Beyond Wembanyama, Champagnie’s consistent two-way play and efficient scoring make him a vital, undervalued contributor for the Spurs.
While most of the national conversation around the San Antonio Spurs centers on their rising star Victor Wembanyama, another player has quietly become one of the most underrated contributors on the roster.
In a recent article by Bleacher Report's Greg Swartz, he picks who he thinks is the most underrated player on every NBA team. And for the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference, he thinks that player is Julian Champagnie.
The 24-year-old's story this season has been about opportunity meeting efficiency. Entering the year without the spotlight that typically follows top scorers or high-draft picks, he’s seized his place in the rotation and proved himself as more than just a role player. Through his consistent two-way play, he’s become a key piece for a Spurs squad that’s trying to blend young talent with a winning identity.
In 41 starts so far this season for San Antonio, Champagnie has delivered solid numbers that reflect his all-around game — averaging 12.2 points and 6.3 rebounds per contest while spacing the floor with a respectable three-point shot. Beyond the box score, his presence has helped the Spurs stay competitive on both ends of the floor, bringing defensive versatility and reliable shooting in lineup configurations that often rotate around Wembanyama and other ball-dominant stars.
What makes Champagnie particularly intriguing is his value relative to cost. Playing on a modest contract (around $3 million this season and next), he’s become one of the NBA’s best bargains — a player whose production far outweighs what he’s being paid. That’s the kind of asset every team covets, but few actually have.
For Spurs fans, Champagnie represents the best of what San Antonio’s development pipeline has to offer: a hard-working, unheralded performer who earns minutes through effort and impact rather than reputation.
In an NBA that often fixates on star names and highlight reels, reliable contributors like Champagnie don’t always get their due. But those who watch Spurs basketball closely know just how valuable he’s been.
As the season progresses, expect his role — and his respect — to continue growing. In a Spurs lineup that values balance and depth, Julian Champagnie is a reminder that sometimes the most impactful players aren’t the loudest — they’re the ones quietly doing the job every night.