Is Darius Acuff Jr. the NBA\u2019s next star guard?<\/p>\n
That word \u2018star\u2019 is doing a lot of heavy lifting in draft conversations, especially for a Sacramento Kings team still searching for a true franchise centerpiece\u2013and in Reynolds\u2019 eyes, Darius Acuff Jr. brings something that can\u2019t be easily taught: the ability to break down defenses at an elite level.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe looks like, to me, the best guard for breaking down defenses,\u201d Reynolds explained. \u201cAnd he gets his 28 points or whatever without really forcing much.\u201d<\/p>\n
That natural scoring ability, paired with his handle and creativity, is what led Reynolds to invoke a familiar name: Kyrie Irving.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe reminds me a lot of Kyrie,\u201d Reynolds said. \u201cAble to break people down, strong enough to finish different ways at the rim. Pretty nice, easy stroke at three. Got that thickish, low-gravity body that is hard to stay in front of.\u201d<\/p>\n
It\u2019s a comparison that will immediately raise eyebrows\u2014and expectations. Irving, the former No. 1 overall pick, dazzled scouts during his lone season at Duke despite limited games, and Acuff appears to be following a somewhat similar path as a dynamic offensive guard whose polish exceeds his age.<\/p>\n
Of course, Reynolds didn\u2019t ignore the other side of the ball.<\/p>\n
\u201cDefensively, he\u2019s not very good,\u201d he admitted. \u201cBut Kyrie was a below-average defender at that time as well.\u201d<\/p>\n
I heard that Darius Acuff Jr. might be the worst defender in the NBA next year. Watched his defense during the SEC Championship to see if people were exaggerating.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s pretty rough. pic.twitter.com\/GbLRN9nH13<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Steph Noh (@StephNoh) March 19, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n That\u2019s where the conversation around Acuff becomes more nuanced. For teams drafting in the lottery\u2014especially one like the Kings\u2014there\u2019s often a tension between selecting a high-floor player or swinging for upside. Reynolds made his stance clear.<\/p>\n \u201cFor me as a fan, I say star,\u201d he said. \u201cYou got pieces. What you don\u2019t have is the guy.\u201d<\/p>\n That philosophy aligns directly with Darius Acuff\u2019s profile. He may not be the most complete player in the draft, but his offensive ceiling could be among the highest. Reynolds even pointed out how history supports patience with young guards.<\/p>\n \u201cI remember Tyrese Haliburton as a freshman. He was a well below-average defender,\u201d Reynolds said. \u201cThat didn\u2019t mean he was always going to be that way.\u201d<\/p>\n For Reynolds, the takeaway is simple: Elite offensive talent is rare, and when you see it, you take it.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you want the guy who can really guard but couldn\u2019t score in an empty gym, go get him. He\u2019s there.\u201d<\/p>\n But players like Darius Acuff Jr.\u2014with star shot-creation, effortless scoring, and flashes of brilliance\u2014aren\u2019t always available. And if Reynolds is right, passing on that kind of upside could mean passing on something even more valuable: the next face of a franchise.<\/p>\n Check out the full interview with Jerry Reynolds by scrolling to the top of the page or by clicking here.<\/a><\/p>\n Listen to\u00a0The Drive Guys\u00a0from 2 \u2013 6 p.m. PST, Monday through Friday, on\u00a0Sactown Sports 1140.<\/a><\/p>\n More Sacramento Kings content from Sactown Sports<\/p>\n Upcoming Sacramento Kings schedule for the 2025-26 season<\/p>\n Wednesday, April 1st @ Toronto Raptors \u2013 5:00 PM PT Thank you for reading\u00a0SactownSports.com<\/a>. Follow us on\u00a0Twitter<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Google News<\/a>, and subscribe to our\u00a0YouTube<\/a>\u00a0channel.<\/p>\n
\nFriday, April 3rd vs. New Orleans Pelicans \u2013 7:00 PM PT
\nSunday, April 5th vs. Los Angeles Clippers \u2013 6:00 PM PT
\nTuesday, April 7th @ Golden State Warriors \u2013 7:00 PM PT
\nFriday, April 10th vs. Golden State Warriors \u2013 7:00 PM PT
\nSunday, April 12th @ Portland Trail Blazers \u2013 5:30 PM PT<\/p>\n