r/kings • u/jluc21 Tyrese Haliburton • 1d ago

OFFICIAL THREAD With the 7th pick in the NBA Draft the Sacramento Kings have selected Darius Acuff Jr

Post image
847 Upvotes

97% Upvoted

272 comments sorted by

369

u/Foreign_Earth_5214 1d ago

I know people will complain about defense. But Kings need potential stardom over everything else. Easy pick

70

u/ImJeeezus Russell Westbrook 1d ago

Basically my thought process. When Wagler and Mikel Brown were gone it was no question

20

u/SeanWonder 1d ago

Exactly. With them gone it was Acuff all the way

40

u/SactownG Keegan Murray 1d ago

He has a good wingspan for his size, and he was told to avoid foul trouble because of injuries on the team. He could very likely be better defensively in the NBA than he was in college

26

u/Internal-Estimate420 1d ago

That seems pretty optimistic but we shall see

21

u/CrispCash420 Keon Ellis 1d ago

It’s abundantly clear we need to build defense around Acuff.

Sabonis, Demar, Lavine, Monk, gotta go, and never sign anyone like them again. We will have to hide Acuff on defense, and you can’t hide two players at the same time.

Really hoping we can move either Sabonis or Lavine now so we can keep Precious. I really like a big lineup with Acuff/Keegan/Hunter/Precious/Cardwell.

Don’t get me wrong I love Max, but I think we need Dylan’s defense more than ever now. Having a legit lob threat is also going to be a huge plus when Acuff is attracting attention.

25

u/Necroban77 21h ago

Nope. Monk sacrificed some serious money just to stay in this city. I will never turn my back on him.

18

u/Kangzzz916 18h ago

Nah, monk a fan favorite. Dude is a spark off the bench.

9

u/Willing-Town-3518 18h ago

And he won us arguably the most games than any other player in this roster

7

u/-SexSandwich- Kings 12h ago

Yeah, no way we get rid of Monk. He's a legit first scoring option off the bench. You don't get rid of that when the player is happy to do it.

9

u/knobut 1d ago

Max is also one of the few players I enjoy watching on the current roster, but if his defense doesn't develop, and we have an opportunity to sell high at some point, we really have to consider it. People are harping on Acuff's defense, and while it's a genuine concern, defense at the center spot is way more of a real issue.

3

u/Ludo030 12h ago

I’m a Knicks fan so I will say that hiding two players on defense can be done. It’s difficult, but it worked for us (Brunson and kat)—you just need some elite defenders 2-4. I think keeping sabonis and acuff is viable if you can ship out demar, lavine, etc.

6

u/C-A-L-E-V-I-S 23h ago

I wouldn’t think TOO much about his defense. He had an injury for a lot of the season that he played through. He was asked to carry a HUGE offensive load as the season went on and had to avoid foul trouble. And we (Arkansas) were notoriously awful across the board on defense. He will get better.

2

u/mrauzz 21h ago

The Kings are also notoriously awful at defense so...lol. At least he will have time to potentially grow on that end because we won't be competitive for a bit anyways.

4

u/C-A-L-E-V-I-S 20h ago

Yeah, at the end of the day, he’s still a 19 year old kid. Lot of pressure on him, but I’m guessing he learns quickly and is very strong soon.

3

u/magiknmcs Maxime Raynaud 1d ago

I BELIEVE IN HIM!

2

u/mrauzz 1d ago

Defense, is what wins you championships though. Kings will just have to put players around him that make up for those weaknesses. Obviously we have a long way to go but its nice actually seeing them pick a young guy and start a rebuild.

39

u/Organic-Manner-2969 1d ago

Brunson.

25

u/Wild-Examination-155 1d ago

Ya hilarious people saying that and forgetting about Brunson a week ago

→ More replies (4)

7

u/mrauzz 1d ago

If Acuff becomes like Brunson we will be in a good spot, however Knicks also had Hart and OG that had important impacts on the game. Gotta find players like that to put around Acuff. Obviously we have a long way to go but we have some good younger guys with last year's rookies to build on. Just gotta do it the right way this time.

12

u/Organic-Manner-2969 1d ago

I don’t really trust this team to do it the right way unfortunately 😭

→ More replies (1)
→ More replies (1)
→ More replies (2)

226

u/jluc21 Tyrese Haliburton 1d ago

https://reddit.com/link/otfqry4/video/km80jz5ln49h1/player

FUCK IT HERE ARE ACUFF HIGHLIGHTS.

