Latest news with #KJSimpson
Yahoo
23-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Biggest Charlotte Hornets overreactions from 2025 NBA Summer League
The post Biggest Charlotte Hornets overreactions from 2025 NBA Summer League appeared first on ClutchPoints. The Charlotte Hornets are off to a perfect start at the 2025 NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, going 3-0 with gritty wins over the Utah Jazz, Philadelphia 76ers, and Dallas Mavericks. While the Summer League isn't always predictive of NBA success, it does offer a sneak peek at what might be – and fans have already started crafting their overreactions accordingly. Heading into the 2025 NBA offseason, the Charlotte Hornets had a clear objective – surround their young core with enough talent and stability to finally crawl out of the Eastern Conference basement. The Hornets selected four rookies in the 2025 NBA Draft, and all of them got their first opportunity to prove themselves during their summer league debuts. From KJ Simpson's burst scoring to Tidjane Salaun's all-around flashes, to Ryan Kalkbrenner's defensive dominance, the Hornets' 2025 rookie class has turned heads. But before we crown the next All-Rookie team, let's break down the early performances, followed by some good old-fashioned overreactions. KJ Simpson is the Hornets' future starting point guard Stats: 19 pts vs PHI, 21 pts vs UTH, 18 pts + 7 ast vs DAL He's been electric, averaging 19 points and five-plus assists per game while controlling pace and showing poise in late-game moments. Could he overtake Tre Mann or Vasilije Micić for backup duties this season? Don't be shocked if he plays real minutes by December. Tidjane Salaun will be a 2-way problem right away Stats: 16 pts vs PHI, 20 pts vs UTH, 6 pts vs DAL He's looking like a future star. His physicality, switchability, and shot mechanics have all popped. His stats don't jump off the page yet, but if you watched the games, his instincts scream 'future starter.' Overreaction? Maybe. But he looks like a mini-Pascal Siakam in motion. Ryan Kalkbrenner is the Hornets' defensive anchor Stats: 7 pts vs PHI (Game-saving block at the buzzer), 10 pts vs UTH, 9 pts vs DAL He's turning 'potential' into tangible defensive moments. Hornets might stash him as interior insurance all season. He's already had two games with multiple blocks and a game-winning swat. Kalkbrenner may not be flashy, but his positional awareness and shot deterrence are NBA-ready. Could he steal backup center minutes? Charlotte might already be debating it internally. Liam McNeeley is the most NBA-ready rookie on the roster Stats: 14 pts vs PHI, 22 pts vs UTH McNeeley has vaulted from rookie sleeper to instant impact, and could lead to real bench minutes right out of the gate. Efficient from deep, confident off the dribble, and calm in big moments — McNeeley has looked like a polished pro. He might not have the highest ceiling, but if Charlotte needs a floor-spacing wing off the bench, he's got the best case among the rookies. 'Yeah, it's been a while since I played my last game,' McNeeley said. 'The last game didn't go the way I wanted it to. Basketball is my favorite thing to do, so this was a blast.' Sion James is Herb Jones-lite Stats: 3 pts vs PHI, 8 pts vs UTH Viewed as defense-first glue, but these rotations show Charlotte's bench identity evolving – he'll need to prove he can swing games, too. The defense is real. The hustle is real. And the confidence is growing. Sion James might not crack the Hornets' rotation this season, but in a vacuum, he's looked like someone every playoff team would love to stash on the bench. It's early, but the vibes are elite. Kon Knueppel could be the best shooter on the roster Stats: 5 pts vs UTH, 16 pts vs DAL One double-double and he's now a rookie must-watch. If that's his floor, he might cement a rotation spot. He's hit multiple threes in all three games and looks automatic in rhythm. If Charlotte needs a sniper off the bench, Knueppel could become their go-to floor spacer. Final thoughts: Real optimism or summer mirage? Yes, it's Summer League. Yes, we've seen multiple players dominate in July before vanishing in October. But the Hornets have real cause for optimism, these aren't just raw athletes; they're smart, skilled, and role-ready prospects. If these games were any indication, the Hornets' rookie class is stealing headlines: KJ is orchestrating, McNeeley is dominant off the bench, Knueppel is rebounding and shooting, and Kalkbrenner is blocking buzzer-beaters. It's hype heaven, but remember, this is July, not December. Still… Charlotte's young core is giving us just enough reasons to dream. With the coaching staff experimenting with various combinations, the chemistry already forming between Simpson, Salaun, and McNeeley bodes well. The Summer League crown doesn't mean much, but for the Hornets, one of the NBA's youngest teams, it's about building belief. So far, mission accomplished. Related: Hornets add forward with Charles Lee ties on 2-way contract Related: LaMelo Ball gets major advice from Baron Davis
Yahoo
23-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Reactions pour in after Hornets' first-ever Summer League title
