Mark Jones expects big things from Acuff, healthy Kings in 2026-27

There is a different level of optimism surrounding the Sacramento Kings heading into the 2026-27 NBA season, and Sacramento Kings TV play-by-play voice Mark Jones can feel it.

Jones joined Sactown Sports’ The Drive Guys at Kings Media Day to discuss the excitement surrounding a team looking to bounce back from a 22-60 season that was heavily impacted by injuries.

With Domantas Sabonis, Keegan Murray and De’Andre Hunter all missing significant time last season, Sacramento enters the new year with several important pieces healthy and a top draft pick in Darius Acuff Jr.

For Jones, Media Day represents a clean slate.

“This is always fun because at this time of the year, everybody’s optimistic,” Jones said. “It’s all about hope today.”

One of the biggest sources of that hope is Ben Simmons. Jones said he saw Simmons working out during the offseason in Miami and was impressed by his physical condition after the veteran dealt with injuries in recent seasons.

“Ben looks like a Zulu warrior with the chest, the abs, the arms,” Jones said. “First time he’s been healthy in a couple of years. I’m really excited to see what kind of possibilities he adds to the gang already.”

Ben Simmons #25 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. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

The Kings also have something they haven’t had in quite some time: a high lottery pick. Jones believes Acuff’s demeanor could help him make an immediate impact.

“The reason why I think he has a shot at being extremely successful in his rookie season is because of his disposition and his demeanor,” Jones said.

Jones highlighted Acuff’s ability to score while also making plays for teammates, envisioning him as a catalyst in Doug Christie’s offense.

“I see him as a really strong catalyst for this offense, and he’s going to get a lot of opportunity,” Jones said.

That offense could look significantly different under Christie. Jones expects Sacramento to emphasize quick decisions, ball movement, and a read-and-react approach rather than relying exclusively on set plays.

“His desire is to have a team that makes plays, not runs plays,” Jones said. “It’s going to be based on quick reads, being able to play with pace, and really get that ball moving.”

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 03: Domantas Sabonis #11 of the Sacramento Kings reacts after the Kings made a basket against the Memphis Grizzlies in the second half at Golden 1 Center on January 03, 2025 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 Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Jones also expects Sabonis to play a major role in that system. After missing much of last season, the three-time All-Star could return as an “Uber playmaker facilitator,” Jones said.

Meanwhile, Hunter’s versatility could provide another important piece on both ends of the floor after he appeared in only one-and-a-half games last season before suffering an eye injury.

And Jones believes Murray could ultimately be one of Sacramento’s biggest X-factors.

“I think this is the year that Keegan gets back to being an elite shooter as well as a great defender,” Jones said.

For a Sacramento Kings team trying to put last season behind it, having those players healthy–and fitting them into Christie’s new offensive identity–could make for a very different-looking Sacramento team.

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

More Sacramento Kings content from Sactown Sports

• Doug Christie: Kings have ‘every opportunity’ to build a new identity
• Domantas Sabonis has his eyes on a bounce-back season
• Ben Simmons has ‘no limitations’ entering Kings Training Camp
• Doug Christie sets Kings’ defensive standard ahead of 2026-27 NBA season
• Kings GM Scott Perry details Ben Simmons signing, Sacramento’s new team identity

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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