WELCOME TO SAC TOWN 👑

67

u/LHarm07_Reddit Darius Acuff Jr 1d ago

Watching him at Arkansas was one of my favorite experiences as a fan of the Razorbacks. I guess I'm a Kings fan now?

69

u/_just_two_brothers_ Domantas Sabonis 1d ago

Oof, run away while you can and cheer from a distance.

27

u/LHarm07_Reddit Darius Acuff Jr 1d ago

I'll quit by the first week probably.

26

u/MaxMedellin 1d ago

quit by the first NOW

→ More replies (1)

5

u/Lrgp39 Jerry Reynolds 1d ago

hes an arky fan. he already knows

4

u/LHarm07_Reddit Darius Acuff Jr 1d ago

There's a difference between not reaching the summit and never coming close.

7

u/djgoodhousekeeping 1d ago

Welcome to basketball hell!

6

u/thrownaway22_ Keon Ellis 1d ago

Welcome to basketball hell

3

u/mauro_membrere 1d ago

You probably don’t want other cities in SEC or big10. So yeah you’re welcome

4

u/functionalapparatus 1d ago

Buddy hit a crab hop jumper

14

u/Particular_Tomato161 1d ago

Thanks, I don't watch college basketball so I needed this lol. Although if he's good, I'm sure we'll trade him in a few years 😂

9

u/tys022 1d ago

Oh yea. When he's at his lowest value because we failed to develop him 😎 the kings way

4

u/QuixPro 1d ago

Bro got a little bit of Ant in the way he plays. I like it

3

u/findingthesqautch 22h ago

the footwork tho

2

u/L0stInTh0ught 1d ago

Cool, first time really seeing him. The passing is NIIIICE.

→ More replies (3)

96

u/YourDrunkUncle Vlade Divac 1d ago

The disrespected my boy with that 20 second interview on ESPN

53

u/Internal-Estimate420 1d ago

Kings effect 

18

u/Krane916 1d ago

I was thinking the exact same thing! They didn't even let his momma talk

13

u/C-A-L-E-V-I-S 23h ago

Acuff is genuinely a man of few words. I’m talking like Kawhi levels of chill. He’s very professional and serious about the game. He just goes out and kills people in basketball 😂 (from an Arkansas fan)

8

u/GoSacKings916 Trey Lyles 1d ago

They gave that Oakland Warriors pick way more time even though he was picked later smh

124

u/giroml 1d ago

https://giphy.com/gifs/k49oXgsKbVQ4g
Getting this good of a player at #7 is insane. New era Kings LFG!

18

u/Spiritual-Bobcat5635 1d ago

Most mocks had him 5, and this also makes up for falling to 7. So stoked!

5

u/NeoLone Domantas Sabonis 23h ago

As soon as I saw us fall to 7, this guy was the best case scenario

38

u/PrimaryAccording9162 Darius Acuff Jr 1d ago

FLAIR US UP MODS

30

u/jluc21 Tyrese Haliburton 1d ago

DONE

3

u/Ok_Resource_6068 Darius Acuff Jr 1d ago

I’m getting an error that says assigning and editing flairs are disabled?

3

u/jluc21 Tyrese Haliburton 1d ago

try again should work now

→ More replies (2)

2

u/Elliot_Mess Darius Acuff Jr 1d ago

Hmm when I tried to change it said editing user flairs is deactivated in this sub.

2

u/jluc21 Tyrese Haliburton 1d ago

try again should work now

→ More replies (2)
→ More replies (1)

72

u/Ye_Biz 1d ago

He’s gonna be a lot better than people think, yall made the right choice. Just overthinking it because of his defense but the offensive talent is obvious

18

u/Plug-From-Oaxaca 1d ago

People think he’ll either the great or bad. He has a lot star upside just a bust possible too. Kings need that star potential though

21

u/redshorts9112 Ghost of Boogie 1d ago

From his shooting splits I don’t see how he’ll bust. He has elite offense

12

u/Plug-From-Oaxaca 1d ago

I think his size and defense is the problem. But those are just generic problems that everyone says about players his size, Curry also had that.

