After a career-best season with the Colorado men’s basketball program, KJ Simpson became the third Buff selected in the 2024 NBA draft on Thursday, going to the Charlotte Hornets with the 42nd overall pick.
Simpson lands with a team that could certainly use his outside shooting and playmaking abilities. Last season, the Hornets were 21st in the league in 3-point field goal percentage (35.5%). Although he’s a good ball handler and playmaker, the Hornets have veteran point guards on the team, so Simpson could slot in as an undersized shooting guard with Seth Curry now waived from Charlotte.
On the defensive end, Simpson’s lack of size isn’t ideal, but the former Buff has shown great defensive intensity that should allow the Hornets to keep him on the court for his scoring abilities.
Because of the new NBA rules for second-round contracts, Simpson could be signed to a three or four-year deal or a two-way contract. A two-way contract allows players to move between the NBA and its developmental G League. I could see Simpson landing a similar contract to what Hunter Tyson received last year with the Denver Nuggets (four years, $7.7 million).
Contact/Follow us @BuffaloesWire on X (Twitter), and like our page on Facebook for ongoing coverage of Colorado news, notes and opinions.