Best of the City 2026: Best Rookie Move

Courtesy of the Sacramento Kings

“Darius Acuff Jr. is the closest thing to Jalen Brunson,” declared ESPN analyst Seth Greenberg after the 2026 NBA Draft in June, comparing the Sacramento Kings’ first-round pick to the Knicks superstar point guard and reigning NBA Finals MVP. Fellow ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith had a slightly different first take, tweeting back in March that the incoming rookie “reminds me of [former NBA MVP Allen] Iverson.” And speaking of spotting MVP-level talent, Kings general manager Scott Perry, who drafted Acuff at No. 7, just happens to have helped bring Brunson to New York in 2022 during his previous tenure as the Knicks GM. So whether Acuff turns out to be the next Brunson-Iverson or not, with the new NBA season starting in late October, hope springs at least ephemeral for Kings fans right now. Knock on hardwood that by the time All-Star break rolls around, our future playoff prospects remain as bright as our lighted beam. 

READ MORE: Pick up our Fall Issue for the full Best of the City 2026 list