Doc Rivers praised the Kings’ passionate fan base despite Sacramento’s recent struggles, as rookie Darius Acuff Jr. continues giving fans hope with an impressive Summer League start.
While there hasn’t been much positive things to say about the Sacramento Kings’ on-court product, their stadium atmosphere has garnered respect across the NBA.
Longtime head coach Doc Rivers recently spoke his mind when sending his love to the Sacramento fans. Kings fans have earned plenty of praise over the years, and the former Milwaukee Bucks coach believes they remain one of the NBA's most reliable home crowds regardless of the team's record.
"The fans are amazing,” Rivers told FOX40. “I don't care if they're having a great year or bad year. When you go to Sacramento, you know you're going into Sacramento. Cowbells are loud."
However, the compliment comes as the Kings begin a new era led by rookie point guard Darius Acuff Jr., the No. 7 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. Acuff quickly gave Sacramento fans something to cheer about during the California Classic.
Kings Have Plenty of Chances this Season
Acuff helped the Kings finish 3-0 before the team headed to Las Vegas for the NBA 2K26 Summer League.
The former Arkansas guard averaged 23.5 points and 3.5 assists across two appearances. His first professional game was an adjustment, however.
He looked much more comfortable in Sacramento's next outing. Acuff Jr. scored 22 points against the Milwaukee Bucks while knocking down a clutch step-back three late in the game.
Summer League coach Chris Darnell said Acuff's willingness to defend has impressed the organization just as much as his offensive production.
Sacramento has now opened Summer League with a 4-0 record, with contributions from Acuff, Sharp, Nique Clifford, and several other young players expected to compete for regular-season minutes.
While the Kings continue building toward their future, free agency could also bring in valuable pieces, as the rumors hint.
Through playoff runs, rebuilding years, and roster changes, the city's fan base has continued to earn respect across the NBA.
For Acuff and the Kings' young core, they'll have plenty of opportunities to play in front of one of the league's most passionate home crowds once the regular season begins.
Going through one of the worst seasons in the franchise's history, the Kings still have what it takes to turn things around. Whether or not critics show trust in the city and its fans, Sacramento is still heading upwards with a new rookie power in the locker room.
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