The dynamic playmaker aims to mirror Jalen Brunson’s offensive mastery, proving elite footwork and three-level scoring can overcome defensive size concerns as he prepares for the NBA draft.
Darius Acuff Jr. has studied Jalen Brunson extensively throughout the NBA Finals, changing the narrative about small first-option guards, and the Arkansas product wants to follow in his footsteps.
“I’ve been focusing on both teams, of course, but really been seeing how Jalen Brunson is navigating through the defense and stuff like that," Acuff Jr. told Draymond Green on "The Draymond Green Show" last Sunday. "Obviously, as a PG myself, I’ve been paying attention to that.”
The Sacramento Kings are eyeing the 6-foot-3 prospect as their next lead guard, overlooking his weaknesses. Acuff Jr.'s size and defense are two concerns because of his awareness and teams hunting him on offense.
Brunson, who is 6-foot-2, has the same weaknesses. However, both of them are such polished offensive players that teams find a way to cover their shortcomings.
The New York Knicks have OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart on the perimeter, allowing coach Mike Brown to hide Brunson on defense. If the Kings select Acuff Jr. with the No. 7 overall pick, they'll have to follow the same team-building principle.
The former Razorback is a three-level scorer and consistent shot creator. He can break a defender down in isolation with various dribble moves or use a screen to get downhill and finish at the rim.
Acuff Jr. can play off the ball as well, adding to his scoring versatility. He's a composed player, never too rattled by the defense.
Brunson displayed those same qualities in the finals. His shotmaking was choppy at times, but his strong base and footwork helped him get to his spots efficiently.
He'd set his defender up for a downhill drive or seal his defender with his help for a mid-range shot or floater. Getting to those areas of the court helped Brunson convert timely shots down the stretch during his high-scoring performances.
Acuff Jr. aims to emulate the Knicks' lead guard play style with his own twist. He led Arkansas last season, averaging 23.5 points and, like Brunson, sometimes willed his team in the clutch.
The Razorbacks lost a double overtime match to then-No. 25 Alabama, but Acuff Jr. was the hero of the game. He played 50 minutes, scored 49 points and nailed the game-tying three with 12 seconds left to send the game into overtime.
The 19-year-old accounted for 35 of his team's 58 points in the second half. Acuff Jr. can serve as a team's offensive engine, overshadowing his defensive shortcomings.
Sacramento's favorite draft prospect took note of Brunson's performance in the finals and aims to apply what he's learned in his NBA career.
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