The post Reactions pour in after Hornets' first-ever Summer League title appeared first on ClutchPoints. The Charlotte Hornets made history on Sunday after winning their first-ever championship in the NBA Summer League. The Hornets beat the Sacramento Kings, 83-78, in the finals at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas. They staved off the furious rally of the Kings, who stormed back from an 11-point deficit in the fourth quarter. Kon Kneuppel led the charge for the Hornets with a team-high 21 points, although he struggled from the field with 8-of-21 field goals. He added five rebounds and two assists. The fourth overall pick, who had an encouraging message from Dallas Mavericks star Klay Thompson, was named MVP of the tournament. The Hornets were unbeaten in five games heading to the finals. Ryan Kalkbrenner provided support with 15 points and nine rebounds, while KJ Simpson chipped in 11 points, seven rebounds, and five assists. The milestone victory should be a huge morale-booster for the Hornets, who have been mired in mediocrity for nearly a decade. They have failed to qualify for the playoffs for nine consecutive seasons. Fans expressed their support for Charlotte for finally having something to be proud of. 'Wow! Never expected this to happen,' said @DegenArchit3ct. 'They deserve it. What a nice performance,' added @xFactorSOL. 'Best thing they've done since they drafted Kobe,' wrote @parker3cox. 'Hornets kicked ass and took names all the way to the chip. Nice job, fellas. KJ Simpson showed his experience. In every game, he was the leader. Good job, Hornets,' commented @gemini0884. 'Playoff bound. Bookmark this,' declared @BishopWTBz. An X user couldn't help but post a GIF of the infamous quote of Boston Celtics legend Kevin Garnett after they won the championship in 2008. Last season, the Hornets finished with the second-worst record in the Eastern Conference at 19-63, trailing only the Washington Wizards. Aside from Kneuppel, the squad will rely on holdovers LaMelo Ball, Miles Bridges and Brandon Miller and offseason additions Collin Sexton and Spencer Dinwiddie to build on the momentum from their historic crown in the summer tournament. Related: Check out Hornets' bonkers Summer League championship rings Related: The Hornets player Kon Knueppel thinks should've won Summer League MVP
Yahoo
21-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Former Colorado star KJ Simpson wins NBA Summer League title with the Charlotte Hornets
Former Colorado basketball star point guard KJ Simpson concluded his second summer league stint with an NBA Summer League championship after the Charlotte Hornets beat the Sacramento Kings, 83-78. Simpson started for the Hornets along with Charlotte's 2025 first-round selection, former Duke guard Kon Knueppel. Despite the win, Simpson struggled offensively in the final but made up for it in other areas. In 31 minutes of action, Simpson tallied 11 points, seven rebounds and five assists on 4-of-15 shooting from the field and 1-of-6 from 3-point range. Knueppel, who was named the game's MVP, praised the former Colorado guard for being the Hornets' leader throughout the Summer League. Simpson was quick to point out that Knueppel was deserving of the award. "Kon, nah, he deserved that, man. He was excellent in this game," Simpson said. "We all played well. It [the MVP award] could have been anybody. I just wanted to go out there and help lead the team. Just be a good vocal leader. It was a team win, shoutout to Kon, shoutout to everybody, man. Simpson is entering his second year in the NBA and has shown significant growth during the 10-day summer event, averaging 16 points, 5.7 assists and 5.5 rebounds per game in six Summer League games. The Hornets have to like what they saw from Simpson, a former second-round pick, leading Charlotte's young core to a title. Simpson and the Hornets got the win over former Buff Nique Clifford, who scored 10 points in 33 minutes of action. Follow Charlie Strella on X, Threads and Instagram. Contact/Follow us @BuffaloesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook for ongoing coverage of Colorado news, notes and opinions. This article originally appeared on Buffaloes Wire: Colorado basketball KJ Simpson stats in NBA Summer League Final
NBC Sports
09-04-2025
- Sport
- NBC Sports
Grizzlies' Jaylen Wells taken off court on stretcher after nasty fall following reckless foul
Let's hope all that came out of this was a broken wrist. It could have been worse—much, much worse. Grizzlies rookie Jaylen Wells had to be taken off the court Tuesday night after a nasty fall, following a reckless challenge by Charlotte's KJ Simpson on a Wells' breakaway dunk. (If you want to see a video of the foul, follow this link.) Jaylen Wells was stretchered off the court after he was fouled on a dunk attempt and fell hard to the floor. KJ Simpson was ejected with a flagrant 2 foul. After review, the referees upgraded the foul on Simpson to a Flagrant 2 and he was ejected. At least a fine and maybe a game suspension will follow. Wells is 'awake, alert and moving his extremities... [but] has sustained a broken right wrist,' ESPN's Shams Charania reports. That is all incredibly good news. Wells is in the conversation for Rookie of the Year, averaging 10.5 points and 3.5 rebounds a game and plays key rotation minutes for one of the West's quality teams. This clearly ends his season a few games early, but hopefully, he will be back without incident at the start of next season.
