After more than two quarters of summer league jitters and errant shooting, the Sacramento Kings’ top draft pick, Darius Acuff, began to relax in his new home and assert himself, rousing eager fans who filled most of the lower bowl at Golden 1 Center. Now they were witnessing why Acuff is a celebrated prospect but his woeful Kings still trailed the Brooklyn Nets by five with 7:35 to play despite the rookie’s nineteen points.

As the fourth quarter wound down I noted that Acuff on the afternoon, and especially in the clutch, demonstrated he can drive all the way for acrobatic layups. He can also drive, stop suddenly, and rise high for soft jumpers. And he can hit three-pointers and throw soft lobs that teammates dunk. He also spots open teammates for shots, including the three pointer Nique Clifford hit in the final seconds to win the game 79-76. Acuff had twenty-five of those points and four assists.

Darius Acuff is a confident and ambitious player who wants the ball when it counts. His teammates feel that energy and look for him. The Kings have a new leader and a star who won’t turn twenty until mid-November.