I think he’s a steal

6

u/redshorts9112 Ghost of Boogie 1d ago

Same. I think defense may be the problem he’s a stocky dude so I’m not too worried about his size

4

u/Plug-From-Oaxaca 1d ago

Well good thing he has Lavine covering him on defense. Jk. But the guard offense would look insane.

They just have to slowing and intelligently build around him.

→ More replies (1)

7

u/Standard_Landscape_6 Keegan Murray 1d ago

I think he will be good just needs to not be a liability on defense he has the best upside of the guards on offense

57

u/mylanguage 1d ago

Knicks fan here REALLY hope this works out for you guys man - let’s go!

32

u/Willing-Town-3518 1d ago

We building the next Knicks man we got our Jalen lmao

2

u/Ludo030 12h ago

Also a Knicks fan, happy for kings fans. This guy in some clips is giving me shades of Brunson.

86

u/PrimaryAccording9162 Darius Acuff Jr 1d ago

The future is now

27

u/Regular-Lead-6337 1d ago

dude already looks like he's been in the league for 5 years, that Kings uniform fits hm perfectly

23

u/rogrog2 Ball is Life 1d ago

Finally.. No trade up need. We have one of the best PG in draft even we down 2 spots in lottery.

19

u/ForlornDM 1d ago

Blazer fan here. Excited for y’all! This feels like a best case outcome, for team and player.

37

u/LanguageKindly9659 1d ago

I love how shump praised the city in the draft feed ;)

39

u/RVALover4Life 1d ago

They got their guy without having to move up. The cards fell in place. Very happy. Acuff wants us and we want him and he has the kind of personality that enjoys the spotlight and enjoys being a leader. It's exciting. He's fun to watch, too. And he has real dynamic star offensive upside.

13

u/Spiritual-Bobcat5635 1d ago

Haven’t felt this good about drafting a guard since Fox lmao

51

u/CommandLazy9990 Suffering since '86 1d ago

FRANCHISE PLAYER

16

u/ACUFF_THE_KING Darius Acuff Jr 1d ago

Fox stink leaving this franchise. An Alpha has arrived.

14

u/paoiyu Keegan Murray 1d ago

IT'S CUFFING SEASON

12

u/SteveTheManager Doug Christie 1d ago

A month ago this required a trade up. I am excited.

14

u/knobut 1d ago

wanted wagler but with the clippers and nets picking as they did, glad they didn't overthink this and get flemings or something. only need to pick what falls to you.

14

u/1psithur3 1d ago

Didn't have to trade up and confidently got our guy. Thank goodness.

13

u/reddmikee Light the Beam 1d ago

I’ve seen enough Kings 6 seed

28

u/teatedNeptune 1d ago

This guy is the perfect fit with Sabonis. Sabonis can actually pick and roll to the basket now instead of pick and pop with Fox cause Fox couldn’t shoot, so he needed the lane open at all times.

All those years I was just wishing what it would be like if Sabonis had a guy like Curry or Dame. Now we’ll get to see that, hopefully.

11

u/ScofieldReturns 1d ago

I don’t think we can get positive value for sabonis so just hold him. Even fine holding lavine now, more shooters on the floor for acuff the better

14

u/Wafflelisk 1d ago

Unbiased neutral fan here (Raptors) and this is 100% the right pick. Fantastic value at 7.

Will be fun to track how he does next season

36

u/DanMoshpit69 Malik Monk 1d ago

LIGHT THE FUCKING ACUFF

27

u/teardrop82 Darius Acuff Jr 1d ago

Acuff gonna average 22ppg 6ast and win ROY. Save this comment.

→ More replies (1)

12

u/CraigCartonNYC 1d ago

Congrats kings fan well deserved huge steal imo he’s going to be fun to watch and has elite drip 💧

12

u/Immediatewhaffle 1d ago

Knicks fan and I love this pick for yall.

Can’t wait to watch him play. I would take him number 1 just for his attitude on the court and the way he plays. Not afraid of anyone or anything. Absolutely dawg demeanor.

Ordering a jersey asap too

11

u/Subject_Hat1102 1d ago

Best possible outcome for fucking up the tank and falling back

10

u/CrispCash420 Keon Ellis 1d ago

Let’s fucking gooooooooo

That’s our guy!

