Acuff: Kings Embracing a 'Tough, Fast' Style

The Sacramento Kings will look a lot different than last season, with players returning from injury and the backcourt undergoing a major revamp.

Darius Acuff Jr., the Kings' presumed lead guard of the future, has gotten off to a strong start to the NBA Preseason.

As the regular season tip-off is right around the corner, Acuff's continued sparks are a very encouraging sign.

In Sacramento's 111-106 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Saturday, Acuff scored a game-high 25 points.

While efficiency has been a concern throughout his first few appearances as a King, Acuff mad 8 of his 15 attempts, including a 4-for-6 showing from 3-point range.

Following the game, Acuff was asked about the style of play the Kings are trying to emulate.

"Being tough," Acuff said. "Trying to focus more on the defensive end as a team. We got a lot of length. We got a lot of good athletic [players]. And just playing fast as a team, we want that to be our identity."

Acuff's ability to push the pace should help Sacramento play faster and get better looks, as offense was a struggle at times last season.

But, his continued focus on the defensive side of the ball is very important, as the Kings' roster has been criticized for it's lack of balance.

The Athletic's Michael Pina went as far to say that it is "one of the worst defenses ever assembled" in his recent projections.

While Acuff does have a way to go before being labeled a lockdown defender, the additions made by the front office through free agency and the draft should help early on.

Emanuel Sharp and Alex Karaban, the Kings' other two rookies, are both strong perimeter defenders.

While playing at Houston and UConn, both players were expected to be premier-level players on that side of the floor, which will pay dividends heading into their NBA careers.

In late-September, Longtime play-by-play announcer Mark Jones forecasted Sharp's defense on SacTown Sports.

Jones talked about his defensive pressure displayed at Houston and in the Summer League, joking that opposing teams will need a "restraining order to keep him off people defensively."

Signing Ben Simmons adds another strong defender to the lineup, with the former Rookie of the Year earning multiple All-Defensive team honors with the Philadelphia 76ers.

With the early signs pointing towards Simmons having a major role on this year's team, head coach Doug Christie will need to lean on him to play high-level defense.

The Kings look to win their second preseason game on Tuesday at 10:00 p.m. against the Portland Trail Blazers.