As the Sacramento Kings continue evaluating their options with the No. 7 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, one respected analyst believes the answer is clear.
Nathan Grubel of No Ceilings joined Sactown Sports’ The Matt & Kayla Show and made it known that Arkansas star Darius Acuff Jr. would be his choice for Sacramento if he’s available.
“I think it has to be Acuff,” Grubel said. “Darius Acuff, right now, is number six on my personal board. He’s the first quote-unquote point guard on my board.”
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Acuff is coming off a dominant freshman season at Arkansas, averaging 23.5 points and 6.4 assists per game while shooting 44 percent from three-point range.
His production earned him SEC Player of the Year, SEC Rookie of the Year, and Consensus All-American honors, making him one of the premier prospects in the draft class.
(Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)
More on Darius Acuff Jr.
Grubel believes Darius Acuff’s offensive versatility separates him from the rest of the guards in the class.
“When I look at somebody like an Acuff, to me he’s the most complete offensive guard that we have in this entire class,” Grubel said. “I trust him to score from every level on the floor, I trust him to be able to find others and initiate out of pick-and-roll sets.”
The analyst also praised Acuff’s leadership after carrying Arkansas throughout the season, one that included a run to the NCAA Tournament’s Sweet 16.
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“That Arkansas team wouldn’t have been anywhere close to where they ultimately got to without Darius Acuff,” Grubel said. “He literally wouldn’t let them get blown out. He wouldn’t let them lose.”
Defense remains one of the biggest questions surrounding Acuff, but Grubel believes the concerns are manageable.
“I trust Acuff as a worker and as a leader,” Grubel said. “I think you’re going to get more out of him on those possessions, especially when he’s not tasked with doing every single little thing offensively.”
While Acuff is Grubel’s top option, he also highlighted Houston guard Kingston Flemings as a player who could fit well with the Kings.
HOUSTON, TEXAS - FEBRUARY 28: Kingston Flemings #4 of the Houston Cougars brings the ball up court against the Colorado Buffaloes during the second half at Fertitta Center on February 28, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS – FEBRUARY 28: Kingston Flemings #4 of the Houston Cougars brings the ball up court against the Colorado Buffaloes during the second half at Fertitta Center on February 28, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
Over 37 games, the 19-year-old averaged 16.1 points, 5.2 assists, and 4.1 rebounds while shooting 47.6 percent from the field and 38.7 percent from beyond the arc. He earned All-Big 12 and All-Freshman honors while helping Houston reach the Sweet 16.
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“He has the best pure burst,” Grubel said. “He does a lot of other things at that point guard position to help your team win games.”
Ultimately, though, Grubel’s decision for the Sacramento Kings is straightforward.
“I’m taking Darius Acuff, if he’s there on the board, plain and simple,” Grubel said. “I think he’s the perfect fit for Sacramento at that point guard position.”
Check out the full conversation at the top of the page or by heading over to the Sactown Sports YouTube channel.
Listen to and watch Sactown Sports’ The Matt & Kayla Show with Matt George & Kayla Anderson, airing weekdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. PT on Sactown Sports.
More Sacramento Kings content from Sactown Sports
What is the next Sacramento Kings Offseason Event?
The Sacramento Kings are preparing for a crucial 2026 NBA Draft, which is set to take place from Tuesday, June 23rd, through Wednesday, June 24th.
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Sacramento owns the 7th pick in the Draft, giving them a chance at selecting a talented player with upside, such as Arkansas guard Darius Acuff Jr., Louisville guard Mikel Brown Jr., Houston’s Kingston Flemings, and Illinois guard Keaton Wagler, among others.
Be sure to stay locked into Sactown Sports for pre-draft workout news, player breakdowns, draft rumors and MUCH more.
Upcoming Sacramento Kings & NBA Offseason Schedule
Tuesday, June 23rd – NBA Draft (Round 1)
Wednesday, June 24th – NBA Draft (Round 2)
Tuesday, June 30th – NBA Free Agency negotiation period begins (3 PM PT)
Saturday, July 4th – Monday, July 6th – California Classic at Golden 1 Center
Thursday, July 9th – NBA Las Vegas Summer League begins
Monday, July 13th – Free Agency moratorium ends / signings can become official
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