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The Sacramento Kings have stumbled out of the gate in the 2026-27 NBA season, but rookie Darius Acuff Jr. is providing a reason for optimism. Selected seventh overall in the 2026 NBA Draft, Acuff has shown no hesitation in letting shots fly, and the statistics reveal a historic parallel.
According to ESPN's Anthony Slater, Acuff's 20-plus shot attempts in each of his first seven games mark the longest such streak to begin a career since Wilt Chamberlain. Additionally, his 183 points over that span are the most by a rookie since Shaquille O'Neal in 1992.
While Chamberlain and O'Neal dominated as centers, Acuff is a guard, making his volume-shooting start all the more distinctive. However, efficiency remains a work in progress: he is converting just 40.6% from the field and 31.3% from beyond the arc. Nevertheless, Sacramento appears to have given him the green light, as he is hoisting 23.6 attempts per game—nearly 10 more than any teammate. Zach LaVine ranks second on the team with 15.6 shots per contest.
The Kings, who secured a 115-101 road win over the Dallas Mavericks on Monday, hold a 1-6 record as they prepare to face the Los Angeles Lakers—the former team of both Chamberlain and O'Neal—on Wednesday night at Golden 1 Center.
Key Analysis
Acuff's early shot volume places him in rare air alongside two of the most dominant big men in NBA history, but his path differs significantly. As a guard, his aggressive approach reflects both the Kings' rebuilding strategy and their need for a spark. While the shooting percentages leave room for improvement, the franchise's willingness to let him learn through mistakes suggests a long-term investment in his development. Wednesday's matchup against the Lakers will be another test of whether Acuff can turn volume into efficiency.
Originally reported by yahoo.