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CHICAGO — The Nets, more than any team in the NBA, desperately need a star.
And that’s exactly what Brooklyn target Darius Acuff Jr. vows he’ll be.
The talent-starved Nets have lacked a face of the franchise since the Big 3 broke up, and falling out of the top three in the lottery hurt their chances of finding one.
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But Acuff — who has already met with the Nets — is confident he can be that one.
Darius Acuff Jr. looks on during the 2026 NBA Draft Combine on May 12, 2026 at Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Illinois. NBAE via Getty Images
After putting in one of the best freshman guard campaigns in college basketball history, Acuff has excelled at this week’s draft combine. Asked what role he envisions for himself at the next level, the self-assured 19-year-old wasn’t shy.
“Definitely a superstar point guard for sure,” Acuff said. “Bring a lot of excitement to any city I go to, and just bring a lot of excitement straight from Day 1.”
And just how does the Arkansas freshman define a superstar point guard?
“A lot of accolades, just being on a winning team, it starts with the point guard,” said Acuff. “So any city I go to, I just want to win.”
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The Nets could use any wins — and swagger — Acuff could bring. And there’s a very real chance he’s on the board for them at No. 6.
In 11 mock drafts surveyed, Acuff was the most linked to Brooklyn in six of them, including ESPN, Bleacher Report, The Ringer and The Athletic.
“Whatever team takes me, I’m good,” said Acuff. “Getting to know [Brooklyn], it was a good experience for sure, just talking to them.”
Acuff joins a group projected to go between fifth and tenth that includes Keaton Wagler, Mikel Brown Jr., Kingston Flemings, Brayden Burries and Nate Ament.
Darius Acuff Jr. participates during the 2026 NBA Draft Combine
on May 12, 2026 at Wintrust Arena in Chicago. NBAE via Getty Images
Sacramento picks seventh and likes Acuff, with GM Scott Perry having coached Acuff’s father, Darius Sr., at Eastern Kentucky.
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Acuff averaged 23.5 points and 6.4 assists, the first man to lead the SEC in both since Pete…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/darius-acuff-jr-bullish-superstar-025248594.html
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Publish date : 2026-05-14 02:52:00
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