Julian Champagnie Carves Unique Path After Following Twin Brother

Julian Champagnie has steadily carved his own path in the NBA, separate from his twin brother, Justin. This journey began when Julian faced the challenges of a global pandemic, ultimately leading him to find his identity as a player. In an inspiring tale, he has transformed adversity into success on the basketball court.

Early Life and College Journey

Born and raised in Brooklyn, Julian and Justin Champagnie have always shared a close bond. After attending high school together, Justin pursued a scholarship at the University of Pittsburgh, while Julian chose St. John’s University. This marked a significant moment for both as they had never been apart.

COVID-19: A Time for Growth

In the spring of 2020, during COVID-19 lockdowns, Julian yearned for the practice court at St. John’s. This desire led him to sneak into the gym, showcasing his determination. He was seeking time to develop his skills, aiming to grow both as an athlete and a person.

During this difficult period, Julian took the opportunity to reevaluate his goals. “COVID was the best time of my life,” he remarked, as it allowed him to focus on what he wanted to achieve.

Professional Career Development

After a solid college career, Julian went undrafted in the 2022 NBA Draft. He initially signed a two-way contract with the Philadelphia 76ers. His G League performance was promising, where he averaged 21.9 points in 14 games with the Delaware Blue Coats. However, he was cut shortly thereafter.

A Move to San Antonio

After being waived, Julian returned to New York to regroup with Justin, who had also faced his own setbacks. Just days later, Julian received a call from the San Antonio Spurs, who offered him a chance to prove himself again.

“I have 18 games to show Philadelphia they were wrong,” Julian stated, fueling his determination. With encouragement from teammates like Keldon Johnson, he quickly found his footing in San Antonio.

Current Performance and Future Prospects

Julian has established himself as a key player for the San Antonio Spurs. Playing as the primary 3-and-D option, he has achieved career highs, averaging 11.7 points and 6.2 rebounds this season. With the possibility of a contract extension looming, his future in the NBA looks promising.

Brotherly Competition

• Justin signed with the Washington Wizards in 2024.
• Both brothers faced each other in an exciting game on February 10, 2025.
• Julian scored six points, while Justin finished with 14 in that matchup.

Despite the competitive nature of basketball, Julian and Justin remain supportive of each other’s careers. “It worked out the way it was supposed to work out,” Justin reflected, celebrating their respective achievements.

Conclusion

Julian Champagnie has successfully carved a unique path in the NBA, showcasing resilience, determination, and talent. As he continues to evolve alongside his twin brother, both are proving that with hard work and dedication, dreams can indeed become reality.