Kenneth “KJ” Simpson Jr. is an American professional basketball player currently making his mark in the NBA. Born on August 8, 2002, Simpson has quickly garnered attention for his explosive athleticism, crafty playmaking, and sharpshooting abilities. After a stellar collegiate career with the Colorado Buffaloes, he was drafted by the Charlotte Hornets, where he is now developing into a promising talent. This article delves into the life and career of KJ Simpson, exploring his journey from a high school standout to a burgeoning NBA player, and addressing the questions people are asking about him.
Early Life and Family Background
KJ Simpson was born in California and grew up in Panorama City, Los Angeles. From a young age, basketball was a significant part of his life, deeply rooted in his family. His father, Kenneth Simpson Sr., was also a basketball player and holds hall of fame honors at both his high school and college, providing a strong athletic lineage and early inspiration for KJ. This family background undoubtedly instilled in him a passion for the game and a drive for excellence.
High School Stardom: Chaminade College Preparatory
Simpson’s basketball journey began to take shape at Chaminade College Preparatory in West Hills, California. As a highly-touted recruit, he quickly established himself as a dynamic guard with a versatile offensive skill set. His performances attracted national attention, making him a top prospect in the 2021 recruiting class. He was ranked among the top 100 players in his class, a testament to his talent and potential even at a young age. His high school career laid the foundation for his future success, showcasing his ability to score, create for others, and impact the game on both ends of the floor.
Collegiate Excellence: The Colorado Buffaloes
KJ Simpson chose to play college basketball for the Colorado Buffaloes, where he quickly became a pivotal player. His three seasons at Colorado were marked by consistent improvement and impressive statistical output, solidifying his status as a legitimate NBA prospect.
Freshman Year (2021-22)
As a freshman, Simpson immediately made an impact, appearing in 32 games with one start. He averaged 7.4 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 2.7 assists in 21.3 minutes per game. While still adjusting to the collegiate level, his potential was evident, particularly his quickness and ability to penetrate defenses. He earned Pac-12 All-Freshman honors, signaling his bright future.
Sophomore Year (2022-23)
Simpson’s sophomore season saw a significant jump in his production and role. He started 28 of 29 games, averaging 15.9 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.8 assists in 31.8 minutes. His efficiency improved, and he became a more reliable scoring option for the Buffaloes. He was recognized with All-Pac-12 honors, highlighting his growing influence on the team.
Junior Year (2023-24)
His junior year was his most impressive, where he truly blossomed into a star for Colorado. Starting all 37 games, Simpson averaged a career-high 19.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 4.9 assists in 35.1 minutes per contest. His shooting percentages also saw a remarkable improvement, with his field goal percentage rising to 47.5% and his three-point percentage jumping to 43.4%. He showcased his ability to take over games, hitting clutch shots and leading his team to important victories, including a memorable game-winning jumper against Florida in the March Madness tournament. His exceptional performance earned him his second All-Pac-12 selection and All-Pac-12 Tournament honors. He was often seen as deserving of Pac-12 Player of the Year.
Throughout his college career, Simpson demonstrated a well-rounded game. He excelled in pick-and-roll situations, making good reads to either score or find open teammates. His ability to apply rim pressure and his assortment of dribble moves allowed him to navigate defenses effectively. Furthermore, his defensive instincts and quickness made him a disruptive force on that end of the court, particularly as a point-of-attack defender. While his size was sometimes noted as a potential weakness, his long wingspan and mental toughness helped him compensate.
Entering the NBA: The 2024 NBA Draft
Following his standout junior season, KJ Simpson declared for the 2024 NBA Draft, forgoing his remaining college eligibility. Despite some projections placing him as a late second-round or undrafted player, his strong college performance and undeniable talent ultimately led to him being selected by the Charlotte Hornets.
On July 7, 2024, the Charlotte Hornets drafted KJ Simpson 42nd overall in the second round of the NBA Draft. He signed a two-way contract with the Hornets, which allows him to play for both the NBA team and their G-League affiliate, the Greensboro Swarm. This type of contract is common for developing players, providing them with opportunities for significant playing time and continued growth.
Professional Career: Charlotte Hornets and Greensboro Swarm
Simpson’s rookie season with the Charlotte Hornets has been a journey of adjustment and promising flashes. While primarily on a two-way contract, injuries to key Hornets guards like LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller opened up significant minutes for Simpson, allowing him to showcase his abilities on the NBA stage.
He has been pressed into the starting lineup at times, demonstrating his poise and potential. While his shooting efficiency in the NBA has been a work in progress (34.6% from the field and 25.4% from three in his initial NBA games), he has shown the ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game, including scoring, rebounding, and assisting. He has tallied multiple double-digit scoring performances with the Hornets, and received praise from head coach Charles Lee for his effort and impact.
Simultaneously, Simpson has excelled in the NBA G League with the Greensboro Swarm. He has posted impressive scoring numbers in the G League, including a career-high 34 points in one outing, showcasing his offensive firepower when given extended opportunities. His G League performances indicate his readiness to be a significant contributor at the professional level.
Key Highlights and Notable Performances:
Game-Winning Shot vs. Florida (NCAA Tournament): A defining moment in his college career, demonstrating his clutch gene.
G League Scoring Outbursts: Multiple 30+ point games with the Greensboro Swarm, showcasing his offensive versatility.
NBA Starts and Contributions: Despite playing for a rebuilding Hornets team, Simpson has shown flashes of his potential in his NBA starts, handling increased responsibility in the backcourt. His ability to distribute and impact the game beyond just scoring has been noted.
Playing Style and Strengths
KJ Simpson is a point guard with a dynamic offensive game and developing defensive prowess.
