Julian Champagnie’s Journey from G League to NBA Stardom

CEDAR PARK, Texas — On a chilly November evening, Julian Champagnie, who has become an essential player for the San Antonio Spurs, took a moment to reflect on his journey from the G League to the NBA. Sitting courtside at the H-E-B Center during an Austin Spurs game against the Texas Legends, he watched his former teammates navigate the challenges he once faced. Champagnie now plays approximately 30 minutes a game for the Spurs but returned to show support and lend his celebrity to the team.

“He’s lived this,” said Austin Spurs head coach Scott King. “He started in the G League, embraced a role and now stars in that role. He’s doing all the little things that impact winning. It’s great for him to come support us.”

As he observed the game, multiple players from the Spurs had yet to be called up to the NBA, demonstrating the common path so many aspiring players follow. This camaraderie was not lost on the players, particularly David Duke Jr., who remarked, “He’s a great dude. A great teammate. Everyone loves to be around him.”

Champagnie, who had once sat in their place, felt a sense of duty to encourage his peers. Having made it to the NBA, he understood the struggles they faced and wanted to help instill hope. His path to professional basketball was a winding road, one that began with uncertainty at St. John’s University in Queens, New York, where he was merely a talented player without dreams of the NBA.

“It’s 450 guys out of literally billions of people in the world,” Champagnie recalled. “I wasn’t really thinking about the NBA.”

Expectations shifted, however, when the basketball landscape began to change for the young athlete. Champagnie became the first recruit of head coach Mike Anderson at St. John’s, and his college experience became the springboard for his professional career. His college assistant coach, Van Macon, remembered a pivotal moment: “Julian was thinking about going to prep school, so we tried to convince him it would be better to start his career with us.”

Choosing to stay close to home was a decision that proved beneficial. Champagnie excelled, eventually growing as a player and person. He expressed, “My dream was always just to get to college, free education,” reflecting on the unique trajectory he had taken. The hard work became a beacon of hope for his friends and younger teammates.

During Julian’s freshman year, coaches began to scout him for his potential NBA prospects. Initially hesitant, he grew into his role at the university and soon proved himself with impressive performances. By his second season, he began to average over 19 points per game. “He kept shooting,” recalled T.J. Cleveland, another assistant coach. “A few misses didn’t bother him.”

Julian’s journey to the NBA was not without difficulties, culminating in a frustrating moment when he went undrafted after three seasons at St. John’s. “I didn’t think it was going to happen to me,” he reflected on the experience, accepting the setback with resilience. However, it was just the beginning; a day later, he signed a two-way contract with the Philadelphia 76ers.

“I just took the opportunity when it came and went with it,” he said, demonstrating his determination. Champagnie made noteworthy strides but was waived mid-season. On Valentine’s Day 2024, in the face of adversity, he dedicated himself to moving forward, focusing on his future.

That evening presented an unexpected twist when his twin brother, Justin Champagnie, informed him that the San Antonio Spurs were interested in him. “Your time off is done,” Justin said, marking the beginning of Julian’s second chance.

“It was pretty cool just to get to experience that, and see that (my work) paid off,” said Julian, recalling how he joined the Spurs. He quickly made a name for himself, becoming a respected and crucial part of the roster.

As his skillset developed under head coach Gregg Popovich, the Spurs recognized Julian for his shooting ability. “You have a niche,” Popovich told him. “You can shoot the basketball, which makes you valuable. But you’ve got to work on defense and become a complete NBA player.” Julian’s dedication proved essential, as he maintained an impressive shooting percentage and solidified his position on the team.

Off the court, Julian has also embraced giving back to the San Antonio community alongside his teammates, participating in various outreach programs, including the Elf Louise Christmas Project where he helped distribute gifts to families during the holidays alongside Spurs star Victor Wembanyama.

“I find that kind of stuff fun, giving back to the community,” he said. Julián’s involvement reaffirms the Spurs’ commitment to social responsibility and underscores the importance of team culture.

As the Spurs embark on the current season, Julian’s continuous growth and transformation into a well-rounded player reflects his perseverance and dedication. He is focused on ensuring that his shooting ability remains a vital facet of his game while fostering camaraderie with teammates. With each game, Julian Champagnie embraces the opportunity to solidify his role as a key player for the Spurs, proving that hard work and confidence can pave the way to success in the highly competitive world of professional basketball.