The Kings selected Darius Acuff Jr. out of Arkansas with the No. 7 pick in the2026 NBA Draft.
Sacramento entered the draft with a major hole to fill at the point guard position. It was a point of emphasis the team wanted to address this draft season. But now, they've found their guy.
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"I'm definitely ready for the next step," Acuff told USA TODAY Sports during a media availability. "Excited to start hooping again. I'm just blessed to get picked here."
Acuff, 19, has a heavy weight on his shoulders as all eyes are looking towards him to be the cornerstone piece that helps lead Sacramento to winning basketball. Those are high expectations for the 2025-26 consensus First Team All-America selection, but his game compliments those expectations.
The Kings finished the 2025-26 regular season with a 22-60 record. They failed to make the playoffs for a third-consecutive season. However, the Kings draft selection of Acuff gives them hopes of a bright future to build upon with their 2025 draft class ofMaxime Raynaud,Nique Cliffordacquired in a draft day trade and undrafted signeeDylan Cardwell.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver poses with 2026 draft prospects before theNBA Draftat Barclays Center.
(Brad Penner, Imagn Images)
NBA commissioner Adam Silver shakes hands with AJ Dybantsa after h is drafted first overall by the Washington Wizards during Round One of the 2026 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 23, 2026 in New York City.
(Arturo Holmes, Getty Images)
NBA commissioner Adam Silver shakes hands with AJ Dybantsa after he is drafted first overall by the Washington Wizards during Round One of the 2026 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 23, 2026 in New York City.
(Arturo Holmes, Getty Images)
AJ Dybantsa is drafted first overall by the Washington Wizards during Round One of the 2026 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 23, 2026 in New York City.
(Arturo Holmes, Getty Images)
NBA commissioner Adam Silver speaks during Round One of the 2026 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 23, 2026 in New York City.
(Arturo Holmes, Getty Images)
Cameron Boozer awaits the start of Round One.
(Arturo Holmes, Getty Images)
Caleb Wilson poses with family prior to Round One of the 2026 NBA Draft at Barclays Center.
(Arturo Holmes, Getty Images)
Chris Cenac Jr. poses for a photo with Kelvin Sampson prior to Round One.
(Arturo Holmes, Getty Images)
Mikel Brown Jr. awaits the start of Round One of the 2026 NBA Draft at Barclays Center.
(Arturo Holmes, Getty Images)
An interior view of Barclays Center prior to Round One of the 2026 NBA Draft on June 23, 2026 in New York City.
(Caleb Bowlin, Getty Images)
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Every player selected in the NBA Draft 2026 first round in photos
NBA commissioner Adam Silver poses with 2026 draft prospects before theNBA Draftat Barclays Center.
(Brad Penner, Imagn Images)
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Every player selected in the NBA Draft 2026 first round in photos
NBA commissioner Adam Silver poses with 2026 draft prospects before theNBA Draftat Barclays Center.
(Brad Penner, Imagn Images)
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Every player selected in the NBA Draft 2026 first round in photos
NBA commissioner Adam Silver shakes hands with AJ Dybantsa after h is drafted first overall by the Washington Wizards during Round One of the 2026 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 23, 2026 in New York City.
(Arturo Holmes, Getty Images)
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Every player selected in the NBA Draft 2026 first round in photos
NBA commissioner Adam Silver shakes hands with AJ Dybantsa after he is drafted first overall by the Washington Wizards during Round One of the 2026 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 23, 2026 in New York City.
(Arturo Holmes, Getty Images)
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Every player selected in the NBA Draft 2026 first round in photos
AJ Dybantsa is drafted first overall by the Washington Wizards during Round One of the 2026 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 23, 2026 in New York City.
(Arturo Holmes, Getty Images)
5/10
Every player selected in the NBA Draft 2026 first round in photos
NBA commissioner Adam Silver speaks during Round One of the 2026 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 23, 2026 in New York City.
(Arturo Holmes, Getty Images)
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Every player selected in the NBA Draft 2026 first round in photos
Cameron Boozer awaits the start of Round One.
(Arturo Holmes, Getty Images)
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Every player selected in the NBA Draft 2026 first round in photos
Caleb Wilson poses with family prior to Round One of the 2026 NBA Draft at Barclays Center.
(Arturo Holmes, Getty Images)
8/10
Every player selected in the NBA Draft 2026 first round in photos
Chris Cenac Jr. poses for a photo with Kelvin Sampson prior to Round One.
(Arturo Holmes, Getty Images)
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Every player selected in the NBA Draft 2026 first round in photos
Mikel Brown Jr. awaits the start of Round One of the 2026 NBA Draft at Barclays Center.
