NEW YORK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 27: Acting head coach Mitchell Johnson of the San Antonio Spurs … [+]
The San Antonio Spurs usually draw headlines for having Victor Wembanyama on its roster which – let’s be honest – is probably fair.
However, another young veteran on the Spurs is also making some moves.
Julian Champagnie has 26 out of 31 games this season, primarily as a replacement for the then-injured Devin Vassell, who’s now back in the lineup.
Champagnie fared well as a starter, and remains an important piece now off the bench, as he’s averaged 11.8 points since reverting back to being Vassell’s backup.
The 23-year-old Champagnie has a simple, yet effective, game that relies primarily on his long-range shooting (37.3% on 7.3 attempts) which is a shot that’s fired quickly off his 6’8 frame.
The swingman has also become a better rebounder this season, and taken a defensive step in the right direction. He’s usually been seen as a bit of an afterthought, but has grown into an integral part San Antonio’s rotation.
His fit with Wembanyama is that of a floor-spacing presence, who assists the 7’4 superstar in optimizing the floor. It’s important to note Champagnie’s role specifically next to the Frenchman, as every roster decision moving forward will be with Wembanyama in mind. For now, Champagnie seems like a safe bet to be retained.
Of course, there are contractual reasons for that as well. Champagnie is arguably on one of the most team-friendly deals in the league, earning an even $3 million this season, next season, and the season after that, the latter of which is a team option.
It’s almost at the point where the Spurs will need to initiate extension talks with Champagnie after the conclusion of this season, when he’s eligible for one.
Fortunately, the Spurs can give the three-year vet a substantial pay increase, as they can offer him an extension that’s worth up to 140% of the league’s average salary.
It’ll be interesting to see how Champagnie’s value is viewed by the Spurs, as well as with teams around the league. But given that he’s just 23, and gets notably better every single season, it’d be surprising if teams haven’t caught on to that fact.
San Antonio remains in the driver’s seat to retain him, however. And for as long he’s willing to stay, the two parties have every reason to find common ground.
Unless noted otherwise, all stats via NBA.com, PBPStats, Cleaning the Glass or Basketball-Reference. All salary information via Spotrac. All odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook.
