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"I have him winning Rookie of the Year" - Paul Pierce is high on Darius Acuff Jr. in the 2026 NBA Draft
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- "I have him winning Rookie of the Year" - Paul Pierce is high on Darius Acuff Jr. in the 2026 NBA Draft
As we count down the final hours until the 2026 NBA Draft kicks off, numerous mock drafts are naming their predictions on which teams this year's generational class of rookies will end up on.
Nevertheless, the top-four picks are almost unanimous, and will battle out for the Rookie of the Year, as AJ Dybansta is expected to have his name called as the Washington Wizards ' number one pick. Despite his "Ben Simmons-like" behavior, Darryn Peterson is looking to go second to the Utah Jazz . Cameron Boozer will most likely be selected at third by the Memphis Grizzlies , and Caleb Wilson is predicted to suit up for the Chicago Bulls at number four.
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However, after the "Big Four", anything can happen with the rest of the pack. Depending on the fit and what each team needs, it's safe to say that the rest of the lottery has plenty to choose from.
Kingston Flemings, Darius Acuff Jr. , Brayden Burries, Mikel Brown Jr., Keaton Wagler , and Nate Ament are just some of the names, among others, expected to have immense potential and upside despite the heavy-named first four overall picks.
However, among those players, one name stands out as the most likely dark horse.
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Pierce has Acuff as his Rookie of the Year
Former NBA great, Paul Pierce , who is amazed by this year's draft class, has Acuff as his outlier among the whole draft. Not just because of his talent and upside, but because of the teams that will be able to select Darius.
"I have him winning Rookie of the Year, truthfully," said Pierce. "He'll have more opportunity to shine if he's picked up by the Clippers. Say the Clippers trade Kawhi, or some things happen with their veterans. I can see them kinda going into rebuild mode."
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"Even the Brooklyn Nets at number six. You have a tremendous opportunity to play through his mistakes, there's no expectations to make the playoffs, things of that nature. Also Sacramento, who's seventh. If he can go there, same situation. You know, Acuff is my personal favorite."
While some may question Pierce's statement, it certainly holds essence, as Acuff has quietly delivered one of the most dominant freshman campaigns in collegiate history.
During his one-and-done season at Arkansas, under John Calipari, Darius averaged 23.5 points and 6.4 assists, leading the SEC in both categories. Shooting splits tell their own story as well, as he shot 48.4 percent from the field, 44 percent from the three, and 80.9 percent from the free-throw line.
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With his immaculate stats, Acuff was named as a Consensus First-Team-All American, SEC Player and Freshman of the Year, and won the Bob Cousy Award as the nation's top guard along the way. He also secured the SEC MVP title, where he displayed a dominant performance against Vanderbilt, scoring 30 points and dishing out 11 assists.
Acuff's March Madness run was even more impressive, as he led his Razorbacks to the Sweet 16 with explosive 29.8 points.
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Which teams could use Acuff?
Among the teams Pierce already mentioned, every other franchise in the top ten, which are the Atlanta Hawks , the Dallas Mavericks , and the Milwaukee Bucks , could use Acuff as their franchise player for the next decade.
Depending on the team, however, some need a point guard more than others, like the Brooklyn Nets and the Sacramento Kings , where Darius would certainly have the green light to do whatever he wants and prove what he is made of.
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If he were to win the Rookie of the Year award, it wouldn't be so surprising, as Acuff is capable of averaging 20 or more points with efficient playmaking.
This story was originally published by Basketball Network on Jun 23, 2026, where it first appeared in the Latest News section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
