Versatile forward with a strong physical profile and scoring ability inside and out. Solid three-point threat in catch-and-shoot, with upside if he improves decision-making and defensive discipline.
BORN: –
LAST TEAM: Texas San Antonio Roadrunners (NCAA)
HEIGHT: 6’5 – 196 cm
WEIGHT: 205 – 95 kg
PRO
- Valid scorer
- Size – Physicality
- Versatility
WEAKNESSES
- Shot selection
- Defensive discipline
- Management possessions
VIDEO
ACTUAL
POTENTIAL
INTRODUCTION
Jamir Simpson began his college career at the NAIA level before transferring to Wisconsin-Parkside in Division II, where he played for two seasons alongside Rasheed Bello. Always present in the starting five, he was named to the GLIAC Second-Team in 2023. He then moved to the Thunderbirds in Division I, where he did not play during the 2023/24 season. In his senior year, he immediately entered the starting five, replacing Zion Young and becoming the team’s top scorer, effectively sharing leadership with the talent Dominique Ford and being named to the Second-Team WAC. Finally, having entered the transfer portal, he will play at Texas San Antonio in his graduate season.
PHYSICAL
Jamir Simpson has a solid build and plays a very physical game, a potential football linebacker. His sturdy and relatively athletic physique allows him to compete effectively in the paint and absorb contact against opposing big men. The combination of height and physical strength makes him effective in rebounding, but he has room for improvement in verticality and responsiveness. He does not have a very fluid run and tends to be passive if he is not involved in the game. He could improve in terms of lateral mobility and sculpting his muscle mass better. Working on his body could make him a very versatile player.
OFFENSIVE PHASE
Jamir Simpson has the ability to score in various ways. He can create space for a shot off the dribble or use his body to drive to the basket. His shot selection needs improvement, as the difference in physicality between Division II and Division I makes him less efficient as a finisher. He is a solid shooter from beyond the three-point arc in catch-and-shoot situations (33.9% on 3.6 attempts), even from deep range. His versatility makes him difficult to limit, as he can always generate a mismatch based on who is defending him, leading him to be a good free throw generator. He has good ball-handling and passing skills directly off the dribble (1.8 assists per game). He tends to lack clear reads, which leads him to forced shots and avoidable turnovers (2.8 per game), especially when he goes right, his weak hand.
DEFENSIVE PHASE
Jamir Simpson leverages his versatility to defend multiple roles. His physical strength provides an advantage when guarding stronger opponents near the basket. On the perimeter, he can ensure decent mobility to avoid being easily beaten by faster players, but he encounters difficulties against more explosive athletes. Overall, he is more of a position defender, not very aggressive on passing lanes (0.8 steals per game in D-II) but with good timing to help on rebounds (4.7 per game with the Thunderbirds). Nevertheless, by working on his defensive discipline and improving his awareness in defensive rotations, he can be a valuable asset even in his own half of the court.
IMPROVED AREAS
Jamir Simpson is a forward with characteristics that allow him to play with the ball like a guard. His versatility is an asset, but he will need to focus on developing a more accurate selection shot. Furthermore, refining his ball-handling skills and reducing turnovers would make him a more reliable player. Adding muscle mass and making strides in lateral mobility and explosiveness, combined with greater defensive discipline, would make him more impactful in his half of the court. With these improvements, Simpson has the potential to emerge as a player for a medium-good level European league.