Dalton Johnson and Tristi Rodriguez updated their 2026 NBA mock draft to project Darius Acuff Jr. landing with the Sacramento Kings at No. 7 and a wing prospect heading to the Golden State Warriors at No. 11. The pair reworked several first-round slots after the combine and recent workouts, keeping AJ Dybantsa at No. 1 overall for the Washington Wizards.
Acuff Jr. averaged 23.5 points on 48.4 percent shooting, 3.1 rebounds, 6.4 assists and 2.2 turnovers in 35.1 minutes across 36 games at Arkansas. Those numbers reflect a lead guard who created for himself and others while posting an assist-to-turnover ratio above 2.9 to 1. The Kings' front office has longstanding ties to the Acuff family through Scott Perry's time coaching Darius Acuff Sr. at Eastern Kentucky.
Acuff Jr. fits Sacramento's need for a secondary creator who can run pick-and-rolls alongside De'Aaron Fox without clogging the floor. His size and scoring gravity would let the Kings space the floor better than recent additions, and his Arkansas tape shows comfort finishing through contact at the rim. The Warriors at 11 would prioritize a 6-foot-6 or taller wing who can defend multiple positions and stretch the floor next to Steph Curry and the existing core.
This projection continues the Kings' pattern of chasing high-motor guards with local or personal connections while the Warriors continue chasing immediate two-way contributors who fit their switch-heavy scheme. Brooklyn has shown recent interest in Nate Ament, which could push Acuff Jr. down the board and open trade-up windows for Sacramento.
The draft sits on June 23, leaving two weeks for workouts and trade calls that could shift the top 15. If Acuff Jr. falls past the Nets, the Kings hold leverage to move up one spot without overpaying. The Warriors' slot at 11 remains fluid depending on whether teams ahead chase centers or smaller guards.
Acuff Jr.'s connection to Perry adds a personal layer that could accelerate Sacramento's timeline if the pick holds, while the Warriors' wing focus keeps their window open without forcing a long-term rebuild.
Golden State Warriors 