Julian Champagnie was supposed to join a role in the Spurs’ rotation this term, but he took things a step further. Champagnie has earned a starting role, contributing on both ends of the court. This role has been significant for a San Antonio Spurs team that is 11-9 ahead of the quarter mark of the 2024-25 campaign.
The third-year forward has even bigger shoes to fill due to Keldon Johnson and Devin Vassell being absent with injury. As these players recover, Champagnie’s solid play has scored him a regular role in the rotation after he averaged only 19.8 minutes per match last year.
This season, Champagnie is recording a career-high 29.5 minutes per match, He is averaging 12.0 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.0 steals and starting in all of San Antonio’s 20 fixtures. The forward also shoots with confidence (43.6 FG%), an upgrade compared to the 40.8% mark he made in 2023-24.
Spurs’ interim coach Mitch Johnson appears to like what Champagnie has to offer on both sides of the court. Furthermore, him in the lineup balances out the squad, as it creates space for Vassell and Johnson to ease back in. His length is a defensive weapon which will allow the Spurs to launch an aggressive defense with a lineup that has him, Stephon Castle, Harrison Banes, and Victor Wembanyama.
