Nick Nurse Provides His Evaluation of Former Raptor and Newest Celtic, Justin Champagnie

Justin Champagnie averaged 18.2 points and eight rebounds with the Sioux Falls Skyforce, the G League affiliate of the Miami Heat, this season.

Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports

Friday, the Celtics officially announced the signing of Justin Champagnie, who fills their last vacant roster spot. Shams Charania of The Athletic first reported the move on Monday.

Pronounced "Sham-Penny," the 6-foot-6 forward began his NBA career with the Raptors, producing 2.2 points and 1.9 rebounds while logging 7.5 minutes per game during his two seasons in Toronto.

After Friday morning's shootaround, Champagnie, who the Raptors waived in December, shared he "was on the plane going back to South Dakota, and my agent called me and told me there was a possibility (the Celtics) would sign me. I was just really excited, getting an opportunity to get back on the NBA floor and help any way I can."

The former Pittsburgh Panther, who got named to the 2020-21 All-ACC First Team, becoming the school's first player to earn First Team All-ACC honors, also conveyed that he had a pre-draft workout with Boston in 2021.

Celtics' president of basketball operations told Champagnie upon his joining the defending Eastern Conference champions that he monitored him since he starred at Pittsburgh.

"That's always good to hear, knowing I'm in people's thoughts," said Champagnie.

He also stated the following about what he's focused on in his second NBA season.

"Finding my niche, whether it be learning how to get around bigger guys for rebounds or learning how to get my shot off faster ... my playmaking, stuff like that. I'm trying to become more of an all-around player rather than limit myself to 1 thing."

Champagnie's Boston debut happens to be against his former team. And during Nick Nurse's pregame media availability, he expressed the following about the Celtics' newest addition.

"Probably his biggest strength was his rebounding per position or by position. At both ends, he has an uncanny knack for the ball … happy for him. Great dude. Put in a lot of work."

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