Few stories in the NBA Finals are as compelling as that of Julian Champagnie. Just over two years ago, his dream felt shattered, waived by the Philadelphia 76ers and staring into an uncertain abyss. Now, he's not just playing; he's a vital, sharpshooting engine for the San Antonio Spurs on the game's biggest stage, a testament to belief, hard work, and the perfect organizational fit. The Spurs unearthed a gem, transforming a discarded talent into a championship-caliber contributor.
Key Takeaways:
- Julian Champagnie was waived by the 76ers in 2023, feeling his career was over.
- The San Antonio Spurs immediately recognized his potential, claiming him off waivers.
- He has developed into a crucial starter and sharpshooter, pivotal to the Spurs' NBA Finals run alongside Victor Wembanyama.
- The Brooklyn native returns to Madison Square Garden for Games 3 and 4 of the Finals, fulfilling a lifelong dream.
From the Brink to Big Moments
February 15, 2023. That date could have marked the end of Julian Champagnie's NBA journey. Waived by the Philadelphia 76ers without warning, the then 22-year-old was left questioning his future. "I thought it was over, I ain't going to lie to you," Champagnie confessed, acknowledging the brutal reality of the league's narrow window for opportunity.
However, the next day, a lifeline emerged. The San Antonio Spurs, known for their ability to find and develop overlooked talent, claimed Champagnie off waivers. It was a classic "one man gathers what another man spills" scenario, as the Spurs clearly saw potential where the 76ers did not. Champagnie, embracing the challenge, committed to making it work, whatever role they offered.
A Sharpshooter's Ascent in San Antonio
Since joining the Spurs, Champagnie's trajectory has been nothing short of remarkable. He has transformed into a key starter and contributor, becoming an indispensable piece of San Antonio's rise alongside generational talent Victor Wembanyama. His impact is undeniable in the playoffs, where he stands as the team's sixth-leading scorer, averaging 11.4 points and 5.9 rebounds per game, while shooting an impressive 45% from the field and 40.2% from three-point range.
His clutch performances have been instrumental in the Spurs' deep playoff push. In Game 6 of the Western Conference Finals, he delivered 10 points and a critical plus-24 rating in just 25 minutes. He followed that with a dominant 20-point outing in Game 7, sinking 6-for-10 from beyond the arc. The hot hand continued into Game 1 of the NBA Finals, where he chipped in 16 points on 5-for-10 shooting from downtown.
Popovich's Vision and Champagnie's Grind
The guidance from coaching legend Gregg Popovich was crucial in Champagnie's development. Popovich identified shooting as Champagnie's primary strength, but also challenged him to expand his game. "There were other areas of my game I had to work on – being more nasty, rebounding, playing defense, stuff like that," Champagnie recalled, highlighting the focus on becoming a complete player.
Assistant Coach Mitch Johnson echoed this sentiment after the Western Conference Finals, lauding Champagnie as "phenomenal." Johnson praised his consistent effort, noting his double-digit rebounding games even when shots weren't falling, and emphasized how his spacing creates offensive gravity. Beyond scoring, Champagnie's "integral part of our team defense, team rebounding" fuels the Spurs' fast-break offense, making him an "absolute unsung hero."
Homecoming Glory: Finals in the Big Apple
For the Brooklyn native, playing in the NBA Finals against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden is a dream realized. "That's every kid's dream," he shared, reflecting on his time at St. John's and the awe of playing in the historic arena. Returning to compete for a championship in his hometown is, for him, "no better feeling."
Champagnie credits his New York City playground basketball roots for instilling the grit and resilience now evident in his NBA game. The lessons learned – winning to stay on the court, enduring physical play, ignoring weak foul calls, and mastering trash talk – all translate to the demanding environment of professional basketball. The Spurs, currently down 2-0 in the series, will lean heavily on Champagnie's sharp-shooting as they head east, hoping his homecoming provides a spark.
Setting Records, Cementing a Legacy
Julian Champagnie has not only found his place but has etched his name into the San Antonio Spurs' record books. In the 2025-26 season, he set a single-season franchise record with 195 made three-pointers. Demonstrating his knack for big performances, he also broke the franchise single-game record by hitting 11 three-pointers against the New York Knicks on December 31st. His unwavering loyalty is clear: "I wouldn’t be who I am today without the Spurs organization. I give a lot of credit – really all the credit to them." Champagnie's journey is a powerful reminder that sometimes, the end of one chapter is merely the dramatic beginning of another.
