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There has to be a better plan for Darius Acuff Jr. than the Kings wearing him out

Darius Acuff Jr. was putting in ridiculous minutes for the Sacramento Kings before, but that number is just getting bigger in November.

By Ian Goodwillie · A Royal Pain

Published: Thursday, 5 November 2026 at 9:00 PM

Key Things to Know

Ian Goodwillie argues the Sacramento Kings risk injuring rookie Darius Acuff Jr. by overusing him.
Acuff played a season-high 42 minutes during the Kings' recent loss against the Los Angeles Lakers.
The rookie point guard's playing time increased from 36.5 minutes in October to 39.5 minutes in November.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Writer Ian Goodwillie argues that the Sacramento Kings are playing a risky game by overburdening rookie point guard Darius Acuff Jr. with excessive playing time. Acuff recently logged a season-high 42 minutes during a loss against the Los Angeles Lakers, contributing to an average of 39.5 minutes per game through early November.

Goodwillie warns that Sacramento lacks reliable point guard depth, heightening the risk of injury if Acuff's minutes are not reduced. Through the 2026-27 season, Acuff leads all NBA rookies with averages of 25.6 points and 7.0 assists per game, despite shooting inefficiencies.

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There has to be a better plan for Darius Acuff Jr. than the Kings wearing him out

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