Darius Acuff Jr. Fueled By His Own Competitive Fire, Low Kings Expectations

Darius Acuff Jr. fueled by his own competitive fire, low Kings expectations originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

SACRAMENTO — Darius Acuff Jr. approached his first NBA media day like any other day.

To everyone else, Acuff was one of the biggest storylines as eyes followed the No. 7 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft everywhere he went once he first walked onto the Kings practice facility court. To him, it was just Monday.

Why? Because becoming an NBA player never was some far-fetched dream for the Arkansas product. It never was something that was unspoken in his Detroit household that bled and sweated the game of basketball. It was reality within reach. It was manifested. It always was meant to happen.

But the confidence in himself should not be mistaken for ungratefulness.

“I always felt like [an NBA player]. I always dreamed of it,” Acuff said Monday. “So it’s kind of hard not to feel like you’re not there. But when you actually get here, like doing this is kind of another thought, like, damn, I really made it. But like I said, just soaking it all in, just trying to be that young player willing to learn from anybody. It’s still great, though.”

Acuff is a 19-year-old with the maturity and mindset of a 40-year-old man.

He attributes that to his upbringing in Detroit, a home he always will rep as he embarks on embracing his other new home in Sacramento.

He spent his summer mostly in California’s capital, getting adjusted to his new environment and teammates. He worked out a lot with his fellow rookies, Alex Karaban and Emmanuel Sharpe, as well as with second-year guys such as Max Raynaud and Dylan Cardwell. But his on-court work with veteran big man Domantas Sabonis is what could become a real dual threat for opponents.

“Yeah, it’s been great,” Acuff said. “A couple of the five-on-five sessions we were on the same team, and it was kind of easy to play with him. I’m going to get some layups off him, he can pass, too. It’s great building chemistry with him. It’s very exciting for sure.”

Like Acuff, Ben Simmons is new to the Kings organization.

The rookie is excited to share the floor with someone he grew up watching and never imagined he would be teammates with.

“Nah, I ain’t ever thought that. Watching Ben he got drafted in 2018, right? 2016. See, I was in like third grade. I was in third grade and watching Zach [LaVine], of course, dunk contest, all that. So even Malik [Monk], I watched Malik play. He played for coach [John Calipari]. So just being here is great, man. Learning from them guys is going to be great for me all year.”

He revealed that both Monk and LaVine texted him as soon as he was drafted by Sacramento. And since then, they have been among the many veterans who have guided him along the way and will continue to do so throughout his rookie season.

Acuff will be the starting point guard for the Kings during the 2026-27 season, which presents questions about what Simmons’ exact role will be. Acuff acknowledged that the logistics will be sorted out throughout training camp and preseason, but for now, the team is focused on honing in on one of its identities, which is playing fast.

However, it won’t take long for Acuff to realize words mean very little to the Kings fanbase, who have experienced just one playoff appearance in two decades. He is a competitor; he wants to win, but he also knows the odds are against the Kings.

He doesn’t mind that.

“Yeah, for sure,” Acuff said when asked if the Kings’ low expectations could be used as bulletin board material. “We want something to fuel you. Like I said, my one thing that I said is I’ve been really trying to win. So you know, I’m not too worried about what other people say. I’m focused on what me and the team are trying to do, and that’s win games.”

Despite being a 19-year-old rookie, he believes that starts with him.

He recognizes and accepts that responsibility wholeheartedly. It begins with accountability — one of general manager Scott Perry’s six pillars.

“I say just staying level-headed, just being smart, and just being a leader as the point guard,” Acuff said. “You got to lead the team. That’s how y’all are going to win. So just getting everybody where they need to be. Everybody taking accountability, no matter who you are, and just like I said, being together as a team, being together on and off the court is going to help on the court.”

Acuff, so far, has been a man of few words with the media, but when he speaks, he speaks with conviction.

It is early, and there is a lot that has to fall into place for Acuff to thrive in his new role as the face of the franchise over the next several years. But whether it be his rookie season or Year 10 for him, he only has one thing on his mind.

His goal is simple.

“Win.”

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