# Darius Acuff Jr. isn't a perfect rookie, but he may be just what the Kings need right now

> Kings rookie Darius Acuff Jr. leads NBA rookie usage with 31.6% in 8 games, sparking debate over his role.
- Title: Darius Acuff Jr. isn't a perfect rookie, but he may be just…
- Summary: Kings rookie Darius Acuff Jr. leads NBA rookie usage with 31.6% in 8 games, sparking debate over his role. Kings rookie Darius Acuff Jr.
- Keywords: darius acuff jr, kings, nba, rookie, usage rate, shooting percentage, assists, sacramento kings, nba rookie of the year, jalen brunson, CBS Sports
- Source: CBS Sports — https://cbssports.com/nba/news/darius-acuff-jr-kings-perfect-rookie-offense
- Published: 2026-11-05T16:44:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: darius acuff jr, kings, nba, rookie, usage rate, shooting percentage, assists, sacramento kings, nba rookie of the year, jalen brunson, sports
## Usage Rate Leader
Kings rookie Darius Acuff Jr. ranks eighth in NBA usage rate with 31.6% through eight games.
## Only Other Rookie in Top 40
The only other rookie in the top 40 usage rate list is Bulls forward Caleb Wilson at No. 38.
## Historical Context
Acuff is the fastest NBA player to reach 200 points and 50 assists in his first eight games.
## Arkansas Background
Acuff averaged 22 points and six assists per game at Arkansas, making him the second SEC player to do so.
## Coaching Connection
John Calipari coached Acuff at Arkansas and has trained elite guards including Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
## Kings Roster Context
Sacramento lacks a backup point guard, so Acuff handles primary ball-handling duties.
## Defensive Concerns
Acuff is not a strong defender and projects as a net-neutral defender over his career.
## Pre-Draft Connections
Kings GM Scott Perry coached Acuff Sr. at Eastern Kentucky in the 1990s, leading to Acuff's selection.
## Team Roster Impact
LaVine has the second-highest usage rate (25.6%) while Sabonis has a low usage rate (15.7%).
## Shot Creation
Acuff creates 23.6 shot attempts per game, ranking second in the NBA behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
## Offensive Efficiency
Acuff shoots 48.1% at the rim and 30.8% from three-point range in his first eight games.
## Passing Ability
Acuff averages seven assists per game and 12.4 potential assists per game, ranking 12th and 11th in the league.
## Team Strategy
Sacramento aims to build around Acuff after trading for high-priced veterans like LaVine and Sabonis.
## Future Outlook
The Kings plan to develop Acuff before trading veterans to rebuild around him.
## Key takeaway

Kings rookie Darius Acuff Jr. averages 23.6 shot attempts and 12 assists per game, showing elite offensive potential despite defensive concerns.