Sacramento bolsters its future with explosive scoring and defensive length as Kevin O’Connor’s latest projections pair a superstar point guard prospect with versatile, high-upside collegiate wings.
The NBA Draft season is in full force, with teams like the Sacramento Kings bringing in players for closer looks and beginning to hint towards some of their favorite prospects.
On Thursday, Yahoo Sports' Kevin O'Connor released his latest mock, with the Kings landing Arkansas point guard Darius Acuff Jr., Duke forward Isaiah Evans, and Cincinnati forward Baba Miller as their 2026 draft class.
Acuff, who we have extensively covered as a "coveted" option for Sacramento, would bring instant offense and energy to a rebuilding Kings team.
In late May, reports surfaced that the Kings front office was "enamored" with the reigning SEC Player of the Year, noting that Sacramento’s general manager, Scott Perry, coached Darius Acuff Sr. at Eastern Kentucky.
Acuff has been a popular choice at No. 7 for the majority of the pre-draft process.
Following a strong combine, Acuff illustrated what he wants to be at the next level.
"Definitely a superstar point guard," Acuff said. "I'll bring a lot of excitement to any city I go."
In the second round, the Kings addressed two big needs - 3-point shooting and length.
Evans, mocked to be the fourth pick off the board in the second, is a lanky, knockdown shooter who can get his shot off in a hurry.
O'Connor compared the 6-foot-6 marksman to Kings shooting guard Malik Monk, noting his perimeter-based style.
While Evans will need to develop more than just his 3-pointer to excel in the league, Roundtable's Lorenzo Reyna noted his all-around scoring improvement in Evans' draft profile.
"He started to grow more comfortable developing into a shot creator from mid-range, though his biggest strength is catching and shooting," Reyna wrote. "Still, he became a more diversified scorer under Duke head coach Jon Scheyer."
Rounding out the class is Miller, who Sacramento drafted with the No. 45 overall pick.
Miller served as the Bearcats' point forward last season, handling the ball in the open court and finding his teammates in transition,
After three seasons in the Sunshine State, Miller broke out with Cincinnati, averaging a 13-point, 10-rebound double-double.
Miller's 3.7 assists per game also led the team.
Like Acuff, Miller has been a popular named linked to the Kings, bringing versatility on both ends.
Roundtable's Demetrius Montero highlighted his defensive versatility in Miller's draft profile.
"The Mallorca, Spain native can switch out to the perimeter, showcasing his versatility in various defensive schemes. His length is troublesome for offensive players; he can easily alter shots in the paint," Montero wrote. "He grabbed 10.3 rebounds last season, 3.3 more than his junior campaign at Florida Atlantic. Miller is altering shots and preventing extra possessions."
With the Kings' recent success in the second round, expect the front office to keep both picks, and try and find another hidden gem, like second-team All-Rookie big man Maxime Raynaud.
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