Ben Simmons Offered Mentorship to Rookie Darius Acuff Jr.
The veteran guard advised his new Kings teammate to remain even-keeled as the team prepares for the upcoming season.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Basketball
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During the Sacramento Kings media day, 6'10" veteran Ben Simmons provided guidance to 19-year-old rookie Darius Acuff Jr. The team is integrating the seventh overall draft pick as they look toward the start of the NBA preseason.
Why it matters
The Kings selected Acuff Jr. with the intent of building their future around him, and Simmons is providing the necessary veteran presence to accelerate the development of the former SEC Player of the Year.
Rookie Darius Acuff Jr. enters the league at 19 years old following a standout season as the SEC Player of the Year. He joins a Kings roster featuring the 6'10" Ben Simmons, who is adjusting his role to facilitate the rookie's transition.
The players
Ben Simmons
He is an NBA veteran known for his playmaking ability and versatile defensive presence.
Darius Acuff Jr.
He is a 19-year-old guard drafted seventh overall by the Kings after being named SEC Player of the Year.
John Calipari
He is a veteran basketball coach who led Acuff Jr. during his time at the University of Arkansas.
The details
Simmons has focused on adjusting his play as a ball handler to allow Acuff Jr. to operate off-ball more effectively. This pairing follows Acuff Jr.'s collegiate career at Arkansas, where he played under head coach John Calipari.
Timeline
September 28, 2026: Ben Simmons addressed the media.
October 2026: The NBA preseason begins.
Season Trajectory
The mentorship between Simmons and Acuff Jr. is critical for the Kings as they attempt to integrate their high-lottery pick into the rotation. This relationship defines the team's competitive balance as they transition from a rebuilding phase to active playoff contention.
Acuff Jr. is expected to see immediate minutes as an off-ball threat, which impacts his projected fantasy production and rotation status. His ability to adapt to the professional pace under Simmons' guidance will be the primary factor in his rookie season efficiency.
The takeaway
Effective veteran-rookie relationships often serve as the foundation for successful team development in the NBA. Fans should monitor how these early adjustments in on-court positioning translate into offensive success once the preseason begins in October.
Further reading
For more on the team's roster moves, visit Basketball.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Sports Illustrated.
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