Written by Rhea Alison, Sports reporter, covering international sports since 2020.
Julian Champagnie has become one of the biggest stories of the NBA Playoffs after helping the San Antonio Spurs secure a crucial Game 7 victory in the Western Conference Finals on Saturday night. While Victor Wembanyama remains the face of the franchise, Champagnie delivered another standout performance when it mattered most, scoring 20 points and knocking down five of his first six three-point attempts. His contribution helped push San Antonio one step closer to an NBA championship and highlighted the remarkable rise of a player who entered the league without being selected in the NBA Draft.
From Undrafted Prospect to Key Spurs Contributor
Champagnie's basketball journey began in New York, where he grew up on Staten Island and attended Bishop Loughlin High School in Brooklyn. Despite becoming one of the top players at St. John's University, he was overlooked during the 2022 NBA Draft.
The Philadelphia 76ers signed him to a two-way contract shortly after the draft, but his opportunity there was limited. He appeared in only two NBA games before being waived.
San Antonio quickly picked him up during a rebuilding period. At the time, the Spurs were focused on developing young talent rather than chasing playoff success. Champagnie took advantage of every opportunity and gradually earned a permanent role in the rotation.
Breakout Playoff Performance
The Western Conference Finals showcased why Champagnie has become such an important piece of San Antonio's roster. Fans inside the arena erupted each time he connected from beyond the arc early in Game 7, helping the Spurs build momentum in a high-pressure environment.
His ability to stretch defenses, move without the ball, and provide reliable scoring has made him a valuable complement to Wembanyama and the Spurs' young core.
Champagnie finished the 2025-26 regular season averaging career highs of 11.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game while appearing in all 82 contests for the second straight year. His durability and consistent shooting have helped transform him from a developmental player into a trusted starter.
College Career at St. John's
Champagnie spent three seasons at St. John's University under coach Mike Anderson. He averaged nearly 20 points per game during both his sophomore and junior seasons and established himself as one of the top scorers in the Big East Conference.
Although St. John's did not reach the NCAA Tournament during his tenure, his offensive production consistently attracted attention from NBA scouts.
A Family Connection in the NBA
Basketball talent runs in the Champagnie family. Julian's twin brother, Justin Champagnie, is also an NBA player and currently plays for the Washington Wizards.
While Julian attended St. John's, Justin starred at Pittsburgh before entering the NBA. Both brothers went undrafted but have successfully built professional careers through persistence and development.
Why Champagnie's Story Matters
Champagnie's rise serves as a reminder that NBA success is not limited to lottery picks and highly publicized prospects. His path from undrafted free agent to playoff difference-maker reflects years of steady improvement and determination.
As the Spurs continue their championship pursuit, Champagnie's impact could prove just as important as that of the team's more celebrated stars.
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External Source: Official NBA Website for player statistics, schedules, and playoff updates.
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