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The internet needs to calm down about Darius Acuff Jr.’s defense on the Kings

Darius Acuff Jr. has been receiving a lot of criticism for his defense, which is a much bigger problem for the Sacramento Kings than one rookie.

By Ian Goodwillie · A Royal Pain

Published: Sunday, 1 November 2026 at 12:00 AM

Key Things to Know

Ian Goodwillie argues that fans and online critics need to stop overly blaming Darius Acuff Jr. for defensive issues.
The Sacramento Kings selected the 19-year-old point guard with the seventh overall pick in the 2026 NBA draft.
Goodwillie contends Acuff is not the Kings' worst defender, arguing Domantas Sabonis and Zach LaVine struggle just as much.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Writer Ian Goodwillie argues that online criticism surrounding Sacramento Kings rookie Darius Acuff Jr.'s defense is overblown. Selected seventh overall in the 2026 draft by general manager Scott Perry, the 19-year-old point guard is experiencing expected early-career growing pains while adapting to the NBA level.

Goodwillie contends that Acuff is not the worst defender on the roster, pointing to fellow starters Domantas Sabonis and Zach LaVine as having similar or worse defensive struggles. The writer concludes that the Kings must improve their collective team defense rather than placing all defensive blame on their rookie guard.

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The internet needs to calm down about Darius Acuff Jr.’s defense on the Kings

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