Julian Champagnie
Champagnie is a floor-spacing forward who came off the bench in the Spurs' first three regular-season games, and his minutes could shift again once Tobias Harris returns from his calf injury.
Role
He played 30, 25 and 28 minutes in the first three games (ESPN game log, checked 26 October). ESPN's Saturday recap at Dallas called him the only bench player in double figures, so he is coming off the bench at present. Pregame coverage had him competing with Dylan Harper for the final starting spot (CBS/RotoWire, about 12 days old). He was a late addition to the first unit for one preseason game and did not start another. Harris (calf) is the next threat to his minutes once healthy. Keldon Johnson is also on the roster. I have not read a current depth chart or starting-five page, so I can't say who starts alongside Victor Wembanyama. The preseason rest night on the wire was one game and says nothing about the regular season.
He started 68 games last season, and the Spurs' starting five with him at power forward posted a 125.4 net rating (Pounding the Rock). He set a franchise record with 195 threes and shot 38.1 percent from deep. Coach Mitch Johnson called him an unsung hero for his defense and rebounding. His shooting fits around Wembanyama. ESPN says his early three-point form (7-for-18 through three games) should protect his rotation spot once Harris returns. Some writers argue he should be locked in as a starter, and others see him as the natural first man off the bench.
Harper's rise and Harris's return both squeeze his role. Harris offers more on offense and can close against bigger forwards. Champagnie has said he isn't paying attention to whether he starts. Any move to the bench or to a shared role with Harris could trim his minutes below last year's 27.6 per game, though no source has reported a figure for that.
Where analysts split
The split is whether he starts or comes off the bench once Harris is healthy. Some argue the Spurs should not break up the lineup that reached the Finals. Others say Harper, Harris and Johnson make a bench role likely, with Champagnie as a sixth man. It is also unsettled whether Harris takes starter minutes or closes only in certain matchups.
Research confidence: reported. Outlooks are grounded in web search over current reporting and refreshed through the season.
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