Simpson isn't in the starting five for Friday's game versus the Spurs.
LaMelo Ball will reclaim his starting spot from Simpson after missing Charlotte's previous contest due to an ankle injury. Simpson is averaging 6.0 points, 2.5 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 19.3 minutes across his previous 10 appearances coming off the bench.
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Hornets' KJ Simpson: Scores 15 points in first start
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Simpson tallied 15 points (6-12 FG, 3-6 3Pt), three assists, one rebound and one steal over 28 minutes during the Hornets' 112-102 loss to the Bucks on Wednesday.
Simpson got the first start of his NBA career due to Vasilije Micic being ruled out with an ankle injury. Simpson took advantage of the opportunity, connecting on three threes for the first time this season while finishing tied with Miles Bridges as the Hornets' second-leading scorer behind Nick Smith (22). Simpson could start against the Spurs on Friday if Micic is not cleared to play.
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Hornets' KJ Simpson: First career start Wednesday
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Simpson will start in Wednesday's game against the Bucks.
It'll be the first career start for Simpson, who will replace Vasilije Micic (ankle) in Charlotte's first unit. Simpson has averaged 8.3 points, 4.0 assists and 3.5 rebounds in 25.8 minutes over his last four games, and he's in line for an uptick in minutes Wednesday.
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Hornets' KJ Simpson: Tallies eight assists in loss
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Simpson logged eight points (2-9 FG, 0-4 3Pt, 4-4 FT), six rebounds and eight assists across 27 minutes during Saturday's 107-104 loss to the Nuggets.
Simpson provided the Hornets with a viable backup point guard option, something that could turn into a more sizeable role should Vasilije Micic be forced to the sideline after suffering an ankle injury in the loss. Simpson's overall game translates relatively well on the defensive end, while the assists are an interesting wrinkle that could afford him some playmaking opportunities.
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Hornets' KJ Simpson: Rejoins parent club
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Charlotte recalled Simpson from the G League's Greensboro Swarm on Monday.
Simpson made two appearances during his stint with the Swarm, but he'll be available Monday for the Hornets' game against the Bulls. He's played just nine games at the NBA level this season, averaging 13.3 minutes.
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Hornets' KJ Simpson: Flirts with triple-double
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Simpson had eight points (2-8 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 4-4 FT), six rebounds, nine assists and one steal in 28 minutes during Tuesday's 110-104 loss to the 76ers.
Simpson was the first player off the Charlotte bench and nearly triple-doubled as he posted career-high marks in assists (9) and rebounds (6). The Hornets are very shorthanded right now, so the No. 42 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft could get an extended look if Tuesday's performance was any indication.
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Hornets' KJ Simpson: To miss Summer League
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Simpson suffered a hamstring injury during the pre-draft process and is expected to miss Summer League in order to rehab.
This is an unfortunate injury for Simpson, who undoubtedly would've benefitted from seeing game action during Summer League. However, the team notes the rookie guard is expected to be healthy by the fall and should be available for the start of training camp.
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Hornets' KJ Simpson: Drafted by Charlotte at No. 42
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Simpson was selected by the Hornets with the 42nd overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.
A junior out of Colorado, Simpson enjoyed a strong 2023-24 season and was named to the 2023-24 All-Pac-12 First Team. He had a breakout campaign shooting the ball, hitting 43.4 percent of his 4.9 three-point attempts per game, helping fuel his 19.7 points per game. He can also make tough baskets around the rim. Simpson doesn't have to be glued to the ball either, as he demonstrated great off-ball movement in college. Defense is a weak point for the 6-foot-0 prospect, but the Hornets are hoping he can do everything else well.