The Sacramento Kings concluded their 2026 preseason with a winless 0-5 record, highlighted by a 126-97 defeat to the San Antonio Spurs on October 16. Despite the lopsided scores,individual performances from new and returning players provided a roadmap for the upcoming regular season .
Darius Acuff Jr. provides a scoring cushion amidst the 0-5 slump
Darius Acuff Jr. emerged as a primary offensive engine during the exhibition period. the 19-year-old, selected seventh overall, provided several statistical highlights during his four appearances:
- 17.3 points per game averaged throughout the preseason.
- 42.4% shooting from the field.
- 42.1% accuracy from three-point range.
As the report notes, Acuff Jr. demonstrated impressive efficiency from distance despite the team's overall struggles. While his 3.5 turnovers per game present a developmental hurdle he will need to address, his ability to lead the offense suggests he could be a legitimate factor in the Rookie of the Year conversation.
Ben Simmons and Jonathan Mogbo challenge the existing depth chart
Ben Simmons and Jonathan Mogbo have significantly altered the Kings' rotation dynamics. after mising the entire 2025-26 season, Simmons showed immediate utility, recording 14 points, eight rebounds , and seven assists in the final preseason game against the Spurs. His presence has effectively displaced De'Andre Hunter from the starting lineup. Additionally, 24-year-old Jonathan Mogbo utilized his two-way contract to showcase defensive versatility, averaging 2.3 stels and shooting 53.3% from the field.
De'Andre Hunter’s shooting struggles cast doubt on the offseason trade
De'Andre Hunter's preseason struggles have raised concerns regarding the value of the trade that brought him to Sacramento.. The Kings previously surrendered Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis to acquire Hunter, but the forward has struggled to find his rhythm. According to the source, Hunter averaged just 3.0 points and shot a dismal 21.1% from the field during the preseason. This slump follows a season-ending eye injury that interrupted his previous campaign with the team, leaving his role in the second unit uncertain.
Can Sacramento overcome a 14.8-point average preseason deficit?
The Kings face significant questions regarding their ability to close defensive gaps. As reported by the source, Sacramento lost its five exhibition games by an average margin of 14.8 pionts. A particularly concerning moment occurred at the Frost Bank Center, where the Kings fell behind the Spurs by 24 points before the end of the first quarter. It remains to be seen if coach Doug Christie can stabilize a defense that struggled to contain San Antonio's starters, or if the team's overall depth will prove insufficient once the regular season begins.
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