KJ Simpson's Mid-Season Exit from the Hornets

In the midst of the 2025-26 NBA season, KJ Simpson, a former guard from Colorado, found himself parting ways with the Charlotte Hornets. Despite occasionally showcasing promising playmaking skills last season, the team opted to release Simpson after he participated in 14 games this year. This decision came as the Hornets sought to make room for Tosan Evbuomwan, who was signed to a two-way contract.

This development was particularly challenging for Simpson, who was coping with a hip injury during this period. Although Evbuomwan was brought on board, he did not see any playing time in the NBA with the Hornets, having previously appeared in five games for the New York Knicks.

Throughout his brief stint with Charlotte, Simpson's efficiency improved slightly, even though his overall statistics reflected a decline, as he played eight fewer minutes per game. He ended up with shooting percentages of 34.8% from the field and 30.8% from beyond the arc. For the season, he averaged six points, 2.5 assists, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.1 steals over 15.9 minutes on the court.

Following his exit from the Hornets, Simpson was signed by the Denver Nuggets to a two-year, two-way contract, presenting him with a fresh opportunity for the upcoming season.

Overall, Simpson's performance with Charlotte has been graded a C.