Full Breakdown
Sacramento Kings Draft Darius Acuff No. 7 Overall, Signaling a Roster Shift
6/25/2026, 12:43:53 AM
Kings Select Darius Acuff with No. 7 Pick
On June 23 2026, the Sacramento Kings chose Arkansas guard Darius Acuff with the seventh overall selection in the NBA Draft held in Brooklyn, New York. The pick marks the Kings’ first lottery selection since the 2024-25 season and adds a one-and-doné prospect to a roster that finished the 2025-26 campaign 40-42.
Acuff’s Collegiate Achievements and Draft Profile
Acuff entered the draft after a single season in which he earned the Bob Cousy Award, SEC Player of the Year, and consensus first-team All-American honors. He led Arkansas to the SEC Tournament championship and a Sweet 16 appearance, becoming the first SEC player since Pete Maravich (1969-70) to top the conference in both points (23.5 ppg) and assists (6.4 apg). He also received nominations for the Naismith and Wooden Player of the Year awards.
Key Figures Involved
- Darius Acuff – 19-year-old guard, 6-ft-2, 186 lb, 6-ft-7 in wingspan.
- John Calipari – Arkansas head coach, praised Acuff’s work ethic and teammate qualities.
- Scott Perry – Kings general manager, identified Acuff as the best guard in the draft class.
- DeMar DeRozan – Veteran wing on a $25.74 million contract (only $10 million guaranteed) slated for a possible waive-and-stretch to free cap space.
Statistical Profile of Acuff and Draft Implications
Acuff posted a 48.4 % field-goal percentage, 44 % three-point shooting, and 80.9 % free-throw accuracy. His usage rate of 29.4 % placed him in the 96th percentile nationally, while his per-40-minute scoring (30.9 points) ranked in the 99th percentile. Defensive metrics showed a 0.8 steals per game average and a 1.3 % steal rate (18th percentile), prompting some scouting concerns. At the combine, his measurements included an 8-ft-2½-in standing reach and hand dimensions of 8¼ × 9¼ in.
Official Statements & Responses
Kings GM Scott Perry described the selection as “an extremely exciting night” and affirmed the organization’s belief that Acuff is the premier guard in the draft. Calipari highlighted Acuff’s commitment, noting the player “never wanted to take a day off” and “didn’t go home for Christmas because he wanted to work out.” The franchise also signaled intent to waive and stretch DeRozan, a move projected to save roughly $22 million in the upcoming salary year.
Criticism & Opposition
Scouts flagged Acuff’s defensive limitations, citing his low steal percentage and modest size for an NBA point guard. Analysts also questioned DeRozan’s fit in Sacramento’s system, pointing to his limited three-point shooting (32.5 % career) and defensive liabilities.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the guaranteed portion of DeRozan’s contract, with some stating $10 million guaranteed and others referencing a $10 million guarantee within a $25.74 million total. No source provided definitive confirmation of the exact timing of the waiver.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Being here with [my family], seeing them smile, that's the best moment.” — Darius Acuff, Arkansas guard
- “He's a fine young man and a terrific basketball player. We thought he was the best guard in this draft.” — Scott Perry, Kings general manager
- “This kid here, he was a great teammate, never wanted to take a day off, lived in the gym,” — John Calipari, Arkansas head coach
- “…In the midst of a rebuild and over the first apron, barring an unexpected trade, the Sacramento Kings are expected to waive-and-stretch forward DeMar DeRozan,” — Michael Scotto, NBA insider (HoopsHype)
- “Nobody wants to be in the position that we’re in, but you still have to be professional at the end of the day.” — DeMar DeRozan, veteran guard
What’s Next for Sacramento
Acuff will join the Kings’ summer program, with the team expected to allocate significant minutes at point guard while evaluating roster flexibility. If the waive-and-stretch of DeRozan proceeds, the Kings will free approximately $22 million, enabling potential free-agency activity and increased development opportunities for younger players. The franchise’s next public update is anticipated during the preseason roster announcement in early August.
