Waived NBA Player Now Starts in Finals for Spurs

When Julian Champagnie was waived by the Philadelphia 76ers in February 2023, he believed his NBA dream was over. The undrafted rookie had played just two games without scoring a single point before the team released him to make roster space for a dunk contest performer.

"Back then, being 22, I thought it was over," Champagnie admitted after leading the San Antonio Spurs past the defending champion Thunder in Game 7. "Getting waived with no warning, no explanation or anything—it was tough for a 22-year-old kid who was just trying to chase his dreams."

But Champagnie refused to give up. Within days of his release, he signed with San Antonio and made a decision that would change everything.

"I put my head down and said, 'Make it work,'" he explained. "Whatever they need you to do, make it work and just find that spot on the team."

That determination paid off spectacularly on Saturday night. Champagnie knocked down six three-pointers and scored 20 points in the biggest game of his career, helping San Antonio close out a road Game 7 victory with a 111-103 win.

His journey from G League hopeful to Finals starter wasn't smooth. After earning 59 starts in his first full season with the Spurs, Champagnie bounced in and out of the starting lineup this year as injuries and returns shuffled the rotation.

Everything changed in January. When Coach Mitch Johnson needed stability in his starting five, he turned to Champagnie, who held the spot for the final 50 regular season games. San Antonio went 39-11 during that stretch, including an undefeated February.

Why This Inspires

Champagnie's transformation shows what perseverance looks like when the odds feel impossible. He could have walked away when Philadelphia gave up on him after two scoreless games, but he chose to believe his story wasn't finished.

His impact goes beyond the stat sheet. Johnson praised him as an "unsung hero" who contributes even when shots aren't falling, providing crucial rebounds, spacing, and defense that allow stars like Victor Wembanyama to thrive.

"Julian has been phenomenal," Johnson said. "He's had games where he's missed shots and he's had double-digit rebounds. His spacing causes gravity whether he makes shots or not."

Now Champagnie will start in the NBA Finals alongside De'Aaron Fox, Devin Vassell, Stephon Castle, and Wembanyama. The kid who thought his career ended at 22 is living proof that one setback doesn't define your future.

Sometimes the best chapters begin right after we think the story is over.