Former Miami Heat superstar Dwyane Wade defended Sacramento Kings guard Darius Acuff Jr. against criticism of his shot selection and shooting percentages, arguing that the young player should continue playing aggressively.

Wade believes Acuff’s willingness to take shots and accept offensive responsibility is an important quality for a player expected to become a franchise cornerstone.

He also suggested that Sacramento’s coaching staff has given Acuff considerable freedom to operate offensively.

“When you have an organization, and when you get a high pick, you’re trying to get a guy that you can build around, that can change your organization. So they found a guy who they feel that they want to build around. Obviously, he’s having conversations with someone to tell him he got the ultra green light.”

Rather than criticizing Acuff for taking a high number of shots, Wade believes his confidence should be viewed as a positive development.

The Hall of Fame guard explained that not every player is comfortable carrying a significant offensive workload, especially early in an NBA career.

“Everybody don’t want the ball. Everybody don’t want to shoot. Everybody don’t want the responsibility. This kid is showing you that he wants the responsibility. The shots that he’s missed early in the season when y’all talk about his field goal percentage, he will not miss later because he knows where his shots is coming from, what he’s going to shoot is going to get even more comfortable and confident in that. His percentages are only going to go up.”