“I have him winning Rookie of the Year” – Paul Pierce is high on Darius Acuff Jr. in the 2026 NBA Draft
As we rely down the last hours till the 2026 NBA Draft kicks off, quite a few draft mocks are naming their predictions on which groups this 12 months’s generational class of rookies will find yourself on.
However, the prime-4 picks are nearly unanimous, and can battle out for the Rookie of the Year, as AJ Dybansta is anticipated to have his identify referred to as as the Washington Wizards‘primary decide. Despite his “Ben Simmons-like” conduct, Darryn Peterson is trying to go second to the Utah Jazz. Cameron Boozer will probably be chosen at third by the Memphis Grizzliesand Caleb Wilson is predicted to go well with up for the Chicago Bulls at quantity 4.
commercial
However, after the “Big Four”, something can occur with the relaxation of the pack. Depending on the match and what every group wants, it is protected to say that the relaxation of the lottery has lots to select from.
Kingston Flemings Darius Acuff Jr.Brayden Burries, Mikel Brown Jr., Keaton Waglerand Nate Ament are just a few of the names, amongst others, anticipated to have immense potential and upside regardless of the heavy-named first 4 general picks.
However, amongst these gamers, one identify stands out as the probably darkish horse.
commercial
Pierce has Acuff as his Rookie of the Year
Former NBA nice, Paul Piercewho is amazed by this 12 months’s draft class, has Acuff as his outlier amongst the entire draft. Not simply because of his expertise and upside, however as a result of of the groups that may be capable of choose Darius.
“I have him winning Rookie of the Year, truthfully,” said Pierce. “He’ll have more opportunity to shine if he’s picked up by the Clippers. Say the Clippers trade Kawhi, or some things happen with their veterans. I can see them kinda going into rebuild mode.”
commercial
“Even the Brooklyn Nets at number six. You have a tremendous opportunity to play through his mistakes, there’s no expectations to make the playoffs, things of that nature. Also Sacramento, who’s seventh. If he can go there, same situation. You know, Acuff is my personal favorite.”
While some might query Pierce’s assertion, it definitely holds essence, as Acuff has quietly delivered one of the most dominant freshman campaigns in collegiate historical past.
During his one-and-accomplished season at Arkansas, underneath John Calipari, Darius averaged 23.5 factors and 6.4 assists, main the SEC in each classes. Shooting splits inform their very own story as nicely, as he shot 48.4 % from the discipline, 44 % from the three, and 80.9 % from the free-throw line.
commercial
With his immaculate stats, Acuff was named as a Consensus First-Team-All American, SEC Player and Freshman of the Year, and gained the Bob Cousy Award as the nation’s prime guard alongside the manner. He additionally secured the SEC MVP title, the place he displayed a dominant efficiency towards Vanderbilt, scoring 30 factors and dispensing 11 assists.
Acuff’s March Madness run was much more spectacular, as he led his Razorbacks to the Sweet 16 with explosive 29.8 factors.
Which groups might use Acuff?
Among the groups Pierce already talked about, each different franchise in the prime ten, that are the Atlanta Hawksthe Dallas Mavericksand the Milwaukee Bucksmight use Acuff as their franchise participant for the subsequent decade.
commercial
Depending on the group, nonetheless, some want some extent guard greater than others, like the Brooklyn Nets and the Sacramento Kingsthe place Darius will surely have the inexperienced mild to do no matter he desires and show what he is made of.
If he had been to win the Rookie of the Year award, it would not be so shocking, as Acuff is succesful of averaging 20 or extra factors with environment friendly playmaking.
This story was initially printed by Basketball Network on Jun 23, 2026, the place it first appeared in the Latest News part. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
