KJ Simpson waived by Nuggets ahead of preseason game in Boulder
The Denver Nuggets waived former Colorado Men’s Basketball star KJ Simpson on Wednesday. The team signed guard Ryan Nembhard to a two-way contract, and because NBA rosters can hold only three two-way contract players, Simpson was the odd man out.
Simpson averaged 14.9 points per game during his college career with the Buffaloes, including a stellar 2024 season where he led the team in both points and assists per game. The Charlotte Hornets drafted him in the second round of the 2024 NBA draft.
The timing of the move is unfortunate for Simpson. He was set for a homecoming in Boulder during the Nuggets’ preseason matchup versus the Utah Jazz on Oct. 4 at the CU Events Center. Just over a month ago, this matchup looked as if it could be a reunion between two former Buffs: Simpson and Cody Williams. But fast-forward to today, and both have gone their separate ways with the Nuggets and Jazz.
Simpson became a Colorado fan favorite during their 2024 March Madness run. While it would have been a special moment for him to step onto the floor of the Events Center again, the NBA can be a ruthless business. It’s too early to tell whether Simpson will stay with the Nuggets G League squad, the Grand Rapids Gold, or search for new opportunities elsewhere.
Simpson’s former Nuggets teammates and coaches showed great appreciation and belief in him when asked about the move.
“I’d be remised if I didn’t mention the effort KJ put in this offseason,” Denver’s Cam Johnson said. “It’s always tough to digest. I wish him the very best going forward in whatever opportunity he encounters.”
In 2021, Colorado head coach Tad Boyle, flipped Simpson to Colorado from his orginal Arizona commitment.
“It’s an unforgiving business sometimes," Boyle said. "KJ is going to be fine. He’s a hell of a player.”
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