It was June 5, 2024, just 21 days before the NBA Draft, and KJ Simpson was in Minnesota for a pre-draft workout. The Timberwolves were interested in the 6-1 point guard out of Colorado who was a projected second-round pick after averaging almost 20 points and earning First Team All-Pac 12 honors as a junior.
Midway through the workout, Simpson went down with an injury. It was a hamstring strain that prematurely ended his pre-draft tour and put him on the shelf indefinitely. Simpson was devastated. Every thought ran through his head. How would this injury affect his draft stock? Could a bad hamstring drop him out of the second round all together?
On the Timberwolves practice court, one voice gave Simpson the assurance he needed.
“Don’t worry about it,” Minnesota’s Director of Player Personnel told Simpson. “I think highly of you. I’ve seen you play in college. We know what you can do. Your film’s out there. You’re a great person. Just keep at it.”
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