​Even though his shot hasn’t fallen consistently yet, Darius Acuff Jr. is already delivering encouraging signs for the Sacramento Kings in the Summer League. With second-year center Maxime Raynaud rejoining the squad, Sacramento’s young core is beginning to take shape in earnest. Raynaud made his return after representing France in World Cup qualifying, where he led the French team with 16 points against Finland. The All-Rookie Second Team selection is expected to make his Summer League debut alongside Acuff as the Kings press on with an unbeaten run.
Despite the limited time they’ve spent together, Raynaud has come away impressed by the seventh overall pick’s approach and overall skill set. “He’s a great scorer, a great passer,” Raynaud said. “Really talented player. I love playing ball-screen offense. We’re just trying to build that chemistry. At the same time, we have a lot to learn in a very short amount of time, so we’re trying to get as much time on the court together as possible.” For Raynaud, forming on-court chemistry with Acuff is among the team’s top priorities, especially given how well their games could complement one another.
Although Acuff’s shooting has been inconsistent throughout Summer League, his playmaking has been evident. He logged 19 points and seven assists against the Los Angeles Clippers after averaging 23.5 points during the California Classic. While efficiency remains a work in progress, Sacramento has taken note of his shot creation for teammates and his assertive approach. Raynaud highlighted not only Acuff’s talent but also his mindset, saying, “He really wants to work, really cares about basketball and keeps the main thing the main thing.”
Yet Raynaud also acknowledged there is still much to learn about his new teammate, noting that the French center arrived back with the team less than two days earlier. Raynaud’s return gives Sacramento another offensive dimension after an impressive rookie campaign. The 7-foot-1 center averaged 12.5 points and 7.5 rebounds while shooting 57.1% from the field, earning All-Rookie honors after being selected with the No. 42 overall pick in 2025. His presence should help ease some of the offensive load on Acuff, who has shouldered a heavy workload through Sacramento’s first four Summer League games. The Kings have also benefited from the contributions of second-round guard Emanuel Sharp, whose scoring and perimeter defense have made him one of the early standouts in Las Vegas.
With Raynaud back in the fold, Sacramento will finally get a more extended look at one of the franchise’s most intriguing young duos. This pairing—Acuff’s dynamic guard play paired with Raynaud’s size and scoring versatility—could be pivotal for the Kings as they continue to shape a promising core for the near future. As the team seeks to capitalize on the momentum of their Summer League start, the emphasis remains on building chemistry, improving efficiency, and expanding the roles for their up-and-coming players. The coming days should reveal just how far Acuff and Raynaud can take this relationship, and how they can synergize to lift Sacramento’s prospects in the months ahead.