
From Waivers to the Finals: Julian Champagnie Emerges as San Antonio's Hidden Engine
Undrafted guard Julian Champagnie rose from a 2023 waiver to anchor San Antonio’s rotation, starting 50 regular-season games and all 18 playoff games as the Spurs push toward the Finals. Highlighted by a 20-point Game 7 against the Thunder, his floor-spreading defense and timely baskets helped unlock Victor Wembanyama and fuel a fast, playoff-ready Spurs lineup, earning coach Mitch Johnson’s label as the team’s “unsung hero.”






