Why the Kings should give Darius Acuff Jr. room to grow

Darius Acuff Jr.’s early development gives the Sacramento Kings a reason to look beyond the team’s difficult start and focus on what they can build for the future.

Hoop Obsession’s Bobby Gerould joined Sactown Sports’ The Drive Guys to discuss how much freedom the rookie should have, the roster around him and the player traits general manager Scott Perry values.

Gerould said Acuff should have room to learn from mistakes, with coaches helping him refine his decisions without undermining his confidence.

“I think you kind of just give him free rein and let him go,” Gerould said.

He added that the staff can review shots that came too quickly and work with Acuff on finding better actions, while keeping the ball moving from side to side.

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 23: Darius Acuff Jr. #5 of the Sacramento Kings drives to the basket on Ja Morant #1 of the Portland Trail Blazers in the first half of their game at Golden 1 Center on October 23, 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)

More on Kings PG Darius Acuff Jr.

Gerould pointed to Darius Acuff’s ability to get into the paint and make quick, accurate passes as an encouraging part of his game. At 19, the guard has plenty of time to improve his shot selection and grow into the NBA.

Gerould compared that development curve to Utah Jazz star Keyonte George, who needed time to sharpen his decisions before becoming a productive NBA guard.

“I’m not tripping as much off of what Acuff is doing,” Gerould said. “To me, he’s the most exciting thing about the Sacramento Kings right now.”

Acuff’s development also raises questions about the players Sacramento puts around him. Gerould said Perry has a clear preference for players from major college programs who have been tested on a big stage and are considered good teammates.

Those traits matter, he said, but the Kings also need players who can help them win and fit the direction of the roster.

Darius Acuff Jr. #5 of the Sacramento Kings shoots the ball against Brook Lopez #11 of the Los Angeles Clippers during the fourth quarter at Intuit Dome on October 21, 2026 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)

Gerould made the case for adding more players with positional size and defensive ability, pointing to Alex Karaban as a potential fit because he has size for his position and can make three-pointers.

He also said the team could use more length and defensive versatility as it builds around Acuff.

Domantas Sabonis’ role is another roster question. Gerould said a team could view Sabonis as a power forward alongside a center who can shoot, though Sabonis would need to take and make more threes for that arrangement to work.

Gerould also said Sacramento misses having a true defensive center available, underscoring the need to balance Sabonis’ strengths with players who can protect the rim.

The challenge for Sacramento is finding that balance while allowing Darius Acuff Jr. to grow.

Gerould’s view is that the young guard’s mistakes are part of a longer process, and the Kings need to build a roster that supports his development without losing sight of the skills and size required to compete.

Listen to and watch Sactown Sports’ The Drive Guys with Kevin “Whitey” Gleason and Allen Stiles, airing weekdays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. PT on Sactown Sports.

More Sacramento Kings content from Sactown Sports

• Sacramento Kings exercise third-year option on Nique Clifford
• Kings Injury Updates: Raynaud, Cardwell, and Murray
• Sam Amick on Doug Christie’s job security & Zach LaVine’s trade value

Sacramento Kings 2026-27 Regular Season Schedule

• Tuesday, October 27th @ San Antonio Spurs (5:00 P.M. PT)
• Thursday, October 29th @ New Orleans Pelicans (5:00 P.M. PT)
• Saturday, October 31st @ Memphis Grizzlies (5:00 P.M. PT)
• Monday, November 2nd @ Dallas Mavericks (5:00 P.M. PT)
• Wednesday, November 4th vs. Los Angeles Lakers (7:00 P.M. PT)

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