You know how the saying goes: One team’s trash is another team’s treasure.
That’s certainly been the case for Julian Champagnie, who has found a home as a starter and key contributor on a title-contending team in the San Antonio Spurs after being waived by the 76ers after a brief stint in Philadelphia during the 2022-23 NBA season.
Things worked out for Julian Champagnie after being cut by 76ers
While recently reflecting on the path he took to get to his current position, Champagnie gave the 76ers a major backhanded compliment for parting ways with him.
“I’m super grateful for my whole journey, I wouldn’t change it, I wouldn’t have it no other way,” Champagnie said. “I’m happy I got cut, probably the best thing that could have happened for me… so shoutout to Philly.”
Julian Champagnie reflects on being cut by the Sixers:
“I’m super grateful for my whole journey, I wouldn’t change it, I wouldn’t have it no other way. I’m happy I got cut, probably the best thing that could have happened for me… so shoutout to Philly.” pic.twitter.com/RYbZTniOVz
— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) April 5, 2026
Things worked out well for Champagnie, clearly, but not quite as well for the Sixers, who could certainly use a player of Champagnie’s ilk – an athletic forward capable of spacing the floor around a dominant low-post player.
Unfortunately, giving up too early on young players has been somewhat of a trend for the team lately. Guys like Champagnie, Isaiah Joe, Paul Reed, Jared McCain and T.J. McConnell have all become legitimate rotation pieces elsewhere after the Sixers moved on from them.
Organizations make mistakes sometimes. It happens. Credit to Champagnie for turning that setback into motivation and working to prove the Sixers wrong.
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