Kj Simpson Bio
Kenneth Dwayne “KJ” Simpson Jr. is an American professional basketball player for the Charlotte Hornets of the National Basketball Association (NBA), currently on a two-way contract with the Greensboro Swarm of the NBA G League. Born on August 8, 2002, in Los Angeles, California, he played college basketball for the Colorado Buffaloes. As a standout player, Simpson has earned multiple accolades during his collegiate career, making a significant impact during the Pac-12 Conference tournaments.
Early Life and Background
KJ Simpson grew up in Panorama City, Los Angeles, and attended Chaminade College Preparatory School. He was rated a four-star recruit and initially committed to playing college basketball for the University of Arizona. However, after Arizona head coach Sean Miller was fired, Simpson requested and was granted a release from his National Letter of Intent, reopening his recruitment. Ultimately, he signed to play at the University of Colorado.
Path to Basketball
During his time at Chaminade College Preparatory School, Simpson developed his skills and showcased his talent on the court. His performance as a high school athlete earned him recognition and paved the way for his collegiate career. After joining the Colorado Buffaloes, he quickly made a name for himself, becoming a key player for the team and earning accolades that highlighted his potential as a professional athlete.
Kj Simpson Career
Early Career (2021–2024)
KJ Simpson began his collegiate career at the University of Colorado in 2021. In his freshman season, he was named to the Pac-12 Conference All-Freshman Team, averaging 7.4 points per game while leading the team in total assists and steals. As a sophomore, he made significant strides, earning a spot on the second-team All-Pac-12 after averaging 15.9 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.5 steals per game. His performance continued to improve, culminating in a standout junior season where he was named to the first-team All-Pac-12, averaging a team-high 19.7 points per game and shooting 43% from three-point range.
Breakthrough (2024)
KJ Simpson’s breakthrough moment came during the 2024 NCAA tournament when he hit a game-winning jumper with less than two seconds left in a first-round game against the No. 7 Florida, securing a thrilling 102–100 victory for the Buffaloes. This performance solidified his reputation as a clutch player and showcased his ability to perform under pressure. Following his successful collegiate career, Simpson declared for the NBA draft.
Notable Works and Milestones
Simpson was selected with the 42nd overall pick by the Charlotte Hornets in the 2024 NBA draft. On July 7, 2024, he signed a two-way contract with the team, marking the beginning of his professional basketball career. His achievements in college, including multiple All-Pac-12 selections, highlight his potential for success in the NBA.
Kj Simpson Award Nominations
Throughout his career, KJ Simpson has received several nominations and accolades, reflecting his talent and hard work on the basketball court.
Kj Simpson Awards Won
KJ Simpson has achieved notable recognition during his collegiate career, including being named to the first-team All-Pac-12 in 2024, the second-team All-Pac-12 in 2023, and the Pac-12 All-Freshman Team in 2022.
| Award | Wins | Year |
|---|---|---|
| First-team All-Pac-12 | 1 | 2024 |
| Second-team All-Pac-12 | 1 | 2023 |
| Pac-12 All-Freshman Team | 1 | 2022 |
