Spurs' championship hopes ride on the one thing Julian Champagnie can control

If it wasn't already obvious to San Antonio Spurs fans, forward Julian Champagnie is a keeper. He's thrived in whatever role he's been asked to play this season.

Better still, he has given the Silver and Black a reliable option on both ends of the floor. That has made coach Mitch Johnson's decision to start Champagnie over Harrison Barnes a wise one.

To his credit, Barnes is having the better shooting season. However, Champagnie is the better all-around player and having a much bigger impact on San Antonio's success.

Even so, he can't shake comparison to former Spur Danny Green. Champagnie isn't exactly the same player type, however. Unlike Green, Champagnie has the ability to put the ball on the floor and attack the basket off the dribble.

He isn't as good as, say, Stephon Castle or Dylan Harper in that regard, but he is a capable straight-line driver. That helps him get easier shots in the paint when his shot isn't falling or teams aggressively close out.

Julian Champagnie can't be a one-trick pony in the playoffs

Champagnie being less reliant on 3-point shooting is a major plus, making him more dependable as a scorer. Particularly with him being able to draw free throws at a surprising rate.

Attempting nearly two free throws per game, even though most of his shots are jumpers, is a skill that Green never had. That unusual quirk to his game has helped him maintain a level of consistency.

Even when his shot isn't falling. Against the Detroit Pistons and L.A. Clippers, he got to the free throw line seven times, and five times respectively.

When it's all clicking for Champagnie—hitting threes, attacking closeouts, and drawing free throws—he can lift the Spurs' offense. In fact, he scored 17 points in the third quarter in their 25-point comeback against the Clippers.

If that weren't enough, in his last eight games, he's averaged 14.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, and shooting a ridiculous 53.8% from three on an average of 6.5 attempts.

Julian Champagnie is quickly becoming indispensable to the Spurs

Offense isn't the only area he can change the game for San Antonio. He is a versatile defender who can defend guards and wings.

Yes, Green was better in that regard. Nevertheless, Champagnie is still solid on that end, and his length and size allow him to credibly play power forward.

His rebounding is also a huge plus, helping San Antonio play small without getting worked on the boards.

All of those aforementioned skills are what make him crucial to San Antonio's success. And, for them to be at their best in the playoffs, they need Champagnie to be more than just a shooter.