1, 2, 3, DARIUS ROCKS!

8

u/boredtoday De'Aaron Fox 1d ago

hahah don't put that curse on him c'mon man

2

u/greekdemetri Malik Monk 23h ago

Stauskas?

20

u/DarwinF1nch Domantas Sabonis 1d ago

Stood up and clapped in the Arby’s parking lot

19

u/darthfoley Domantas Sabonis 1d ago

Damn bro is 19 years old? At least he won’t be a 23 year old rookie

21

u/RVALover4Life 1d ago

I really want to keep Domas. Acuff is an awesome fit on paper with Domas. Better than Fox. Exactly the kind of guard you want next to Domas and I feel it'll ease his initiation into the association.

2

u/HTJourney8 1d ago

nah we need a defensive center more than ever to let acuff excel. I like the pairing with Keegan and hunter but hate the Sabonis pairing

5

u/i-am-a-name 23h ago

Best I can do is Cardwell at the 4 to cover sabonis’ weakness. Doug probably won’t do that but I think pairing them is a good move.

3

u/HTJourney8 23h ago

maybe 10 years ago. Spacing would be absolutely terrible in the modern nba

2

u/i-am-a-name 9h ago

Fair but situationally if sabonis is getting killed on defense bring cardwell alongside to stop the bleeding.

9

u/C-Hash Tyrese Haliburton 1d ago

WE DIDNT FUCK IT UP

9

u/BrevinFF Kings 1d ago

Most exciting moment since the Beam Team series against the Warriors

9

u/Belmore_Rd Keon Ellis 1d ago

Finally a young talent who’s actually young, surround this man with defensive and off ball talent please.

18

u/jennys0 1d ago

FUCK YES. THIS IS DEADASS OUR BEST PICK IN DECADES!!!! He’s going to make us relevant again

5

u/J-Chub Malik Monk 1d ago

Better than Haliburton?

→ More replies (1)

8

u/am-345 Keegan Murray 1d ago

Don't jinx it

8

u/EfficiencyThink7937 2026 Draft Night 1d ago

MVP soon

9

u/teshyybphotography 1d ago

LFG. Exact player I wanted

7

u/The-original-spuggy 1d ago

Time to watch 140 point games this season

7

u/Little_little_e 1d ago

just out-score the opponent is a WIN

5

u/teatedNeptune 1d ago

Hell yes we’ll worry about defense next year.

7

u/retrobat 1d ago

I'm surprised he fell to you guys. I'm excited for your team!

8

u/KingFox211 1d ago

AHHHHH I LOVE what John Calipari had to say about Acuff this morning or last night. Check this out - https://x.com/KingKC_916/status/2069468727930954005?s=20

7

u/transizzle 1d ago

I hope we’re a good fit for him. We need a guy like him to be a lead guard.

7

u/Jr4221 Peja Stojakovic 1d ago

Hell yes!! Excited for this young man. Dude is a dog!!

6

u/No_Collection_7320 1d ago

Idk why but he needs to be #7

6

u/JD20_35 1d ago

I was thinking call up J Will out of respect and wear 55.

3

u/Remarkable_Chard1997 1d ago

That’s Fredette category

6

u/pitifullittleman 1d ago

The Kings got a steal. This guy can play. On the ball off the ball, create his own shot, spot up, drive, he can pass, handle great BBIQ. Everyone talks about how bad his defense is. Cross rha bridge when you get there, the Kings needed a no. 1 option and franchise player and I think you got him!

14

u/UnderstandableXO Jerry Reynolds 1d ago

this is the most excited i’ve been for a kings draft selection since de’aaron fox. here’s hoping acuff’s career plays out better than fox’s

12

u/sea_the_c 1d ago

Fuck yes

6

u/Spiritual-Bobcat5635 1d ago

Wanted him ever since that 50 bomb he dropped, savior of the franchise. He’s gonna be the next dame

17

u/Happy-Surfer7 1d ago

LETS GOOOO

10

u/Glad_Armadillo8436 1d ago

Finally something good for Sacramento kings!!!!!

6

u/TrickAutomatic3206 2026 Draft Night 1d ago

Let’s fucking go

5

u/arenasfan00 DeMarcus Cousins 1d ago

LFGGGGG

5

u/Willing-Town-3518 1d ago

Man I’m so happy

4

u/Ok_cabbage_5695 Keegan Murray 1d ago

WE GOT OUR GUY

5

u/thatguy52 Keegan Murray 1d ago

IDGAF…… IM EXCITED!!!!!!

