During the NBA playoffs, Julian Champagnie has emerged as an unexpected hero for the San Antonio Spurs. As an undrafted forward, his contributions have been crucial to the team’s playoff success, especially in pivotal moments such as Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals.
Julian Champagnie: Background and Career Overview
Born on Staten Island, New York, Julian Champagnie developed his basketball skills playing high school ball at Bishop Loughlin in Brooklyn. He played three seasons at St. John’s University under coach Mike Anderson, where he exhibited impressive statistics, averaging 19.8 points and 7.4 rebounds per game as a sophomore. Unfortunately, the Red Storm did not qualify for the NCAA Tournament during his time.
Undrafted Yet Resilient
Despite his strong college performances, Champagnie went undrafted in 2022. He initially signed a two-way contract with the Philadelphia 76ers but saw limited action, appearing in only two games. After being waived, the San Antonio Spurs seized the opportunity to bring him aboard two days later.
Champagnie’s Impact on the Spurs
Champagnie has become a key player for the Spurs, especially after their rebuilding phase began. He started 68 of 82 games during the 2023 season, averaging a career-high 11.1 points per game. His consistency is evident as he has not missed any games in the last two seasons, allowing him to develop alongside Spurs’ standout Victor Wembanyama.
2023-24 Performance Stats
| Season | Team | Games Played | PPG | RPG | APG | FG% | 3PT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022-23 | PHI/SAS | 17 | 7.7 | 3.5 | 0.6 | 45.4% | 40.2% |
| 2023-24 | SAS | 74 | 6.8 | 2.8 | 1.4 | 40.8% | 36.5% |
| 2024-25 | SAS | 82 | 9.9 | 3.9 | 1.4 | 41.5% | 37.1% |
| 2025-26 | SAS | 82 | 11.1 | 5.8 | 1.5 | 43.7% | 38.1% |
| Career | – | 255 | 9.4 | 4.1 | 1.4 | 42.4% | 37.5% |
Family Legacy in the NBA
Julian is not the only basketball talent in his family. He has a twin brother, Justin Champagnie, who also plays in the NBA. Justin began his career with the Toronto Raptors and currently plays for the Washington Wizards, averaging 8.7 points and 5.6 rebounds per game.
As the Spurs aim for championship glory, Julian Champagnie’s journey from undrafted talent to playoff hero exemplifies the unpredictability of sports and the potential of overlooked players.
