Jerry Reynolds: Darius Acuff Jr. could be a top-five PG in three years

Darius Acuff Jr. is already showing why Jerry Reynolds sees star potential in the Kings rookie.

After a rocky opening stretch, Acuff has been distributing more effectively in recent games and is coming off his third double-double of the season.

Reynolds, the former Kings head coach, general manager and broadcaster, joined Sactown Sports’ The Drive Guys to discuss Acuff’s early development and Sacramento’s young players.

He said Acuff’s talent stands out when accounting for his age, comparing the rookie’s potential to some of the top guards in Kings history.

“His talent, when you consider his age, might be the best,” Reynolds said, while noting that Jason Williams made the biggest impact early because he played alongside more established talent.

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 06: Darius Acuff Jr. #5 of the Sacramento Kings stands on the court during their game against the San Antonio Spurs at Golden 1 Center on November 06, 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 Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

More on Darius Acuff Jr.

Reynolds also compared Darius Acuff Jr. to Kings franchise legend Tiny Archibald, whom he watched during Archibald’s early years in Kansas City.

He said both guards faced criticism for taking too many shots and dominating the ball, but believes Acuff can grow into a high-level point guard.

“I think he’s got no doubt got star potential,” Reynolds said. “I think he’s a guy that can be one of the five top point guards in this league in three years. I’d be surprised if he’s not.”

The Kings are now 1-9, but Acuff’s recent play has offered a reason to keep watching his development. Through 10 games, he is averaging 25.9 points, 7.4 assists and 3.8 rebounds, according to the stats provided.

He has also made a more visible effort to create for teammates in recent games, an encouraging sign for a young guard still adjusting to the NBA.

Reynolds said the first few games brought some deserved criticism, particularly when Acuff was “just chucking up too many shots.” But he liked the pace of Acuff’s play over the three games before the interview, stressing that the rookie needs to develop with the team in mind as well as his own growth.

DALLAS, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 02: Darius Acuff Jr. #5 of the Sacramento Kings celebrates a three point shot against the Dallas Mavericks during the second half at American Airlines Center on November 02, 2026 in Dallas, Texas. 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 GettyImages License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

That patience matters for a young player with a large role on a struggling team. Acuff has room to learn, and Reynolds’ comparison to Archibald points to the possibility of growth over time, not an expectation that the rookie has already arrived.

Reynolds also discussed Domantas Sabonis, saying the veteran center could extend his impact by adding a short-range shot and using his passing and rebounding strengths.

But the clearest long-term question for Sacramento is how it builds around its young players—and whether Darius Acuff Jr. can become the kind of lead guard Reynolds believes he can be.

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

Click here for full episodes of The Drive Guys.

More Sacramento Kings content from Sactown Sports

• Why the Sacramento Kings moved on from Nique Clifford
• Sacramento Kings trade Nique Clifford to OKC for two second-round picks
• Amick: Kings prefer stability around Doug Christie for now
• Is Darius Acuff Jr. the next Allen Iverson?

Sacramento Kings 2026-27 Regular Season Schedule

• Tuesday, November 10th vs. Orlando Magic (7:00 P.M. PT)
• Friday, November 13th vs. Portland Trail Blazers (7:00 P.M. PT)
• Sunday, November 15th vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (6:00 P.M. PT)
• Wednesday, November 17th vs. Phoenix Suns (7:00 P.M. PT)
• Friday, November 13th @ Los Angeles Lakers (7:00 P.M. PT)

Thank you for reading SactownSports.com. Follow us on X/Twitter and Google News, and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

Related

Why the Sacramento Kings moved on from Nique CliffordMore history for Acuff, but Kings fall to 1-9 on the seasonKings trade Nique Clifford to OKC for two second-round picksKings fall to 1-8, tie worst 9-game start in franchise historyWhy aren’t the Sacramento Kings playing their 1st round picks?Is Darius Acuff Jr. the next Allen Iverson?