3 Spurs who are franchise building blocks, 4 that should be cut loose

Expendable: Julian Champagnie

Champagnie went undrafted in 2022 after three years at St. John’s. He signed a two-way contract with the 76ers before being waived in mid-February. The Spurs claimed him because 6’8 wings capable of spacing the floor are not easy to find.

In his first full season in San Antonio, Champagnie started the fourth-most games but averaged the eighth-most minutes. He produced just 6.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in 19.8 minutes per contest. The 22-year-old had a 0.0 value over replacement player (VORP) and was significantly below average in win shares per 48.

The Spurs must upgrade on the wing. Champagnie is set to make $3 million per year for each of the next three seasons. It is a bargain, so there is no rush to dump him. San Antonio cannot be starting the 6’8 wing and playing him massive minutes. Champagnie should be a 15 to 20-minute per night reserve.

The Spurs must add starting caliber options at point guard and on the wing if they want to contend. They have their superstar, but the talent around him must be better. San Antonio has draft capital and young talent to trade. There is no reason to wait. Wemby is already elite and will only improve, so try to win now.