Former Raptors Prospect Inks New Deal With Wizards
Justin Champagnie is getting another shot.
The former Toronto Raptors forward has inked a 10-day contract to join the Washington Wizards, according to Shams Charania. It’ll be Champagnie’s first NBA opportunity this year after appearing in five games last season with the Raptors and Boston Celtics.
Champagnie spent parts of two seasons in Toronto, at times cracking the rotation as a promising rookie for the Raptors. He appeared in 36 games for Toronto in 2021-22 after going undrafted in 2021. At times, he looked like a bench player who could bring some rebounding and wing depth to the organization.
Injuries derailed his sophomore season, though, and eventually lead to Champagnie being waived by Toronto last season.
Champagnie has been stellar with the Sioux Falls Skyforce this season, averaging 23 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game. His three-point shot, however, hasn’t come around since shooting 40.9 as a first-year player with the Raptors 905.
In Washington, Champagnie should get an opportunity to see the court on one of the league’s worst teams. The Wizards are amid a rebuilding era and are giving playing time to some younger developmental players this season.
Save for Scottie Barnes, Toronto no longer has anyone else from its 2021 draft class still on the roster. Champagnie was brought in alongside Dalano Banton and David Johnson. Banton now plays for the Portland Trail Blazers while Johnson is a member of the Memphis Hustle.
Toronto still has one vacant roster spot available to sign a 10-day player to join DJ Carton who signed with the Raptors on Wednesday.