Young Sacramento Kings building early chemistry at Rico Hines’ open runs

The Sacramento Kings are still weeks away from training camp, but some of the team’s young players are already getting a head start on building chemistry.

Sactown Sports’ Matt George recently broke down footage from Rico Hines’ open gym runs in Southern California, where Darius Acuff Jr., Emanuel Sharp, Nique Clifford, Alex Karaban and Dylan Cardwell were all on the floor together for 5-on-5 action.

Hines, a former Sacramento Kings assistant coach who is now an assistant with the Philadelphia 76ers, has hosted open runs featuring NBA players for years.

For George, seeing five of Sacramento’s young players voluntarily working together was particularly encouraging.

“What it says to me is something that stuck with me this summer,” George said. “Dylan seemed to really put the onus and responsibility for that change on the young guys.”

That was especially notable after Cardwell discussed his desire to help establish a new culture in Sacramento during the California Classic. George believes the open runs are an example of that mindset beginning to take shape.

“I think it’s really, really cool,” George said. “I imagine it’s got Scott Perry, Kings general manager Scott Perry, grinning from ear to ear. I’m sure Doug Christie is fired up about it too.”

Among the players featured, Sharp may have made the biggest impression on George. The second-round pick continued to show the shooting ability that stood out during the California Classic and Summer League.

“Emanuel Sharp is still letting him fly and knocking down threes with no hesitation,” George said. “I’m convinced Emanuel Sharp is going to make it very difficult on Doug Christie to not give him rotational minutes.”

George acknowledged that open-gym basketball comes with a major caveat, but Sharp’s continued confidence as a shooter has him believing the rookie could force his way into Sacramento’s rotation.

Acuff, meanwhile, looked particularly comfortable in the free-flowing environment. George highlighted his passing, ball-handling, and ability to create shots, including several instances of Acuff attacking downhill before rising for a midrange jumper.

Darius Acuff Jr. #5 and Emanuel Sharp #34 of the Sacramento Kings looks on 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. 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)

“Open gym style basketball just speaks to Darius Acuff Jr.,” George said.

The footage also featured Acuff and Cardwell continuing to develop their two-man game, including an alley-oop between the two. George believes that relationship could become important as Sacramento searches for ways to create space for its young point guard.

The biggest question for Acuff will be carrying that same fluidity into an NBA offense where he won’t always have the ball. Still, George came away encouraged by what he saw.

“Darius Acuff Jr. looks so natural in that kind of freeform style,” George said. “He was slinging dimes all over the place.”

For a Sacramento Kings team trying to establish a new identity, seeing its young core voluntarily get together before training camp is an encouraging early sign.

Listen to all episodes of Sactown Sports’ The Matt Sactown Sports’ Matt Georgewherever you get your podcasts, and watch each episode on SactownSports.com, the Sactown Sports app, or the Sactown Sports YouTube page.

More Sacramento Kings content from Sactown Sports

• Jonathan Kuminga’s Agent highlights Sacramento’s upcoming cap space flexibility
• Jerry Reynolds: Ben Simmons could be worth the risk for Kings
• Why Darius Acuff Jr.’s development matters more than the Kings’ record
• What should Sacramento Kings fans expect from De’Andre Hunter?
• Which free agent guard would be the best fit with Darius Acuff Jr.?

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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