Discover the journey of an undrafted talent becoming a vital asset for the San Antonio Spurs.
This blog post details the career of Julian Champagnie, a versatile small forward for the San Antonio Spurs, highlighting his journey from Brooklyn, New York, to becoming an impactful NBA contributor. It covers his origins, playing style, strengths, areas for development, and his significance to the Spurs’ future, incorporating insights from his 2024-25 and 2025-26 regular season performances.
★ From Brooklyn to Big East: Champagnie’s College Dominance
Origins
- • Born in Brooklyn, New York, on June 29, 2001.
- • His father, Ranford, was a professional soccer player.
- • He has an identical twin brother, Justin Champagnie, who is also a professional basketball player (currently with the Washington Wizards).
College Career (St. John’s Red Storm)
- • 2019-20 (Freshman): Averaged 9.9 points and 6.5 rebounds per game. Named to the Big East All-Freshman Team.
- • 2020-21 (Sophomore): Led the Big East in scoring with 19.8 points per game. Also averaged 7.4 rebounds, 1.4 steals, and 1 block per game.
- • 2021-22 (Junior): Averaged 19.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, 2 steals, and 1.1 blocks per game. Earned First Team All-Big East for the second consecutive season.
NBA Draft: Declared for the NBA draft after his junior year but went undrafted in 2022.
🚀 The Undrafted Path to NBA Impact
Philadelphia 76ers
Signed a two-way contract on June 24, 2022. Waived in February 2023.
San Antonio Spurs
- • Claimed off waivers on February 16, 2023, and signed to a two-way contract.
- • Re-signed with the Spurs on July 6, 2023, solidifying his place.
- • NBA Debut: November 22, 2022.
- • Notable Event: Faced his twin brother, Justin Champagnie, for the first time in an NBA game on February 10, 2025.
💪 A Versatile Game: Strengths on Display
Primary Positions: Small forward or shooting guard.
Offensive Prowess
- • Shooting: His primary skill is high-volume three-point shooting with a quick release and deep range. Excels in catch-and-shoot scenarios as a floor spacer.
- • Off-Ball Movement: Demonstrates excellent off-ball movement, finding open spaces and making smart cuts.
Physical Attributes: 6’7″ height with a 6’10” wingspan.
Rebounding: A good rebounder, utilizing his length and physicality.
Defensive Contributions
- • Off-Ball Defense: Projects best as an off-ball defender due to attentiveness and length, allowing him to be a disruptive helper and read passing lanes.
- • Steals and Deflections: Consistently records steals and deflections, indicating strong defensive instincts.
Transition Play: Strong in transition, capable of running the floor for quick finishes and providing spacing.
📈 Areas for Growth: Honing His Craft
Shot Creation and Ball-Handling
- • More of a play-finisher than a facilitator.
- • Average ball-handling can lead to holding the ball or picking up his dribble instead of initiating plays.
- • Improving his jumper off the dribble would add another offensive dimension.
Athleticism and On-Ball Defense
- • Not considered an elite athlete by NBA standards (below-average vertical explosiveness, speed, and foot speed).
- • Can be vulnerable guarding quicker, more athletic wings in isolation.
- • On-ball defense can be inconsistent due to slower feet and stiff hips, making recoveries challenging.
Consistency
Consistency in shooting and finishing at the rim when forced off the three-point line are key focus points.
🌟 2024-25 Season Highlights and Future Outlook
- • 2024-25 Season: Appeared in all 82 games for the Spurs, averaging 9.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.4 assists.
- • Career Regular Season Averages (as of 2025-26): 8.9 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in 196 games.
- • 2025-26 Season (Uptick in Production): Averaging 11.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game.
- • Example Performance (December 8, 2025): Recorded 17 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals in a victory against the New Orleans Pelicans.
Highlights frequently feature proficiency from beyond the arc (contested catch-and-shoot threes, ste-back jumpers), strong finishes at the rim, and impactful defensive plays.
🔮 Conclusion: What’s Next for Champagnie?
Julian Champagnie’s NBA journey with the San Antonio Spurs is characterized by perseverance, skill development, and seizing opportunities. His transition from an undrafted player to a significant contributor is marked by an all-around game featuring excellent shooting, intelligent off-ball movement, and impactful defense, making him a valuable asset. As this American professional basketball player continues to refine his shot creation and on-ball defense, his role with the Spurs is expected to expand. Basketball fans are closely watching his trajectory, anticipating further achievements from this dedicated athlete. The future appears bright for Julian Champagnie in the NBA.
❓ Julian Champagnie FAQ
What is Julian Champagnie’s primary playing style?
Julian Champagnie is primarily known for his high-volume three-point shooting with a quick release, off-ball movement, and strong defensive contributions, especially as an off-ball defender.
When did Julian Champagnie make his NBA debut?
Julian Champagnie made his NBA debut on November 22, 2022.
What were Julian Champagnie’s averages in the 2025-26 NBA season?
As of the 2025-26 season, Julian Champagnie is averaging 11.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game.
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