(Arturo Holmes, Getty Images)
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Every player selected in the NBA Draft 2026 first round in photos
An interior view of Barclays Center prior to Round One of the 2026 NBA Draft on June 23, 2026 in New York City.
The Kings are absolute winners in the first round.
They went with the best fit for their team who happens to be the best player available. The best player at the position. Acuff said he watched a lot of Allen Iverson growing up, so if he's anything like his hoop idol, Sacramento can expect a guy who will play with his heart, give his all each time he steps on the floor. Acuff is the complete package at 6-foot-2, 186 pounds: a three-level scorer, tough shot-maker, crafty ballhandler and strong playmaker.
Here's how USA TODAY Sports grades the Sacramento Kings' first round draft selection:
The grade:A
Why?: A is for Acuff. It's the first letter of the alphabet. Acuff is the Kings' first-round pick. A also stands for alpha, and that's what Sacramento is getting in Acuff. The Arkansas freshman standout was the frontrunner for the Razorbacks leading them to an Elite Eight appearance in a season where he averaged 23.5 points, 6.4 assists on 48.4% field goal shooting, including 44% on 3-point shots. He's that type of guy, a point guard who can be a 1A and can lead the Kings' offense for Doug Christie.
2026: AJ Dybantsa, Washington Wizards
(Brad Penner, Imagn Images)
2025: Cooper Flagg, Dallas Mavericks
(Brad Penner, Imagn Images)
2024: Zaccharie Risacher, Atlanta Hawks
(Brad Penner, USA TODAY Sports)
2023: Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs
(Wendell Cruz, USA TODAY Sports)
2022: Paolo Banchero, Orlando Magic
(Brad Penner, USA TODAY Sports)
2021: Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons
(Brad Penner, USA TODAY Sports)
2020: Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves
(Stephen Lew, USA TODAY Sports)
2019: Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans
(Brad Penner, USA TODAY Sports)
2018: Deandre Ayton, Phoenix Suns
(Brad Penner, USA TODAY Sports)
2017: Markelle Fultz, Philadelphia 76ers
(Brad Penner, USA TODAY Sports)
2016: Ben Simmons, Philadelphia 76ers
(Brad Penner, USA TODAY Sports)
2015: Karl-Anthony Towns, Minnesota Timberwolves
(Brad Penner, USA TODAY Sports)
2014: Andrew Wiggins, Cleveland Cavaliers (traded two months later to Minnesota Timberwolves)
(Brad Penner, USA TODAY Sports)
2011: Kyrie Irving, Cleveland Cavaliers
(Mike Stobe, Getty Images)
2010: John Wall, Washington Wizards
(Andrew Weber, US PRESSWIRE)
2007: Greg Oden, Portland Trail Blazers
(Robert Deutsch, USA TODAY)
2002: Yao Ming, Houston Rockets
(LUCY NICHOLSON, AFP via Getty Images)
2000: Kenyon Martin, New Jersey Nets
(Brett Hansbauer, US PRESSWIRE)
1998: Michael Olowokandi, Los Angeles Clippers
(Jed Jacobsohn, Getty Images)
1997: Tim Duncan, San Antonio Spurs
(TOM MIHALEK, AFP via Getty Images)
1996: Allen Iverson, Philadelphia 76ers
(TOM MIHALEK, AFP via Getty Images)
1995: Joe Smith, Golden State Warriors
(Elsa, Getty Images)
1994: Glenn Robinson, Milwaukee Bucks
(Jonathan Daniel, Getty Images)
1993: Chris Webber, Golden State Warriors
(Stephen Dunn, Getty Images)
1992: Shaquille O'Neal, Orlando Magic
(DOUG COLLIER, AFP via Getty Images)
1991: Larry Johnson, Charlotte Hornets
(Jonathan Daniel, Getty Images)
1990: Derrick Coleman, New Jersey Nets
(Jonathan Daniel, Getty Images)
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NBA draft No. 1 picks since 1990: From Derrick Coleman to AJ Dybantsa
2026: AJ Dybantsa, Washington Wizards
(Brad Penner, Imagn Images)
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NBA draft No. 1 picks since 1990: From Derrick Coleman to AJ Dybantsa
2026: AJ Dybantsa, Washington Wizards
(Brad Penner, Imagn Images)
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NBA draft No. 1 picks since 1990: From Derrick Coleman to AJ Dybantsa
2025: Cooper Flagg, Dallas Mavericks
(Brad Penner, Imagn Images)
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NBA draft No. 1 picks since 1990: From Derrick Coleman to AJ Dybantsa
