2024 NBA Draft: KJ Simpson is a small guard, but teams that pass on him could be making a big mistake

Bryan Cantwell, the head coach of Chaminade College Preparatory in West Hills, California, estimates that he’s talked to 12 to 15 NBA teams about KJ Simpson. They all ask similar questions. About his work ethic, his desire to compete, his ability to communicate with teammates. “It’s all positive stuff,” Cantwell said. These conversations aren’t particularly long, as “they’ve all got so much information on him already.” They’ve seen all the film, and they know all the numbers.

Simpson’s stats in his junior year at Colorado suggest he should at least hear his name called on Wednesday, during the first round of the 2024 NBA Draft. He averaged 19.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, 4.9 assists and 1.6 steals. He shot 43.4% from 3-point range (and 41.7% on 3s off the dribble, per Synergy Sports). He shot 58.5% at the rim. “Everything increased,” Simpson said. “Everything, literally every category.” But there is one number that he cannot change: His height.

At the draft combine in May, Simpson measured at 6-foot-0.25 without shoes. This is “the only thing that is holding anybody back,” Cantwell said. The NBA is not in its short-king era, as there is more switching than ever before and, in the playoffs, offenses relentlessly hunt mismatches. Less skilled, longer-limbed prospects often get the benefit of the doubt because they can cover more ground and defend multiple positions.

Ahead of this year’s draft, Simpson’s status is all over the place. The Ringer’s latest mock has him going to the Minnesota Timberwolves at No. 27 and the two-round mock from Kyle Boone here at CBS Sports has him going to the Memphis Grizzlies at No. 57. Some draftniks have him higher on their big boards than others, but even The Athletic’s Sam Vecenie, who ranked him 53rd, wrote, “If he were 6-3, he’d be a clear first-round pick.” 

Around the league, though, there are several 6-2-and-under success stories that double as major misses for talent evaluators. T.J. McConnell of the Indiana Pacers and Jose Alvarado of the New Orleans Pelicans, two of the best reserves in the…

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Author : James Herbert

Publish date : 2024-06-26 11:27:30

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