Julian Champagnie emphasizes the need for a “hungry” mentality as he prepares to rejoin the San Antonio Spurs’ starting lineup. The forward, entering his fourth season with the team, has been vocal about competition within the squad during the training camp.
Champagnie Takes Charge in Training Camp
During a recent press event at the Victory Capital Performance Center, Champagnie showcased his spirited approach, humorously stating, “Someone’s always after my job.” His mindset reflects a competitive atmosphere as players vie for positions, particularly with injuries impacting the roster.
Key Injuries and Lineup Dynamics
This season, Champagnie is expected to fill the starting role while De’Aaron Fox recovers from a hamstring injury. His previous experience of stepping in for an injured Devin Vassell has equipped him with the mental fortitude to perform under pressure.
- Injured Players:
- Devin Vassell – recovering from injury
- Dylan Harper – sustained injury in the offseason
- Stephon Castle – injured during Silver & Black Scrimmage
- Recent Game Stats:
- Averaged 13.6 points in preseason
- Shooting 63.3% from three-point range (19-for-30)
Coaching Philosophy Under Mitch Johnson
Champagnie noted the varying coaching styles, as Mitch Johnson replaces Gregg Popovich. He stated that Johnson focuses on attention to detail and expects higher performance from the team. This evolution in training reflects the Spurs’ aim to contend for playoff spots for the first time since 2019.
Champagnie’s Role Moving Forward
As he prepares for the season opener against the Dallas Mavericks on October 22, Champagnie remains focused on contributing as a leader. He acknowledges the shared responsibility among teammates in achieving success. “We’re figuring out all the kinks,” he remarked, anticipating a promising start for the Spurs.
His success and mindset as a “spacer” enable teammates to excel. Vassell highlighted the importance of having multiple shooters to avoid defensive overwhelm. Champagnie’s confidence and skills will be vital for the Spurs as they embark on the new season.
