Back in the days when the Philadelphia 76ers were under the guidance of veteran head coach Doc Rivers, the team leaned heavily on their seasoned stars. Joel Embiid and James Harden were the cornerstones, with Tobias Harris playing a key supporting role.
Meanwhile, Tyrese Maxey was just beginning to show his potential. This reliance on experience often led the front office to favor established players over emerging talent.
One player who slipped through their fingers was Julian Champagnie. After going undrafted in the 2022 NBA Draft, the 76ers brought in the standout from St.
John's. However, he spent most of his rookie year in the G-League, making only two appearances for the Sixers.
With limited opportunities for playing time, the team waived him in February 2023.
Enter the San Antonio Spurs, who were in the midst of a rebuild and eyeing the potential of landing Victor Wembanyama (spoiler: they did). They picked up Champagnie, and he has since blossomed into a crucial piece for their young, competitive squad. In San Antonio, he's become a standout player.
Reflecting on Champagnie's journey, it's clear the 76ers missed an opportunity. While hindsight is always 20-20, Philadelphia might have underestimated how well Champagnie's skills would translate to the NBA once he got the chance to shine. Now, at 24, he's proving to be a game-changer for a winning team.
The Spurs boast a 55-18 record, sitting second in the West and league-wide, trailing only the defending champions. With Wembanyama and a talented young roster, they're poised for a decade of dominance.
Champagnie has been instrumental in this rise. Promoted to the starting lineup, he's embraced the role of a three-and-D specialist, nailing tough threes and defending multiple positions with ease. Plus, he's a bargain, locked into a team-friendly deal through next season.
Philadelphia could certainly use a player like Champagnie. He's a composed shooter, a reliable defender, and his rebounding has been a pleasant surprise. There's still room for growth, particularly in his off-the-dribble game, which has shown improvement.
While the 76ers have made bigger missteps, letting Champagnie go without a fair shot will be a lasting reminder of the misjudgments during the Doc Rivers era. Champagnie continues to prove them wrong, showcasing the talent they overlooked.