Charlotte Hornets select KJ Simpson in 2024 NBA Draft

Former Colorado guard KJ Simpson was selected by the Charlotte Hornets with the No. 42 pick in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft.

Simpson played three seasons at Colorado and steadily improved each season. He set career highs in 2023-24, averaging 19.7 points per game, 5.8 rebounds per game, 4.9 assists per game, shot 47.5% from the field and 43.4% from three-point range.

As a member of the Class of 2021, Simpson was a four-star recruit out of West Hills (Calif.) Chaminade, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He was the No. 7 overall prospect in the state, the No. 6 combo guard in the class and the No. 82 overall prospect in the class.

With his steady improvements, Simpson should fit well into an NBA rotation.

What NBA Draft experts are saying about KJ Simpson

On3’s James Fletcher III broke down the tape and evaluated Simpson’s NBA Draft prospects and traits going into the summer.

“KJ Simpson took his game to another level at Colorado this season, turning himself into an NBA caliber prospect by combing facilitation with scoring and defense,” Fletcher wrote. “A breakout performance from the 3-point line must be repeated to maintain value in a rotation, especially without positional versatility at his size.”

RotoWire also broke down his tape and Simpson fits in NBA circles.

“There are two ways to analyze Simpson,” the analysis read. “He’s a player who can impact the game on offense with his passing and scoring, but he’s not as advanced on the defensive end. Simpson has developed into a legit NBA prospect during his three seasons at Colorado. His ability to lead the offense, his above-average decision-making, and his solid skill set as a scorer make him a real threat on the offensive end since he’s capable of performing as a three-level scorer with efficiency.

“However, at 6-feet and with a slender build, Simpson will be physically disadvantaged at the NBA level against bigger and stronger players. Even though his basketball instincts and quick hands will prevent him from being a liability on that end of the floor, Simpson doesn’t project to be a lockdown defender. His lateral quickness is also a plus and should help him mask some of the deficiencies he’ll endure on defense, but there’s no question his real value lies on the offensive side of the ball.”