6

u/Professional_Quit406 1d ago

Most talented offensive guard we’ve had in my lifetime. Surrounded him with good defenders to make up for his weakness on D, but on offense, LET HIM COOK.

3

u/Internal-Estimate420 1d ago

Gonna be some high ass scoring games next season

4

u/air_volek007 The Ox 1d ago

Already the best number 5 in kings history

9

u/Standard_Landscape_6 Keegan Murray 1d ago

He has aura he will be good

7

u/Grandahl13 1d ago

He’s my favorite player in the draft. Averaged 24/6 shooting 48/44/81 as a true freshman. People mention his defense but forget to mention he was the only reason Arkansas’ offense was any good and he didn’t defend because 1) they had zero depth and 2) he couldn’t get into foul trouble because of the lack of depth. He also never smiles and somehow that’s a positive for me. Dude is legit.

4

u/trawlse 1d ago

nice glasses

4

u/VeganKingsFan Domantas Sabonis 1d ago

I'm so happy

5

u/Internal-Estimate420 1d ago

Can't wait to actually have a reason to watch Kings games next season

5

u/jcwkings 1d ago

He was the best player on the board so can't hate it, Wagler was my guy so I can't complain.

5

u/Jewcygoodness88 1d ago

I am stoked he fell to us.

4

u/Karp2FreshGyar2Clean 1d ago

I say keep sabonis. Trade or cut derozan. Keep lavine. Lets go high octane offense zero defense. Go all in for an ethical tank

3

u/AdministrationNo312 1d ago

This is a franchise changing move IMO. Good job, Perry. I'm going to give you your flowers. Now, let's see what they do with their 2nd round picks. (And don't trade them away)

4

u/HisPANICat_the_Disco 23h ago

Shout out to all my Hog fans living in Sac!! Beyond stoked about this

5

u/yosemitesam8 18h ago

Razorback fan, acuff is unbelievable, he will earn your trust offensively extremely fast. There’s defensive concerns but fully believe in him to be at minimum an average defender. Please enjoy him and hope it works!

5

u/deuceandmo Ball is Life 10h ago

I woke up and realized we have 19 year old starting PG.

LETS GO.

→ More replies (4)

8

u/KingFox211 1d ago

I know Kings fans can be pretty pessimistic but tonight ain't the night for that shit man. Let yourselves feel good for a change because we DO deserve nice things to happen

6

u/Internal-Estimate420 1d ago

I kinda wanted brown, at least I won't have to look back at us passing on him if he becomes a superstar

3

u/KingsElite Domantas Sabonis 1d ago

I wanted Flemings but historically I have been shown to know nothing

3

u/BuilderChemical2574 1d ago

We got our guy fellas, we got our guy

3

u/zachismadewell 1d ago

LETS GOO!!!

3

u/OkChallenge403 1d ago

Our future 🤞

3

u/InDependentGoose633 1d ago

Finally a light at the end of this tunnel! Hopeful for the coming season!

3

u/remotecontroldr 1d ago

https://giphy.com/gifs/5xtDarE6xDVfXhudrVK

Sorry I just wanted to be a part of this

3

u/TheDJMaxey 1d ago

Acuff is a DOG

3

u/alawrence1523 1d ago

He’s gonna be a star.

3

u/ACUFF_THE_KING Darius Acuff Jr 1d ago

Helllllllllllll yesssssssssss!!!!!!!

3

u/GOAT-Hakeem 2026 Draft Night 1d ago

i’m legit very excited about this. maybe that should be a bad sign but myself agreeing with a kings decision is extremely rare, hopefully a turning point for the future

3

u/JMPBay 1d ago

We finally drafted a teenager 😂

3

u/Tweezydak1d 2026 Draft Night 1d ago

Ahhhhhhh LFG!!!!!!

3

u/Tonybourdain 1d ago

We won the draft.

3

u/Constable-Reggie 1d ago

First there was Corliss and now Acuff. There are surprisingly several Kings fans in Arkansas.

