When it comes to their starting point guard, the Sacramento Kings have no choice but to start rookie Darius Acuff Jr. Why? Because they literally don't have another one ready to go on the roster. That's something the Kings need to address, as Acuff will break down if he has to play a full 48 every game.
As it stands right now, the Kings have 17 rostered players. That includes three two-way contracts in Isaiah Stevens, Adam Flagler, and Jonathan Mogbo, which leaves one spot open on the roster. And Sacramento has to use that contract on a point guard because Acuff needs support.
Yes, the Kings still have Malik Monk on the roster. They are not actively trying to trade him at the moment, but if an opportunity comes along, the front office will look at it. The problem is that he's great as a shooter off the bench, but doesn't excel as a secondary playmaker on the court.
Rookie Emanuel Sharp can also play point guard, but he has the same learning curve as Acuff. Adding to these issues is the fact that the Kings have not re-signed legendary point guard Russell Westbrook. Their depth at the one feels really limited at the moment.
It's time for the Kings to go shopping
With the losses of Devin Carter and Killian Hayes, the Kings have taken a hit at the point guard position. No one is suggesting that they are great players, just that at least one of them would have been useful as an experienced secondary point guard behind Acuff while he and Sharp develop.
The easiest option to fix this is to re-sign either Westbrook. He can be Acuff's backup while mentoring the Kings' new star. It's a win-win for everyone involved. For some reason, the Kings seem to be shying away from that idea, which feels like a missed opportunity.
With so many free agent signings already happening, a lot of doors are already closed. But the Kings also have the option of hitting up undrafted players. Guys like Milos Uzan and Nick Boyd have huge potential, as does Isaiah Stevens, who is currently in the second year of a two-way Kings contract.
Depending on how the California Classic and NBA Summer League go, the Kings should seriously consider giving Stevens a standard NBA contract, then signing Urzan or Boyd to a two-way contract. That would shore up their point guard situation and give them another developmental option.
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