KJ Simpson

Simpson spent the three years of his college career with Colorado. He endured a slow start in the program, starting just once as a freshman while logging only 21.3 minutes and averaging 7.4 points per game. Things took a dramatic turn for the better in 2022-23. He started in all but one of his 29 appearances as a sophomore and experienced a statistical uptick in the five major categories, most notably going from 7.4 to 15.9 points per game in 12 months. Simpson was even better in his junior year in 2023-24. He started in each of the team's 37 games and boosted his scoring numbers to a robust 19.7 points per game, the second-best mark in the Pac-12. Simpson also averaged 5.8 rebounds and 4.9 assists per game while being named to the 2023-24 All-Pac-12 First Team and the All-Pac-12 Tournament Team. He was also named a 2021-22 Pac-12 All-Freshman and a 2022-23 All-Pac-12 Second Team member. There are two ways to analyze Simpson. 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. Simpson is projected to be a second-round pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, but don't be surprised if he ends up outplaying his draft position a few years into his career. While his role at the next level will be determined by how much he progresses at the beginning of his career, he figures to project as a solid reserve who can lead the second unit and knock down perimeter shots while not being a liability on the defensive end.