Despite a perfect preseason record and high-scoring performances, Darius Acuff Jr. demands more efficiency and defensive intensity as he strives to elevate Sacramento’s dominant summer roster.
With the Sacramento Kings looking like one of the top roster in the NBA Summer League, rookie point guard Darius Acuff Jr. remains dissatisfied.
Acuff has scored 15 or more points in all four of the Kings' victories, but still feels as if he isn't playing his best.
"Gotta be better...I'm playing terrible," Acuff said following the Kings' 91-85 victory. "Too inefficient. Make more shots in a row and get my teammates involved."
This postgame press conference speaks volumes about Acuff as a competitor, as he still scored 19 points and dropped seven dimes, but was unhappy about his efficiency.
While Acuff's shooting percentages have not been great, he has frequently hit big shots throughout the preseason, while finding his teammates for open looks.
Acuff looks the part as far as dynamic scoring goes, as the reigning SEC Player of the Year has shown the ability to fill it up from all three levels.
Following the first Sacramento win in Las Vegas, Acuff praised his fellow rookies for their play, while once again saying he needs to step it up.
"I think it's me. If I play better I think we'd be winning by a lot more points," Acuff said. "I gotta be better on both ends of the floor."
Defense was a big question mark for the Kings' top pick entering the draft, as Acuff has shown tendencies to lack on that end of the floor.
While he still needs to improve as an off-ball defender, Acuff's on-ball defense and effort has been noticeable.
Acuff has recorded multiple blocks and steals throughout Sacramento's first four contests, while holding No. 5 overall pick Keaton Wagler to just one made field goal.
While Acuff was not Wagler's primary defender for the whole game, he did a great job of pressuring his lottery-counterpart, and making life difficult for the Los Angeles Clippers' guards.
Acuff had two of the team's 10 steals, helping hold the Clippers to 13 assists and 17 turnovers.
Fellow rookie Emanuel Sharp was a menace on the defensive end, recording four takeaways and picking up opposing players full court.
Acuff had high praise for Sharp after the win.
"Emanuel played great again tonight. I think that's his third game in a row, he's been, in my opinion, our best player," Acuff said.
Sharp and Acuff, as two different players stylistically, compliment each other well, as Sharp's floor spacing will allow Acuff to get downhill.
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