KJ Simpson is one of the most exciting young guards in the NBA, known for his relentless drive and impressive college career at Colorado.
In this article, you’ll learn about his personal life, early basketball journey, professional achievements, contract and salary details, net worth, endorsements, and NBA stats.
KJ Simpson’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kenneth Simpson Jr. |
| Date of Birth | August 8, 2002 |
| Age | 22 |
| Education | Chaminade College Preparatory High School; University of Colorado (Major: Communication) |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6’2″ (1.88 m) |
| Weight | 190 lbs (86 kg) |
| Turned Pro | 2024 |
| Net Worth | $500,000 (estimated) |
| Salary/Career Earnings | $578,577 (2024/25); $636,434 (2025/26 projected) |
| Wife/Girlfriend | N/A |
| Instagram Profile | N/A |
| Twitter Profile | N/A |
Early Career
KJ Simpson grew up in West Hills, California, where he attended Chaminade College Preparatory High School. There, he became the all-time leading scorer with 2,345 points and led his team to a CIF Southern Section Championship.
He averaged 24 points, 10 rebounds, eight assists, five steals, and four blocks per game in high school, earning multiple MVP honors and being named CIF Division I Player of the Year. Simpson was a top-100 national recruit and initially committed to Arizona, but after a coaching change, he chose the University of Colorado.
At Colorado, Simpson quickly made an impact, earning Pac-12 All-Freshman honors and steadily improving each season. His relentless work ethic and leadership qualities were evident from the start, and he became one of the most respected guards in college basketball.
Professional Career
After a standout junior season at Colorado, where he averaged nearly 20 points per game and shot over 43% from three-point range, KJ Simpson declared for the 2024 NBA Draft.
He was selected 42nd overall by the Charlotte Hornets and signed a two-way contract with the team. Simpson’s transition to the NBA has been marked by his determination and ability to overcome adversity, including injuries and health setbacks in college.
As a rookie, he has split time between the Hornets and their G League affiliate, the Greensboro Swarm, showcasing his scoring, playmaking, and defensive skills. Despite being considered undersized for his position, Simpson’s motor and competitive spirit have allowed him to earn respect from coaches and teammates alike.
KJ Simpson’s Net Worth Details
As of 2025, KJ Simpson’s estimated net worth is around $500,000.
Contract
Simpson signed a two-way contract with the Charlotte Hornets after being selected in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft. This contract allows him to split time between the Hornets and their G League team, providing flexibility for development while earning an NBA salary. Two-way contracts are common for second-round picks and undrafted players, offering a chance to prove themselves at the professional level.
Salary
For the 2024-25 NBA season, Simpson’s salary is $578,577. If he remains on a two-way contract for the 2025-26 season, his projected salary will increase to $636,434. These figures reflect the standard pay scale for two-way players in the NBA, which is lower than that of first-round picks but provides valuable experience and exposure.
Career Earnings
| Season | Team | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 2024-25 | Charlotte Hornets | $578,577 |
| 2025-26 | Charlotte Hornets | $636,434 |
Career Stats
| Season | Team | Games Played (GP) | Games Started (GS) | Minutes Per Game (MPG) | Points Per Game (PPG) | Rebounds Per Game (RPG) | Assists Per Game (APG) | Steals Per Game (SPG) | Blocks Per Game (BPG) | Field Goal % (FG%) | 3-Point % (3P%) | Free Throw % (FT%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-25 | Hornets | 23 | 4 | 20.4 | 7.1 | 2.9 | 2.6 | 0.8 | 0.2 | .335 | .216 | .811 |
FAQs
1. What college did KJ Simpson play for and what were his achievements there?
KJ Simpson played for the University of Colorado, where he became one of the top guards in the Pac-12. He earned Pac-12 All-Freshman honors, was named second-team All-Pac-12 as a sophomore, and made first-team All-Pac-12 as a junior, averaging nearly 20 points per game in his final season.
2. How did Simpson perform in his rookie NBA season with the Charlotte Hornets?
In his rookie season with the Charlotte Hornets, Simpson played 23 games, starting in 4 of them. He averaged 7.1 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game, showing promise as a playmaker and scorer despite limited minutes.
3. What is KJ Simpson’s background and family life?
KJ Simpson was born in California to Patricia Cornejo and Kenneth Simpson Sr. His father was a successful basketball player and has been a major influence on his career. Simpson is close to his family and credits them, along with his girlfriend, for supporting him through the highs and lows of his basketball journey.
4. What are KJ Simpson’s strengths and playing style on the court?
Simpson is known for his speed, scoring ability, and relentless work ethic. He excels at getting to the rim, creating plays for teammates, and playing aggressive defense. Despite being considered undersized, his quickness and determination help him compete at a high level.
5. Does KJ Simpson have any major endorsements or sponsorships?
Simpson’s endorsement deals are primarily with local and basketball-related brands. He is still early in his NBA career, but his strong college reputation and growing profile suggest that he may secure larger endorsement deals in the future.
