The Philadelphia 76ers signed Julian Champagnie as an undrafted free agent in 2022 and waived him the following February after just two regular season games (he logged one steal in just six total minutes). Normally, this wouldn't be much of anything, but Champagnie has since turned into a legitimate asset elsewhere and is playing a notable role for the San Antonio Spurs, who currently own the No. 2 seed in the West.
In 68 games (including 54 starts), the Brooklyn native has averaged 11.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.5 assists while shooting 43.2% from the field and 38.2% from deep.
Champagnie is in the midst of a career year and still has some real upside at just 24 years old. And in a recent episode of the "Game Theory" podcast, Sam Vecenie of The Athletic pointed out that Philadelphia would love to have a guy like him on the roster.
"I can't speak highly enough of Julian Champagnie and what he's become. Undrafted player turning into what Julian Champagnie has become is such a credit to him and such a credit to the Spurs organization as well to identify him. I think that his first organization was Philly, maybe, if memory serves, originally," Vecenie said.
"That would've been a big win for Philly, too, to have him right now."
Julian Champagnie would be a great on the 76ers
Champagnie isn't an All-Star or anything like that, but he knows how to play his role. And he knows how to play it well.
He has turned into a fantastic three-point shooter, particularly on catch-and-shoot attempts, while also providing some value as an improved defender, rebounder, and playmaker. Plus, his four-year, $12 million contract is not only extremely team-friendly, but it has a case to be the best value deal in the NBA currently.
According to NBA.com, the 76ers are currently shooting 34.8% from beyond the arc this season, which ranks as the ninth-worst in the league. Having Champagnie, who can help space the floor and hit shots of his own, would greatly elevate this area of their game. And not to mention that his ability to provide value in just about every area would allow him to complement everybody else around him on the roster.
Plus, pairing him alongside someone like Tyrese Maxey, who is exceptional at getting to the rim, would open up a new dynamic of Philadelphia's offense.
While the Spurs are flourishing and look like a clear-cut title contender, the 76ers are currently 37-31 and holding on to a postseason spot as the No. 9 seed in the East. Is Champagnie the reason for this? Of course not. But he is playing some fantastic basketball in San Antonio while his old team likely wishes they had kept him around.