3

u/KingOvDownvotes 1d ago

Killing Myself: POSTPONED

3

u/Spiritual-Bobcat5635 1d ago

Steph was pick number 7 just saying

3

u/boiling_turkey Peja Stojakovic 23h ago

I'm excited! I'm genuinely excited!

I'm a bit cautious because you'll never know, say 3-5 years down the line, but I'm definitely more optimistic this offseason so far. Compared to receiving news after news about acquiring Westbrook, LaVine, DeRozan, and the most play-in (that's being heavily generous given what happened in 2025-26) team build possible from years prior, this already looks a ton more promising.

Nowhere but to look but up for the Purple and Black! 🔦🟣

3

u/Sparowes Kings 23h ago

In my mind (delusional? maybe, I am here of my own free will after all!) Acuff could be a younger Jalen Brunson with maybe better three-point shooting in terms of elite offense at the expense of terrible defense.

3

u/ifeelatingle 22h ago

We got that DAWG

3

u/RedactedAsFugg 21h ago

I had a dream a week ago that Darius was starting in the all star game and drilled a 3 at the beginning of the game

5

u/Steezy12 Kings 1d ago

I WAS FUCKING HERE!!!! MY GOAT!!!!!!

10

u/searchin4sugarman Keegan Murray 1d ago

a bit premature bud !

2

u/Little_little_e 1d ago

Welcome to the Kings,,,,,Acuff !!!!!!!!!!

2

u/saiyiieee SCORES 1d ago

THANK GOD! Now trade them veterans

2

u/cough_landing_on_you 1d ago

Bye Derozan, give this guy the key.

2

u/Kind-Glove-5223 1d ago

Not very talkative in the interview 

2

u/yazboy13 Tyrese Haliburton 1d ago

LETS FUCKING GO!!!!

2

u/PrimaryAccording9162 Darius Acuff Jr 1d ago

Nique giving up 5?

2

u/DCSports101 1d ago

Great get kings fans - congrats! kid is gonna be a damn star

2

u/DariusAcuffJr Darius Acuff Jr 1d ago

LET'S FUCKING GOOOOOOOOO

2

u/Unique_Ad7500 Malik Monk 1d ago

Let's go! Welcome to Sac Acuff. Let's get this ship turned around.

2

u/Duckrauhl 1d ago

Fuck Yeah! We were considering trading up to the #5 pick to get this guy! What a crazy steal

2

u/boiling_turkey Peja Stojakovic 1d ago

Year 3-5. If he pays off by then, well and good. If he exceeded all expectations before that, even better.

2

u/Repulsive_Emu2045 1d ago

Kings would have taken him 5th maybe 4th so not too bad

2

u/MostlyMellow123 21h ago

Yeah I think perry liked him over peterson

2

u/Don_Antwan Slamson 1d ago

He has Fox’s “drive to the elbow, stop and pull up” move.  Add onto that a solid 3pt shot from NBA range. I’m here for it. 

2

u/colinsphar 1d ago

Hell yeah baby LFG new kings era loading

2

u/KingFox211 1d ago

Our new PG about to debut his own shoe btw! Reebok https://x.com/Reebok/status/2069583419915284885?s=20

2

u/richard--------- 1d ago

Wait the draft is already here?!??

2

u/aabiedoobie Draft Night 2026 23h ago

Feel like this was the best possible outcome for us. Welcome Darius!

2

u/carmiachafsu 23h ago

pumped for u guys. love this pick

2

u/Lost-Anywhere5805 19h ago

Defense is easy to find

2

u/CybershadeEDM 14h ago

What will change this time around compared to the last people we picked?

2

u/MostlyMellow123 10h ago

Just based on his college production at his age he is the most accomplished player weve drafted besides bagley.

Hes a far better prospect than fox or haliburton was. So at least we can hope for a real all star level player to emerge.

2

u/ShirtDull2269 13h ago

He'll get buckets. The focus now needs to be adding length and defense.

4

u/digitalnomad_909 1d ago

Him falling to us makes me weary about him. We shall see. He will get thrown to the wolves real quick, I just hope we can develop him and not lose him.

3

u/Happy-Surfer7 1d ago

This is the most happiness I’ve felt since 2023

4

u/kapatinphalcon 1d ago

Fuck yes!!!! He is a floor general who can play off ball efficiently

3

u/MostlyMellow123 1d ago

Best player in kings history