After a beatdown that sent them crashing back to Earth, the Philadelphia 76ers face another tall task as they are on deck for a matchup with the San Antonio Spurs, the second-best team in the West (and really, in the league). This contest will also “reunite” them with former cager Julian Champagnie, who was once a part of their roster three years ago.
Suffice to say that Champagnie will be eager to play with extra motivation against his former team, though. After all, the 76ers did cut him in his rookie year, and there is probably some baggage there. Recently, after their loss to the Nuggets, the young forward was asked about his progression, even saying that he was grateful that Philly cut him back in 2023.
”I’m super grateful for my whole journey, I wouldn’t change it, I wouldn’t have it no other way. I’m happy I got cut, probably the best thing that could have happened for me.. so shoutout to Philly.”
Julian Champagnie lowkey disses the 76ers and the message hits a little too hard
After Philly cut him in February 2023, San Antonio found something in Champagnie and both camps just clicked. Now, the St. John’s alum has blossomed into a full-time starter for the upstart and surging Spurs, turning in a career year. In fact, he has just broken their franchise record for most three-pointers in a single season, which was previously held by Danny Green.
Champagnie feeling some jubilant sentiments for the 76ers is obviously a thing of sarcasm, but for this franchise, it is a reminder of what they used to be under the previous regime. Sure, there are still some remnants from that point in time (I mean, Daryl Morey), but gone are the days where this team was still hell-bent on getting the best veterans at the expense of developing young guys.
Still only 24, Champagnie has slowly expanded his game this season. He is shooting nearly 39 percent from three-point range on high volume while emerging as one of the better rebounders at this position. His defensive acuity has further increased, which has made him such a perfect complementary piece for Victor Wembanyama and San Antonio’s fleet of guards.
In hindsight, the 76ers should have never given up that easily on him. His game is simply far too ideal in the modern NBA that he will fit well on any team. But of course, there is no operative fact in this case. What is gone is already gone and there is no undoing that.
Hopefully, Julian Champagnie ends up being the final young piece the 76ers gave up on too soon.