Kings G Acuff Jr. Focused on Winning During Rookie Season

Rookie guard Darius Acuff Jr. has one goal in mind for the Sacramento Kings next season: win.

That's a bold proclamation for an organization that has steadily declined in recent years and finished tied for the fourth-worst record last season. It's a tall task considering Sacramento is projected to win 21.5 games.

Acuff is up for the challenge, saying he's a winner.

"It's a simple answer, but that's all anyone needs to know," Acuff told ClutchPoints' Brett Siegel. "We are going to win in Sacramento."

He's unproven at the NBA level, but his confidence is unwavering. His teammates believe in him, too. Dylan Cardwell has called him a generational talent, and Zach LaVine believes their games can mesh together.

The sixth-overall pick led the SEC in points (23.5) and assists (6.4) for the Arkansas Razorbacks. LSU legend Pete Maravich was the last player to lead the conference in those stats back in the 1969-70 season.

A rare accomplishment for the former Razorback, who at times willed his team late in games. Arkansas lost a double overtime match to then-No. 25 Alabama, but Acuff was the hero of the game.

He played 50 minutes, scored 49 points and nailed the game-tying three with 12 seconds left, sending the game into overtime.

Sacramento is adding a crafty offensive player to the organization. He has received multiple comparisons to New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson, including an expectation to average more than he did in his fourth season with the Dallas Mavericks.

Acuff's scoring is his ultimate strength. He's a three-level scorer who can get to his spots on the court.

Throughout summer league, the Kings' rookie set up his defenders with nifty dribble moves to blow past them. The process was encouraging; the results weren't.

He put together some abysmal shooting performances, shooting under 50% from the field multiple times. His field goal percentage against the Brooklyn Nets (California Classic), Milwaukee Bucks and Washington Wizards totaled 31.8%.

Part of his struggles were NBA defenders speeding him up, which he wasn't used to. He played at his own pace in college, which earned praise from various scouts as a player with level-headed composure.

Acuff has the talent to lift Sacramento during games, but his goal of winning could be unattainable next season.

Even when the team was healthy to start the season, they started 2-6. LaVine scored 30 points in five straight games and center Domantas Sabonis recorded double-digit rebounds in five of six games.

Talent isn't enough for the Kings; they need cohesiveness, which will take a couple of seasons. They have that time with Acuff, who will lead the franchise in a new era and could turn them around sooner rather than later.