Darius Acuff Jr. praises Damian Lillard before first matchup

Rookie Sacramento Kings guard Darius Acuff Jr. is stepping onto the NBA hardwood for his first career matchup against Portland Trail Blazers Damian Lillard carrying high praise for the seasoned star. Acuff pointed to a shared offensive mindset and years of studying Lillard’s approach as he prepares to face him on the court.

Scoring Pedigrees at College and the Draft

The paths that brought both guards to this upcoming matchup share a common foundation of high-volume collegiate scoring. At the University of Arkansas, Acuff turned a single explosive season into a seventh-overall selection in the 2026 NBA Draft. He averaged 23.5 points and 6.4 assists per game while posting a 60.4 percent true shooting mark, overwhelming defenses with his ability to bend schemes to his liking.

Lillard arrived at Weber State in 2008 as an unheralded recruit before developing into a dominant college scorer through a combination of a quick first step and deep three-point range. Four years later, the Portland Trail Blazers drafted him sixth overall in 2012. He evolved into an All-NBA performer and one of the league’s premier volume scorers before a 2023 trade sent him to the Milwaukee Bucks.

Injuries and Roster Shifts Leading to Portland

Injuries derailed expectations in Milwaukee. Health setbacks for both Lillard and Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo short-circuited their playoff ambitions. A torn Achilles during the 2025 NBA playoffs led the Bucks to waive Lillard, prompting his return to the Trail Blazers.

Lillard spent roughly 18 months recovering from the injury before taking the floor for his return. That recovery ended with a stellar performance in his season debut, where he scored 25 points on an 88 percent true shooting clip while adding six assists and just one turnover.

I’ve felt good for months now. There might have [been] people who were skeptical because they haven’t seen me.

Acuff experienced a much tougher shooting night in his own debut, managing 12 points on 24 shots while converting just under 21 percent from the field. Despite the statistical gap in their opening outings, Acuff maintains deep admiration for the guard’s career trajectory and work ethic.

Mutual Respect Ahead of the Opening Tip

Acuff detailed his affinity for Lillard’s style when speaking to Kings insider James Ham on Oct. 22. The rookie noted the direct parallels he sees in their respective playing styles.

I see a lot of similarities in my game to him, Acuff explained to James Ham. Always watched him growing up. You admire his hard work. You gotta respect guys like that. Especially when you do what they do and they show it on the court. I always have the utmost respect for guys like that, and he’s definitely one of my favorites, for sure.

Lillard struck a similarly team-first tone following his return to the Portland lineup, emphasizing the collective effort that secured a strong start for the restructured roster.

It was a great way to start this chapter for our team, Lillard told reporters after the game. We shared the ball, we played together.

The upcoming contest marks the first time the two guards will share an NBA court as opponents, setting up a direct test between Portland’ revitalized veteran and Sacramento’s high-scoring rookie addition.