Inside The Spurs

Spurs Training Camp: Will Julian Champagnie Start In Place of Devin Vassell?

The San Antonio Spurs haven't yet made a decision about who will start with Devin Vassell missing the beginning of the season, but Julian Champagnie is certainly in the running.

Scott Salomon

Apr 9, 2024; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich (left) talks with forward Julian Champagnie (30) during the first half against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum.
Apr 9, 2024; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich (left) talks with forward Julian Champagnie (30) during the first half against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. / Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
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It was announced Wednesday that San Antonio Spurs shooting guard Devin Vassell would miss the early part of the season due to a foot injury, which is expected to sideline him until early November.

What was not announced, however, was who was going to take his place in the Spurs starting lineup.

With training camp taking place this week, the Spurs are going to have to figure it out. In a hurry. One candidate is Julian Champagnie, who started 33 games last season.

If it is to be him, though, no one told him.

"I don't know how that's gonna go," the forward said. "I really don't spend my time thinking about that one. Obviously, he won't be starting in the beginning of the season, so the minutes will be there."

San Antonio Spurs forward Julian Champagnie (30) reacts after a play in the third quarter against the Denver Nuggets.
Apr 2, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Julian Champagnie (30) reacts after a play in the third quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. / Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

Malaki Branham is another candidate to start in Vassell's place, but he has been inconsistent during his career in San Antonio. Keldon Johnson is also a possibility. He is a better shooter than Branham and has the experience that coach Gregg Popovich likes to have in his lineups.

However, the question goes back to Champagnie.

READ MORE: With Devin Vassell Out, Who Starts for San Antonio?

It looks more and more like he could earn the starting nod.

"If I do, hooray," he said. "If I don't, hooray. It doesn't really matter to me. It's a blow because Devin is Devin. He's one of our main guys. But, like coach says, it's next man up.

"We have to figure it out. He will be back."

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Scott Salomon
SCOTT SALOMON

Scott Salomon joined On SI in April 2024 covering breaking news and analysis for the Miami Dolphins site, and has since contributed to the Miami Heat, Back in the Day NBA, Miami Hurricanes and San Antonio Spurs sites. Scott is based in South Florida and has been covering the local and national sports scene for 35 years. He's covered and has been credentialed for the Super Bowl, the NFL Combine, various Orange Bowls and college football championship games. Scott was also credentialed for the NBA All-Star game and covered the Miami Heat during their first six seasons for USA TODAY. Scott is a graduate of the University of Miami School of Communication and the St. Thomas University School of Law. Scott has two sons and his hobbies include watching sports on television and binge watching shows on various streaming services.

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