The Hornets selected KJ Simpson with the 42nd overall pick in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft. Simpson is a 6-foot, 1-inch guard, who averaged 19.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game in the 2023-24 season for the Colorado Buffaloes.
Simpson brings an energy to the Queen City that will be infectious throughout the team. “The Hornets are going to get a tough, gritty guard that’s going to get after it on defense and obviously shoot the ball really well at a high level. This team is going to get an all-around type of guy and someone who just wants to win.”, Simpson told the media.
The three-point shooting didn’t come naturally to Simpson, jumping from 27.9% to 43.4% from his sophomore to junior season. KJ cited his work ethic and desire to improve offensively as the reason he stands where he is today. “I went through something so difficult sophomore year. I always knew I could make that jump…it was frustrating. In the summer, I locked myself in my high school gym. I did every drill I could do shooting wise and pushed myself to that level. Going into that junior year I had to mentally prepare myself for the season.”
Charlotte seems to have targeted players who are “culture enhancers”, a key trait that head coach Charles Lee noted in his introductory press conference. Despite being undersized, Simpson’s high motor and hard-nosed mentality will make him a much-needed spark plug as a reserve.
Hornets Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations, Jeff Peterson, is focused on evaluating character, just as much as skill-set.
