Darius Acuff Debuted for Sacramento Kings
The seventh overall pick logged 19 points in his first NBA preseason appearance.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Basketball
Darius Acuff, selected seventh overall in the 2026 NBA Draft, made his preseason debut for the Sacramento Kings. The former Arkansas standout played 27 minutes and scored 19 points against the Los Angeles Lakers.
Why it matters
The performance offers an initial look at how the young point guard translates his collegiate production to the professional level. His ability to anchor the starting rotation against established stars remains a focal point for the franchise.
Acuff finished his preseason debut with 19 points in 27 minutes while shooting 47% from the field. This follows his Summer League campaign where he averaged 20.8 points per game on 35% shooting.
The players
Darius Acuff
He is a professional basketball player and the seventh overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft who previously played for the Arkansas Razorbacks.
Sacramento Kings
They are a professional basketball team competing in the National Basketball Association.
Luka Doncic
He is an established professional basketball star known for his high-scoring performances in the NBA.
Los Angeles Lakers
They are a professional basketball team that competed against the Kings in this preseason matchup.
The details
Acuff started the contest at point guard for the Kings as teams prioritized playing their starters throughout the first half. Across the court, veteran star Luka Doncic contributed 21 points in just 16 minutes of action.
Timeline
July 2026: Darius Acuff competed in the NBA Summer League.
October 5, 2026: Darius Acuff played in his first NBA preseason game.
Season Trajectory
Acuff's integration as the starting point guard signals a tactical shift for the Kings as they look to elevate their offensive ceiling. His preseason performance provides an early barometer for how the team will balance rookie development against established playoff-caliber competition.
Acuff's 27-minute workload suggests he is currently positioned to see significant minutes as a primary ball-handler during the upcoming season. Fantasy managers and fans should monitor his shooting efficiency to see if he sustains this debut level performance.
The takeaway
The rookie point guard demonstrated scoring versatility by improving his shooting percentage significantly from his Summer League showing. Sustaining this offensive rhythm will be essential as the transition from college play to the professional stage continues.
Further reading
Explore deeper analysis on the Basketball page.
