Julian Champagnie heist looks better than ever after pushing Spurs to the NBA Finals

Julian Champagnie has been one of the biggest heroes for the Spurs throughout the 2026 playoffs. Last night, he had a major shining moment, finishing with 20 points and a game-high +16 plus/minus as San Antonio defeated the Thunder to advance to the NBA Finals.

He also joined Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson as the only players in NBA history to drill six or more threes in a Conference Finals Game 7. Pretty good company, eh?

Champagnie’s legendary Game 7 performance serves as a final punch in the face of Daryl Morey and the 76ers, who gave up on him way too early. Regret had certainly already sunk in for Morey and company, but now they should be kicking themselves harder than ever.

The 76ers were foolish to quit on Julian Champagnie

Spurs fans all know this story by now, but it gets crazier every time it’s retold, with how important Champagnie has become. The St. John’s product went undrafted in 2022 but landed with Philadelphia on a two-way contract to begin his career. He played just two games for the Sixers before he was waived on Valentine’s Day in 2023. The Spurs claimed him off waivers two days later, and the rest is history.

Julian was asked about getting cut by Philly after Game 7 last night. His response: “I thought it was over. I ain’t gonna lie to you. I was always told how small the window is to get your foot in the league and make a career for yourself… getting waived with no warning, no nothing… it was tough.”

But San Antonio took a chance on the kid, gave him a fair shot to prove himself, and he’s rewarded them handsomely. Champagnie looked like a steal right away, averaging 20.0 points in April of his rookie year with the Spurs, and he’s done nothing but get better and better since.

The 76ers, who ranked 23rd in 3P% and 21st in 3PA this season, could really use a player like Champagnie. You can never have too many versatile wings in today’s NBA, but Morey dropped him like litter in favor of one of the most gimmicky players in league history, Mac McClung (sorry for the stray, Mr. McClung). Ouch.

Daryl Morey was fired recently, and mistakes like giving up on Champagnie, Oklahoma City’s Jared McCain, and Detroit’s Paul Reed too soon definitely played a factor. It’s safe to say Champagnie will be living in the polarizing GM’s mind rent-free for a long time.

The Spurs are reaping the benefits of rescuing Champagnie

“There’s no better place that I could be, honestly and truly,” Champagnie said about San Antonio in the aforementioned press conference. The marriage between him and this team has been incredible; they’ve helped each other reach heights that wouldn’t have been possible before they joined forces.

For Champagnie, he’s found a home, a team that values him and his game and puts him in position to thrive. For the Spurs, they’ve found a rotation player they can trust in even the highest pressure moments, a clear long-term running mate for Victor Wembanyama, Stephon Castle, and Dylan Harper.

Julian Champagnie, simply put, is a fantastic player. Here’s hoping we’ll watch him win a ring with the Silver and Black.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow