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Kings Select Darius Acuff Jr. with 7th Overall Pick in NBA Draft
Darius Acuff Jr. arrives after a decorated freshman season at Arkansas, where he averaged 23.5 points and 6.4 assists per game.
On Tuesday, the Sacramento Kings selected Arkansas Razorbacks guard Darius Acuff Jr. with the No. 7 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, hoping he becomes a cornerstone piece of the franchise.
Acuff flourished under Hall of Fame coach John Calipari, averaging 23.5 points and 6.4 assists per game while shooting 48.4% from the field and 44.0% from beyond the arc as a freshman.
In May 2025, Acuff signed a reported multi-year NIL agreement with Reebok worth approximately $1.1 million, connecting him with basketball legend Allen Iverson, whom he credits as his favorite player to watch.
Despite concerns about his 6-foot-2 frame, the Kings remain confident in Acuff's potential; he dismissed defensive criticisms, saying, "To be honest with you, I don't really care."
With picks Nos. 7, 34, and 45 at their disposal, Sacramento prioritized this offensive leader to reshape the franchise, marking the most important draft move in years.
Twice Weekly Podcast featuring Insight and Analysis on the NBA
Twice Weekly Podcast featuring Insight and Analysis on the NBA
The Most Intriguing Draft Outcomes. Plus, Austin Reaves Re-signs and Next Questions After the Giannis Trade. | Group Chat
The Ringer NBA Show discuss the Kings drafting Darius Acuff Jr. at No. 7 and trading for Alex Karaban, and how the moves reset Sacramento’s culture and backcourt