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Calipari criticizes NBA teams for passing on Acuff and Thomas

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 13, 2026, 2:17 PM

Last updated Jul 13, 2026

Calipari criticizes NBA teams for passing on Acuff and Thomas

Summary

John Calipari voiced his disappointment with NBA teams that overlooked Darius Acuff and Meleek Thomas during the recent draft. Acuff was selected No. 7 overall by the Sacramento Kings, while Thomas was picked at No. 34 by the Cleveland Cavaliers. Calipari compared both players to former Kentucky stars Tyrese Maxey and Immanuel Quickley, expressing confidence in their potential. He noted that some teams did not fully recognize Acuff's skill during the NCAA tournament. Despite his critique, Calipari expressed happiness for the players landing with teams that wanted them.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Darius Acuff selected No. 7 by Sacramento Kings.
•Meleek Thomas picked No. 34 by Cleveland Cavaliers.
•Calipari criticized teams for overlooking Acuff and Thomas.
•Acuff averaged 23.5 points in his collegiate season.
•Thomas averaged 15.6 points and shot 41.6% from three-point range.

Latest Updates

2:17 PMYahoo Sports — John Calipari calls out NBA teams for passing on Acuff, Thomas: 'What are you looking at?'

What they're saying

"
John Calipari is always one to throw support behind his former players, and he made his feelings on Darius Acuff and Meleek Thomas very clear.
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

Sacramento Kings NBA Basketball