Carmichael Dave’s Latest Kings Draft Intel: Acuff at 7? Surprise drop?

The Sacramento Kings continue to sit firmly in the spotlight with less than a month remaining until the 2026 NBA Draft, and the latest intel from Sactown Sports’ The Carmichael Dave Show with Jason Ross suggests the board may not unfold the way many expect at No. 7.

Dave made it clear that while no one inside the building is claiming certainty about the draft order, there is growing belief that Sacramento is strongly focused on a few key targets, headlined by Arkansas guard Darius Acuff Jr.

“It does seem like they are very enamored with Darius Acuff,” Dave said. “And if Darius Acuff is available at seven, he will almost certainly be their pick.”

Acuff has been widely projected as a top-10 selection, but Dave also noted the volatility of the range, adding that the guard could rise as high as No. 5 in some scenarios.

Darius Acuff Jr. #5 of the Arkansas Razorbacks shoots a free throw against the Arizona Wildcats during the first half in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at SAP Center on March 26, 2026 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Still, Sacramento’s interest appears consistent, especially among a group of guards that includes Houston’s Kingston Flemings, Illinois’ Keaton Wagler, and Louisville’s Mikel Brown Jr.

“I would bet a serious amount of money one of those four will be a Sacramento King,” Dave added, referencing Acuff, Flemings, Wagler, and Brown.

However, the most intriguing part of Dave’s reporting centered on what could happen ahead of Sacramento’s selection. According to his intel, the Kings are preparing for a scenario where the expected top six does not hold.

“Also hearing rumblings, strong rumblings, there is a growing sense that somebody will fall,” Dave said. “There could be somebody available for the Kings that the draft boards aren’t expecting.”

That possibility introduces a layer of unpredictability at No. 7, where prospects such as Kansas guard Darryn Peterson, Duke forward Cameron Boozer, and North Carolina forward Caleb Wilson could theoretically slide into range depending on how the top of the board breaks.

ATLANTA, GEORGIA – JANUARY 31: Caleb Wilson #8 of the North Carolina Tar Heels reacts after a rebound against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets during the second half at Hank McCamish Pavilion on January 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Dave emphasized that even internally, the Sacramento Kings are not operating under a confirmed draft order but are instead conducting extensive preparation across the board.

“We don’t know the draft board,” he said. “But they are doing their interviews, they’re checking folks out.”

That process includes due diligence on prospects who may not realistically fall to No. 7, a strategy aimed at both long-term relationship building and flexibility should trade opportunities arise.

With Sacramento also holding multiple second-round picks, Dave suggested the front office is casting a wide net, not just for immediate help, but for future leverage.

Check out the full conversation at the top of the page or by heading over to the Sactown Sports YouTube channel.

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

• Kingston Flemings draws De’Aaron Fox comparisons ahead of NBA Draft

• Is it too soon for the Kings to move on from Domantas Sabonis?
• Sactown Scouting Report: The Pace, Poise, and Playmaking of Kingston Flemings

• Sactown Scouting Report: The Unorthodox Upside of Keaton Wagler

What is the next Sacramento Kings Offseason Event?

The Sacramento Kings are preparing for a crucial 2026 NBA Draft, which is set to take place from Tuesday, June 23rd, through Wednesday, June 24th.

Sacramento owns the 7th pick in the Draft, giving them a chance at selecting a talented player with upside, such as Arkansas guard Darius Acuff Jr., Louisville guard Mikel Brown Jr., Houston’s Kingston Flemings, and Illinois guard Keaton Wagler, among others.

Be sure to stay locked into Sactown Sports for pre-draft workout news, player breakdowns, draft rumors and MUCH more.

Upcoming Sacramento Kings & NBA Offseason Schedule

• Tuesday, June 23rd – NBA Draft (Round 1)
• Wednesday, June 24th – NBA Draft (Round 2)
• 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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