KJ Simpson selected by the Charlotte Hornets in 2024 NBA draft

Colorado’s KJ Simpson is headed to the Charlotte Hornets after a stellar junior year

KJ Simpson was drafted by the Charlotte Hornets with the 42nd overall pick in the 2024 NBA draft on Thursday, marking the first time the Colorado Buffaloes have had three players drafted in one year since 1981.

“I just went through so much to get here,” Simpson said through tears after being drafted. “(My dad) taught me to be an all-around player and I wanted to do that at every level. At Colorado I showed it and in the NBA it’s not going to change. I’m just going to be an all-around player, go out there and do whatever the team needs me to do. I’m going to run through a brick wall for them.”

After a disappointing sophomore season, Simpson hit the gym to raise his draft stock and lead the 2023-2024 Buffs. His hard work paid off, leading the black and gold to historic heights and performing at a Pac-12 Player of the Year level. Most notably, he hit the game-winning shot that lifted the Buffs over the Florida Gators in the NCAA Tournament first round.

While playing the most minutes ever played by a Buff in a season (1,298), Simpson averaged 19.7 points, 5.8 rebounds and 4.9 assists per game, all of which marked career highs. Simpson made huge leaps offensively, posting some of the best shooting splits of anyone in the country while bettering his assist-to-turnover ratio. He also made bounds defensively, earning an All-Pac-12 defensive-team honorable mention.

Simpson joins an interesting backcourt situation in Charlotte, one that endured injuries throughout a 21-61 campaign last season.

Colorado Teammates Cody Williams (No. 10, Utah Jazz) and Tristan da Silva (No. 18, Orlando Magic) were drafted in the first round on Wednesday.

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