Offensive Game:
Explosive Scorer: He possesses a quick first step and the ability to get to the rim. While converting at the rim was a development area in college, his craftiness and diverse finishing moves suggest improvement.
Excellent Shooter: His improved three-point shooting in his junior year at Colorado (43.4%) was a significant development, making him a legitimate threat from beyond the arc. He has a quick release and can shoot off the dribble, off movement, and stationary. His free-throw shooting is also elite (87.6% in his final college season).
Playmaking: Simpson is a capable playmaker, especially in pick-and-roll situations. He has good court vision and can find open teammates. His assist-to-turnover ratio has been a positive indicator of his decision-making.
Versatility: He can operate as both a scoring guard and a lead facilitator, adapting his game to the team’s needs.
Defensive Game:
Point-of-Attack Defender: Simpson is quick and agile, allowing him to stay in front of opposing ball-handlers and apply pressure.
Passing Lane Disruptor: His quick reflexes and long wingspan help him read passing lanes and generate steals, leading to transition opportunities.
Mentally Tough: Despite his size, he’s a determined competitor who doesn’t shy away from challenges.
Areas for Development
While Simpson has many strengths, like many young players, he has areas to refine as he progresses in his NBA career:
Size and Strength: At 6’1.5″ and 187 lbs, his size can sometimes be a disadvantage against larger, more physical NBA guards. Adding strength will help him absorb contact and finish more consistently at the rim, as well as hold his own defensively against bigger matchups.
Efficiency: While he can score in bunches, maintaining consistent efficiency, particularly from the field, will be crucial as he adjusts to the higher level of competition in the NBA.
Decision-Making Consistency: While generally good, like many young guards, there can be moments of over-aggressiveness or turnovers that he will need to minimize.
FAQs
Who is KJ Simpson?
KJ Simpson, full name Kenneth Simpson Jr., is a professional basketball player born on August 8, 2002, in West Hills, California. He currently plays as a guard for the Charlotte Hornets in the NBA and is also affiliated with their G League team, the Greensboro Swarm, under a two-way contract .
What is KJ Simpson’s background?
Simpson attended Chaminade College Preparatory School in Los Angeles, California, where he was recognized as a four-star recruit. Initially committing to the University of Arizona, he later changed his decision and joined the University of Colorado Boulder. At Colorado, he played three seasons (2021–2024), earning accolades such as First-team All-Pac-12 in 2024 and Second-team All-Pac-12 in 2023 .
What are KJ Simpson’s physical attributes?
Height: 6 feet 0 inches (183 cm)
Weight: 189 pounds (86 kg)
Position: Guard
Jersey Number: 25
Nationality: American
How did KJ Simpson perform in college?
During his tenure with the Colorado Buffaloes, Simpson showed significant development. In his junior year (2023–24), he averaged 19.7 points, 4.9 assists, and 5.8 rebounds per game, leading the team in scoring and assists . His performance earned him a spot on the First-team All-Pac-12.
When was KJ Simpson drafted into the NBA?
KJ Simpson was selected in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft with the 42nd overall pick by the Charlotte Hornets .
What are KJ Simpson’s NBA statistics?
In the 2024–25 NBA season, Simpson has appeared in 36 games, averaging:
Points per game: 7.8
Rebounds per game: 3.0
Assists per game: 3.1
Field Goal Percentage: 34.6%
Three-Point Percentage: 25.4%
Free Throw Percentage: 82.0%
Has KJ Simpson played in the G League?
Yes, Simpson has played for the Greensboro Swarm, the G League affiliate of the Charlotte Hornets. His time in the G League has been instrumental in gaining professional experience and honing his skills.
What is known about KJ Simpson’s personal life?
KJ Simpson is the son of Patricia Cornejo and Kenneth Simpson Sr. His father played basketball and is inducted into both his high school and college halls of fame. Simpson is fluent in Spanish, a skill attributed to his mother’s Mexican heritage . He is also known for his interests in drawing and video editing.
What are KJ Simpson’s strengths and areas for improvement?
Strengths:
Athleticism: Simpson possesses notable lateral and vertical quickness, making him a dynamic presence on the court.
Competitive Nature: He is known for his hard-working attitude and determination.
Versatility: As a combo guard, he can adapt to various roles in the backcourt.
Areas for Improvement:
Shooting Consistency: Improving his field goal and three-point shooting percentages will enhance his offensive threat.
Decision Making: As he gains more experience, refining his in-game decisions will be beneficial.
What is KJ Simpson’s potential in the NBA?
Given his trajectory and work ethic, KJ Simpson has the potential to become a reliable contributor in the NBA. With continued development, especially in shooting and decision-making, he could evolve into a valuable asset for the Charlotte Hornets or any team he plays for in the future.
To conclude
KJ Simpson’s journey from a high school standout in California to a professional player in the NBA exemplifies dedication and growth. His collegiate achievements at the University of Colorado laid a strong foundation, showcasing his ability to lead and perform under pressure. Transitioning into the NBA, Simpson has faced the challenges typical of a rookie but has shown promise through his performances with the Charlotte Hornets and the Greensboro Swarm.
His athleticism, combined with a competitive spirit and versatility, positions him as a player with significant upside. While there are areas to refine, particularly in shooting consistency and decision-making, his commitment to improvement is evident. Off the court, his multicultural background and personal interests add depth to his profile, making him not just a player to watch for his on-court abilities but also for his character and story.
As he continues to adapt and grow in the professional arena, KJ Simpson’s journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes, illustrating that with perseverance and hard work, the transition from college to professional sports is attainable. Fans and analysts alike will be keen to follow his development in the coming seasons, anticipating the impact he will make in the NBA.
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