Inside The Spurs

Spurs Sign Julian Champagnie; What's Next?

Julian Champagnie is staying with the San Antonio Spurs after signing a new deal.

Matt Guzman

Spurs Sign Julian Champagnie; What's Next?
Spurs Sign Julian Champagnie; What's Next? /
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The San Antonio Spurs are keeping one of their free agents.

According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, Julian Champagnie has signed a contract to stay with the Spurs.

The 6-7 St. John's product has quickly made himself known on the floor, bringing an elite playmaking ability on offense that has made him a fan favorite in his first season. But there is a catch, however.

Champagnie did so in just 15 games with the team.

"Over time, you get more comfortable [on the court]," the rookie said following the Spurs' final game in Austin. "Eventually, you start to mix in parts of your game and it all comes together."

The 21-year-old was drafted by the 76ers, but wasn't truly acclimated to the team after being sent to the G League. After a few months, Champagnie was waived and claimed off waivers by San Antonio, officially beginning the rookie's next chapter.  

And in his short time with the Spurs, Champagnie averaged 11 points and four rebounds on close to 50 percent shooting, the main reason for his top-five mark in efficiency on the roster.

Champagnie's career high came against the Portland Trail Blazers during San Antonio's first game in Austin, where he showed off just about every aspect of his game at once during his team's victory. 

"There's only one way to really learn the game," Champagnie said. "You've just got to be thrown out there and play, and that's what [the Spurs] have been giving me."

Spurs coach Gregg Popovich praised the young player for what he brings to the team in terms of size and skillset, adding that the team has been impressed with him so far this season. 

One word that has seemingly followed Champagnie throughout his first season has been "comfortable," which has already gone a long way in San Antonio after being unable to achieve it with the 76ers.

That was San Antonio's goal in signing him to join the rest of its young core, and another testament to this year's emphasis on player development. And with a long career ahead of him, Champagnie's time with the Spurs is likely just beginning.

"I was looking for an opportunity when I entered the NBA draft," he said. "I'm getting one now ... and I'll take what I can get."

Now, Champagnie has the chance to continue his opportunity with the Spurs.

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Matt Guzman
MATT GUZMAN

Matt Guzman is a sports journalist and storyteller from Austin, Texas. He serves as a credentialed reporter and site manager for San Antonio Spurs On SI and a staff writer for multiple collegiate sites in the same network. In the world of professional sports, he is a firm believer that athletes are people, too, and intends to tell stories of players and teams’ true, behind-the-scenes character that otherwise would not be seen through strong narrative writing, hooking ledes and passionate words.

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