KJ Simpson declares for NBA draft. Where could the Colorado guard land?

KJ Simpson has declared for the NBA draft, he announced on Friday.

The Colorado junior just wrapped up a first-team All-Pac-12 season for the Buffaloes, which ended in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

Simpson was named Colorado's most valuable player at the end-of-year awards banquet after leading the team in points (19.7), assists (4.9) and steals (1.3) per game while ranking third in rebounding (5.8). He was the only major conference player in the nation last season to average at least 19 points, five rebounds and four assists.

After helping the Buffs reach the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2021, Simpson averaged 20.7 points, seven rebounds and 5.3 assists in three March Madness games. The 6-foot-2 guard's game-winning jumper to upset No. 7 Florida clinched back-to-back NCAA Tournament wins for just the second time in program history.

Simpson played his way onto NBA mock drafts with his efficient season (47.5%/43.4%/83.4%) and is now projected to be a fringe first-round pick.

Here's where Simpson is projected to be drafted by three outlets:

Bleacher Report mocks KJ Simpson to San Antonio Spurs

Jonathan Wasserman, Bleacher Report's lead scout and NBA draft insider, projects Simpson to be drafted No. 33 overall (second round) by the San Antonio Spurs.

"While there will always be skeptics in undersized scoring guards, KJ Simpson demonstrated the type of craftiness, high-level shotmaking and competitiveness for teams to bet on a 6-foot-2 guard overcoming some physical limitations," Wasserman said. "At least if the gamble only requires a pick in the late 20s or second round.

"A 43.1% catch-and-shoot guard who hit 42.7% of his pull-ups and 43.2% of his mid-range shots, totaled 110 made half-court buckets at the rim and registered a 25.0 assist percentage in three consecutive seasons, Simpson is still likely to go late in the draft due to size and athletic question marks."

If San Antonio selects Simpson, he'll team up with rookie phenom Victor Wembanyama.

More: Colorado basketball's KJ Simpson on the art of rebounding as a guard: 'I give credit to my dad'

ESPN mocks KJ Simpson to Sacramento Kings

ESPN NBA draft insiders Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo project Simpson to be drafted No. 45 overall (second round) by the Sacramento Kings.

It would be a return to his home state of California for Simpson and an opportunity to learn from one of the NBA's best guards: De'Aaron Fox.

Yahoo Sports mocks KJ Simpson to Charlotte Hornets

Yahoo Sports NBA draft analyst Krysten Peek projects Simpson to be drafted No. 42 overall (second round) by the Charlotte Hornets.

The Hornets aced their first-round pick a year ago by selecting former Alabama forward Brandon Miller at No. 2 overall. Charlotte is still led by its star point guard LaMelo Ball.

Follow Colorado Buffaloes sports reporter Scott Procter on X.

This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: KJ Simpson declares for NBA draft. Where could he land?