Darius Acuff Jr. got an early lesson from one of the NBA's most experienced voices when Sacramento faced Golden State in a preseason matchup.
Warriors veteran Draymond Green took the opportunity to share advice with the Kings rookie, who appeared focused on what the four-time NBA champion had to say. Green seemed to be giving advice on how the rookie could orchestrate a layup or avoid defenders.
Draymond Green gives some advice to Darius Acuff Jr. on the sideline pic.twitter.com/ASuNnh3qPK
— MrBuckBuck (@MrBuckBuckNBA) October 11, 2026
Sacramento selected the Arkansas guard with the seventh overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft after an impressive freshman season, and expectations are already high for the young point guard.
Green has previously spoken highly of Acuff, even calling him the best point guard in the 2026 draft class. He also discussed how Sacramento's decision to sign Ben Simmons could help the rookie adjust to the demands of the NBA.
“When I look at this signing, I think this is great for Darius Acuff,” Green said on The Draymond Green Show. He explained that Simmons' presence could ease some of the pressure on Acuff while giving him an experienced teammate to learn from.
Article Continues BelowGreen also acknowledged that Sacramento could be a challenging situation for a rookie. The Kings finished the 2025-26 season with a 22-60 record, and Acuff could take on significant responsibility if he becomes the team's starting point guard.
The veteran believes Simmons can help Acuff develop without carrying the full burden of the team's struggles. Simmons, the 2018 NBA Rookie of the Year, brings experience from his time as an All-Star and All-Defensive selection.
Acuff showed promise in his preseason outing against the Warriors, scoring 25 points and dishing out eight assists. However, Sacramento lost 111-106 at Chase Center despite forcing 21 turnovers and recording 15 steals.