O'Connor: Darius Acuff Jr. Wants to Be in Sacramento

Arkansas point guard Darius Acuff Jr. has been one of the Sacramento Kings' favorite prospects since the beginning of the offseason, as the reigning SEC Player of the Year has a relationship with members of the franchise and fits the mold as a potential team-altering talent.

On Thursday, Yahoo Sports podcaster and writer Kevin O'Connor reported that Acuff feels the same way about the Kings, noting that his camp wants him to land in Sacramento.

Acuff would bring a level of stardom and offensive flare to a Kings team desperately seeking their next franchise cornerstone.

"Acuff might be the most polished freshman guard prospect I’ve ever evaluated. His footwork and balance are pristine, and he tends to make efficient decisions," The Athletic's Sam Vecenie wrote."He plays off two feet and moves well without the ball to set up his on-ball moves. His passes are always crisp and on-target, even if his vision isn’t always elite."

After frequent reports about Sacramento's front office being "enamored" with Acuff, NBA Insider Michael Scotto noted the relationship between Kings General Manager Scott Perry and Acuff's father.

"It’s worth noting Sacramento’s general manager, Scott Perry, coached Darius Acuff Sr. at Eastern Kentucky, as Sacramento is in search of a long-term floor general for the future. Should Acuff Jr. be off the board, other guards such as Keaton Wagler, Mikel Brown Jr., and Kingston Flemings could be available," Scotto wrote on HoopsHype.

Acuff being taken before pick No. 7 is certainly a possibility, as the Brooklyn Nets (No. 6 overall pick) have emerged as another team circling Acuff on their big board.

In ESPN's latest mock, Acuff landed with Brooklyn, but the Nets have been all over the place with their selections throughout the pre-draft process.

Its also worth note that Sacramento was recently listed as a potential threat to move back into the bottom half of the draft lottery, which shows that Perry and the rest of the front office may be ready to shed additional compensation to catalyze this rebuild.

If the Kings are dead set on Acuff, they may move up to do so.

With the presumed top-4 picks likely set, the Los Angeles Clippers seem to be leaning towards one of the bigger back court prospects like Illinois' Keaton Wagler or Louisville's Mikel Brown Jr.

It may come down to the Nets and Kings, and how much Sacramento is willing to give to land Acuff. 

If he is there at pick No. 7, there is little doubt in my mind he will be the Kings' selection.

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