2. Julian Champagnie, San Antonio Spurs
Julian Champagnie came into the Summer League after recently signing a four-year / $12 million deal to stay with the San Antonio Spurs. This new contract might have fueled him, as Champagnie looked like a completely different player.
After averaging 15.5 points per game in the G League last season, Champagnie came into the California Classic Summer League red hot. Starting the Summer League with 30 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 steals in a win against the Charlotte Hornets, Champagnie went on a hot streak with a 28-point performance the next game against the Los Angeles Lakers.
"That's a heat check!"
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) July 6, 2023
Julian Champagnie in Summer League
30 PTS, 8 REB, 5 3PT, 4 STL in 25 MINS
28 PTS, 5 REB, 5 3PTS, 2 BLK in 26 MINS#SummerSpurs pic.twitter.com/2BNIDNj4fs
Julian Champagnie and teammate Malaki Branham combined for 60 points in their win against the Lakers as this young duo took over the California Classic.
Champagnie shot 46% from the field, 45% from three, and 87% from the free-throw line while leading the Spurs to a 2-0 record. This efficiency helped him become a top Summer League performer and the second-leading scorer in the California Classic.
The 22-year-old could be on the verge of a breakout season for a young Spurs squad, and his new contract shows the organization has faith in the young forward. Through 15 games played with San Antonio last season, Champagnie averaged 11.0 points and 4.0 rebounds per game on 46/40/82 shooting splits.