A dominant G League force could follow Julian Champagnie’s blueprint to a standard roster spot as San Antonio weighs elevating the versatile two-way standout for their final opening.
Before the Victor Wembanyama era officially began in the summer of 2023, the San Antonio Spurs were one of the worst teams in basketball.
Their roster wasn't all that talented — far from where it stands today. That reality allowed the franchise to take risks on young players who could eventually help once it was time to compete.
San Antonio eventually found Julian Champagnie on a two-way contract. Three years later, the former St. John's star owns the Spurs' single-season (195) and single-game (11) records for three-pointers made.
Just months after the franchise rewarded Champagnie with a three-year, $45 million extension, San Antonio could soon be feeling a sense of déjà vu.
Ironically, another former Johnnie and Big East standout now finds himself in a situation similar to the one Champagnie once faced.
It's David Jones-Garcia.
The Spurs currently only have 14 players on standard contracts, meaning Jones-Garcia could technically be elevated from his two-way spot to San Antonio's lone roster opening.
Jones-Garcia has yet to land a standard NBA contract since his arrival in the league in 2024, but consistent dominance in the G League may eventually change that.
The 24-year-old has averaged at least 24 points per game in both of his G League campaigns. He's a career 47 percent scorer and boasts a do-it-all skillset that allows Jones-Garcia to display his ability beyond putting the ball in the hoop.
He can rebound, he can pass, he can defend ... and obviously, he can score. What's not to like?
While his G League success has yet to translate to the NBA, Jones-Garcia's sample size in that regard doesn't reflect who he is as a player.
He's appeared in just 11 regular-season games, and despite his capabilities, Jones-Garcia has tallied over five points just twice.
But each performance was encouraging.
In a Nov. 20 victory over the Atlanta Hawks, Jones-Garcia poured in 12 points on 5-of-7 shooting to go along with six assists, five rebounds, three steals and one block in just 19 minutes of action. Talk about versatility.
Jones-Garcia later received a 10-minute-long opportunity on Dec. 5 against the Cleveland Cavaliers, which saw the Dominican-native generate nine points and four assists.
Given the length of time Jones-Garcia played in each of these performances, the numbers are guady.
If he's ever able to consistently generate that kind of production, Jones-Garcia will absolutely be worth a look for a standard contract.
And if he shines in the preseason as he did with a 20-point, five-rebound, four-assist effort as he did last year, that elevation could come before the 2026-27 NBA regular season even commences.
