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sports4h ago
How Julian Champagnie went from following his twin brother to finding his own career
- Julian Champagnie earned a rotation spot with the Spurs and posted career highs in points and rebounds this season.
- Popovich urged Champagnie to play with tenacity and be 'nasty' on defense to stay in the rotation.
- Champagnie connected with Keldon Johnson early, who encouraged him to shoot more to prove his fit.
- A tough midseason cut by the 76ers led Champagnie to Delaware, where he excelled before finding a fit with San Antonio.
- Julian and Justin Champagnie charted separate paths, later facing each other on the court for extended minutes.
- Julian Champagnie acknowledged the pandemic as a period of self-reflection that helped him grow.
- Champagnie’s growth coincided with the Spurs building around Wembanyama, needing shooters and defenders who can thrive off the ball.
- Champagnie’s performance earned him a path to a potential contract extension or free agency in 2026.
- Justin Champagnie joined the Wizards in 2024, carving a similar role to his brother.
- The brothers spent years supporting each other from afar before sharing the court in San Antonio.
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