The Sacramento Kings are keen on selecting Arkansas guard Darius Acuff Jr. with their No. 7 overall pick in the upcoming 2026 NBA Draft. There is a leaguewide perception that the Kings have strong interest in Acuff Jr., coupled with a fear that he might not be available when their pick comes around. This sentiment is further fueled by a mock draft that projects Acuff Jr. to go to the Brooklyn Nets at No. 6. The Kings, however, remain adamant that they will be content with any of the top guard prospects still on the board at No. 7.

Acuff Jr. had a standout freshman season at Arkansas, earning SEC Player of the Year honors and being named a first-team All-American. He averaged 23.5 points and 6.4 assists per game across 36 starts for the Razorbacks. From a basketball perspective, Acuff Jr. represents a potent blend of scoring and playmaking that the Kings desperately need. Their current depth chart lists Devin Carter as the lone true point guard, with Russell Westbrook and Killian Hayes both hitting free agency. Acuff Jr.'s ability to create his own shot and facilitate for others would immediately inject much-needed dynamism into Sacramento's backcourt.

The Kings' strong interest in Acuff Jr. also has a compelling backstory. Kings general manager Scott Perry coached Acuff Jr.'s father, Darius Acuff Sr., during his collegiate career at Eastern Kentucky. This pre-existing connection could play a role in the draft process, suggesting a level of familiarity and trust between the prospect's camp and the Kings' front office. Acuff Jr.'s camp specifically desires a landing spot in Sacramento.

With the NBA Draft approaching, the Kings face a tense wait to see if Acuff Jr. falls to them at No. 7. Should he be off the board, other highly-touted guard prospects like Kingston Flemings out of Houston, who has been compared to De'Aaron Fox, could be viable alternatives. The top four picks are widely expected to include Darryn Peterson, AJ Dybantsa, Cameron Boozer, and Caleb Wilson, leaving a competitive field of guards for teams picking thereafter.