Kings Rookie Acuff Finding His Rhythm Early in Season

Amidst the Sacramento Kings' overall struggles, the front office continues to look like one of the big winners from this past year's draft, with Darius Acuff Jr. playing like one of the top players in the class.

At just 19 years old, Acuff is already one of the NBA's top scorers, averaging the twelfth-most points per game in the league at 25.2.

His inefficient start had been well-documented during his first couple games, but those shooting splits have also risen, as the former Arkansas standout has now gotten above 40% from the field.

Over his past three games, Acuff has been on a tear with his playmaking as well, averaging nine assists per contest to go with his 28.2 points.

Acuff's splits are significantly higher than his early performances, shooting at 45/38/85% marks.

In the Sacramento Kings' 132-120 loss against the New Orleans Pelicans on Oct. 29, Acuff exploded for his best career game, pouring in 34 points, while adding 14 assists, six rebounds, and a steal.

He got off to a hot start, scoring 21 points on 8-for-11 shooting in the first half.

Adding six first-half dimes, Acuff joins Philadelphia 76ers forward LeBron James as the only two teenagers in NBA history to post a half of 20 or more points, five or more assists, and 70% or better shooting from the field.

This efficiency carried over throughout the remainder of the game, with Acuff finishing 13-for-26.

As the season progresses, Acuff's shooting splits are only set to rise, but his continued focus on improvement and finding ways to win is very promising.

Following Acuff's first 30-point outburst, against the Portland Trail Blazers, he talked about how it didn't matter that he had a good statistical day, saying that there's nothing more he wants to do than win.

Entering the year, growing pains were expected, but the team's defensive shortcomings have been exposed.

Acuff is not a high-level defender, and having other offensive-minded players like Domantas Sabonis and Zach LaVine around him can't mask his weaknesses.

But, after a five-game drought of recording no steals, Acuff is riding a three-game streak with at least one theft, showing much more activity on and off the ball.

Following a tough two-game stretch against Western Conference contenders in the Los Angeles Lakers and San Antonio Spurs, the road doesn't get much easier, with Sacramento hosting the Miami Heat on Sunday.

Acuff will have to deal with the on-ball defensive pressure from Davion Mitchell and the rest of the Heat defenders, while providing value and effort on the defensive end.