San Antonio Spurs Claim Rookie Forward Off Waivers

The Philadelphia 76ers didn't believe, but the San Antonio Spurs did. A nice G League performance was enough to convince the Spurs to claim undrafted rookie Julian Champagnie off waivers. 

The Spurs claimed Julian Champagnie off waivers, source tells ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 16, 2023

The move by the Sixers to waive Champagnie was made after they signed high-flying sensation Mac McClung.

The Sixers had signed Champagnie to a two-way contract this past summer, but he spent most of his time with the G League Delaware Blue Coats. He appeared in 14 Showcase Cup games, sporting an average of 22 points, seven rebounds, and one assist while knocking down 35% of his threes. 

The 21-year-old 6'8" small forward went undrafted out of St. John’s after a three-year college career. His twin brother, Justin, who is 6'6", had spent last season with the Toronto Raptors, before they waived him about six weeks back. He has since resurfaced with the Miami Heat's G League affiliate, the Sioux Falls Skyforce.

In San Antonio, Julian will join another player the Sixers waived earlier this season, former second-round pick Charles Bassey. Philly has also waived Michael Foster Jr. and Saben Lee this season. Lee is now signed with the Phoenix Suns.

Photo: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports