if Acuff is going to play most of the minutes?

“I would rather almost take the risk on finding something that came out of nowhere,” Jason said, pointing toward the possibility of finding a younger player rather than signing a veteran simply to win a handful of games.

That’s fair. But if the Kings are going with a veteran approach, Payne could be the best fit for Acuff.

Darius Acuff Jr. #5 of the Sacramento Kings shoots a technical foul shot against 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. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

Oladipo offers the most intriguing two-way upside of the remaining options, while Payton provides legitimate point-guard experience. Simmons offers the biggest potential payoff if everything breaks right.

Payne, however, offers the best combination of ball-handling, experience, shooting, and, possibly most important, role clarity.

The Sacramento Kings don’t need someone to overshadow Acuff. They need someone who can make his transition easier. Payne could fit that job better than anyone else on the list, but time will tell who Scott Perry and company decide is best for that role come training camp.

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

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Sacramento Kings Schedule: 2026-27 Preseason

• 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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