Acuff Joins Robertson and Thomas in Rare Rookie Club Despite Kings' Winless Start

Darius Acuff Jr. poured in 34 points and 14 assists against New Orleans, becoming only the fourth rookie ever to post 30 points and 10 assists within his first five career games — even as Sacramento slipped to 0-5.

Acuff Joins Robertson and Thomas in Rare Rookie Club Despite Kings' Winless Start

The Sacramento Kings are still waiting for their first win of the season, but their rookie point guard is already giving them something to believe in. Darius Acuff Jr., the seventh overall pick of the 2026 draft, stuffed the stat sheet on Thursday night in New Orleans, finishing with 34 points, six rebounds, 14 assists and a steal in 34 minutes. It was not enough to stop a 132-120 defeat that left Sacramento winless through five games, yet the performance itself put Acuff alongside royalty. He became just the fourth rookie in NBA history to record at least 30 points and 10 assists in a single game within the first five games of his career, joining Hall of Famers Oscar Robertson and Isiah Thomas and current Washington guard Trae Young. It was also his second 30-point night already, making him only the ninth player ever to record multiple 30-point games through his first five career outings — a list that includes Shaquille O'Neal, Wilt Chamberlain and Allen Iverson. Acuff shot 13 of 26 from the field and kept Sacramento competitive in a game the Pelicans eventually pulled away from. For a franchise widely tipped to struggle this season, the rookie's early poise is a rare bright spot. The Kings will hope the wins eventually catch up with the promise.