2024: Zaccharie Risacher, Atlanta Hawks
(Brad Penner, USA TODAY Sports)
4/27
NBA draft No. 1 picks since 1990: From Derrick Coleman to AJ Dybantsa
2023: Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs
(Wendell Cruz, USA TODAY Sports)
5/27
NBA draft No. 1 picks since 1990: From Derrick Coleman to AJ Dybantsa
2022: Paolo Banchero, Orlando Magic
(Brad Penner, USA TODAY Sports)
6/27
NBA draft No. 1 picks since 1990: From Derrick Coleman to AJ Dybantsa
2021: Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons
(Brad Penner, USA TODAY Sports)
7/27
NBA draft No. 1 picks since 1990: From Derrick Coleman to AJ Dybantsa
2020: Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves
(Stephen Lew, USA TODAY Sports)
8/27
NBA draft No. 1 picks since 1990: From Derrick Coleman to AJ Dybantsa
2019: Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans
(Brad Penner, USA TODAY Sports)
9/27
NBA draft No. 1 picks since 1990: From Derrick Coleman to AJ Dybantsa
2018: Deandre Ayton, Phoenix Suns
(Brad Penner, USA TODAY Sports)
10/27
NBA draft No. 1 picks since 1990: From Derrick Coleman to AJ Dybantsa
2017: Markelle Fultz, Philadelphia 76ers
(Brad Penner, USA TODAY Sports)
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NBA draft No. 1 picks since 1990: From Derrick Coleman to AJ Dybantsa
2016: Ben Simmons, Philadelphia 76ers
(Brad Penner, USA TODAY Sports)
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NBA draft No. 1 picks since 1990: From Derrick Coleman to AJ Dybantsa
2015: Karl-Anthony Towns, Minnesota Timberwolves
(Brad Penner, USA TODAY Sports)
13/27
NBA draft No. 1 picks since 1990: From Derrick Coleman to AJ Dybantsa
2014: Andrew Wiggins, Cleveland Cavaliers (traded two months later to Minnesota Timberwolves)
(Brad Penner, USA TODAY Sports)
14/27
NBA draft No. 1 picks since 1990: From Derrick Coleman to AJ Dybantsa
2011: Kyrie Irving, Cleveland Cavaliers
(Mike Stobe, Getty Images)
15/27
NBA draft No. 1 picks since 1990: From Derrick Coleman to AJ Dybantsa
2010: John Wall, Washington Wizards
(Andrew Weber, US PRESSWIRE)
16/27
NBA draft No. 1 picks since 1990: From Derrick Coleman to AJ Dybantsa
2007: Greg Oden, Portland Trail Blazers
(Robert Deutsch, USA TODAY)
17/27
NBA draft No. 1 picks since 1990: From Derrick Coleman to AJ Dybantsa
2002: Yao Ming, Houston Rockets
(LUCY NICHOLSON, AFP via Getty Images)
18/27
NBA draft No. 1 picks since 1990: From Derrick Coleman to AJ Dybantsa
2000: Kenyon Martin, New Jersey Nets
(Brett Hansbauer, US PRESSWIRE)
19/27
NBA draft No. 1 picks since 1990: From Derrick Coleman to AJ Dybantsa
1998: Michael Olowokandi, Los Angeles Clippers
(Jed Jacobsohn, Getty Images)
20/27
NBA draft No. 1 picks since 1990: From Derrick Coleman to AJ Dybantsa
1997: Tim Duncan, San Antonio Spurs
(TOM MIHALEK, AFP via Getty Images)
21/27
NBA draft No. 1 picks since 1990: From Derrick Coleman to AJ Dybantsa
1996: Allen Iverson, Philadelphia 76ers
(TOM MIHALEK, AFP via Getty Images)
22/27
NBA draft No. 1 picks since 1990: From Derrick Coleman to AJ Dybantsa
1995: Joe Smith, Golden State Warriors
(Elsa, Getty Images)
23/27
NBA draft No. 1 picks since 1990: From Derrick Coleman to AJ Dybantsa
1994: Glenn Robinson, Milwaukee Bucks
(Jonathan Daniel, Getty Images)
24/27
NBA draft No. 1 picks since 1990: From Derrick Coleman to AJ Dybantsa
1993: Chris Webber, Golden State Warriors
(Stephen Dunn, Getty Images)
25/27
NBA draft No. 1 picks since 1990: From Derrick Coleman to AJ Dybantsa
1992: Shaquille O'Neal, Orlando Magic
(DOUG COLLIER, AFP via Getty Images)
26/27
NBA draft No. 1 picks since 1990: From Derrick Coleman to AJ Dybantsa
1991: Larry Johnson, Charlotte Hornets
(Jonathan Daniel, Getty Images)
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NBA draft No. 1 picks since 1990: From Derrick Coleman to AJ Dybantsa
1990: Derrick Coleman, New Jersey Nets
(Jonathan Daniel, Getty Images)
Sacramento Kings' draft selections in last decade
Here's a list of the Kings draft selections in the last 10 years.
