Kings’ Acuff Jr. Credits Assist Surge To Game ‘Slowing Down'

Darius Acuff Jr. is rapidly improving as a playmaker during the Sacramento Kings' 1-9 start to the season, and he credits the game slowing down for him.

Acuff averaged 4.8 assists in the first four games before exploding for a career-high 14 against the New Orleans Pelicans on Oct. 29. He's added two more double-digit assist games to his resume: 12 against the Los Angeles Lakers last Wednesday and 10 against the Miami Heat last Sunday.

The rookie guard isn't blindly focused on scoring when he sees an advantage on the floor. Defenses try loading up on Acuff to cut off scoring lanes, leaving corner shooters wide open.

He's playing with pace off the screen and zips a pass into the shooter's pocket when the gap opens. Acuff admitted he was forcing shots early in the season and the game is slowing down.

Sacramento's No. 7 pick said he's seeing new defenses and coverages and is learning on the fly. Over time, Acuff should have counters to what opposing teams throw at him.

The 6-foot-3 guard is averaging 7.4 assists per game, 12th-best in the league. He trails Jalen Johnson, who's averaging 7.6, and they are both just outside the top-10.

Acuff's been on a historic scoring tear as a rookie. He's averaging 25.9 points per game, the 10th most in the NBA, and is shooting 23 times per game.

The 19-year-old became the first rookie to score 30 points in the team's 128-120 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers on Oct. 23 and joined elite company with NBA superstars fresh off a 34-point, 14-assist outing in a 132-120 loss to the Pelicans.

Acuff has flashed potential as a franchise cornerstone despite the losses. He's carried his college success at Arkansas into the NBA, and the Kings desperately need a face to lead the team out of its long rebuild.

His improvement as a playmaker is vital to Sacramento's rebuild. Pairing him with shooters like Malik Monk, De'Andre Hunter and Leaky Black has given them a semblance of an efficient offense.

General manager Scott Perry will be tasked with building around his stellar rookie in the offseason, armed with cap space. Christie's rotations prove Acuff thrives with catch-and-shoot threats who can defend.

Sacramento starts a four-game home stand on Tuesday, hosting the Orlando Magic. Domantas Sabonis should return and give Acuff his best pick-and-roll partner to carve defenses up again.