Justin Champagnie facts for kids
![]() Champagnie with the Washington Wizards in 2024
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No. 9 – Washington Wizards | |
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Shooting guard / small forward | |
Personal information | |
Born | Staten Island, New York, U.S. |
June 29, 2001
High school | Bishop Loughlin (Brooklyn, New York) |
Listed height | 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) |
Listed weight | 206 lb (93 kg) |
Career information | |
College | Pittsburgh (2019–2021) |
NBA Draft | 2021 / Undrafted |
Pro career | 2021–present |
League | NBA |
Career history | |
2021–2022 | Toronto Raptors |
2021–2022 | →Raptors 905 |
2023 | Sioux Falls Skyforce |
2023 | Boston Celtics |
2023–2024 | Sioux Falls Skyforce |
2024–present | Washington Wizards |
2024–present | →Capital City Go-Go |
Career highlights and awards | |
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Justin John Champagnie (born June 29, 2001) is an American professional basketball player. He plays for the Washington Wizards in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Justin plays as a shooting guard or small forward. Before joining the NBA, he played college basketball for the Pittsburgh Panthers.
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Growing Up and High School Basketball
Justin Champagnie was born in Staten Island, New York. He grew up in Brooklyn, New York. He went to Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School. In his final year of high school, he scored about 19.8 points per game. He was named to the first team Class AA All-State. Justin was a highly sought-after player. He chose to play college basketball for Pittsburgh. He had other offers from schools like Cincinnati and Seton Hall.
College Basketball Career
As a first-year student at Pittsburgh, Justin was a leader for his team. He averaged 12.7 points and 7 rebounds per game. He was even named the National Freshman of the Week. This happened after he scored 25 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in two games.
In his second year, Justin continued to play very well. He averaged 18 points and 11.1 rebounds per game. He also had 1.6 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.3 blocks per game. He was chosen for the First Team All-ACC. After this great season, he decided to enter the 2021 NBA draft. This meant he would leave college early to become a professional player.
Professional Basketball Journey
Starting with the Toronto Raptors (2021–2022)
Justin Champagnie was expected to be picked in the 2021 NBA draft. However, he was not drafted by any team. On August 7, 2021, he signed a special contract with the Toronto Raptors. This contract allowed him to play for both the Raptors and their minor league team, Raptors 905.
Justin made his NBA debut on November 1, 2021. He scored his first two points in a game against the New York Knicks. During his time with the Raptors, he learned a lot from star player Pascal Siakam. Justin saw Siakam as a big brother. He signed another contract with the Raptors in July 2022. However, he was later released by the team in December.
Playing for the Sioux Falls Skyforce (2023)
After leaving the Raptors, Justin joined the Sioux Falls Skyforce. This team is part of the NBA G League, which is like a development league for the NBA. He was claimed by the Skyforce on January 10, 2023.
Short Time with the Boston Celtics (2023)
On April 7, 2023, Justin signed with the Boston Celtics. He played a few games for them. However, he was released by the Celtics on July 31, 2023.
Back to the Skyforce and Wizards (2023–Present)
Justin signed with the Miami Heat in August 2023. But he was released before the season started. Nine days later, he returned to the Sioux Falls Skyforce.
On February 22, 2024, Justin signed a 10-day contract with the Washington Wizards. He played well enough that on March 3, he signed another special contract with them. This contract allows him to play for both the Wizards and their G League team, the Capital City Go-Go.
On February 10, 2025, Justin played against his twin brother, Julian Champagnie, for the first time in an NBA game. Justin's Wizards played against Julian's San Antonio Spurs. They are one of the few sets of twins to ever play against each other in an NBA game. On March 2, Justin and the Wizards agreed to a four-year contract.
Personal Life
Justin Champagnie was born in the United States. His family comes from Jamaica. His identical twin brother, Julian Champagnie, also plays professional basketball. Julian plays for the San Antonio Spurs. Justin's father, Ranford, played soccer for St. John's in the 1990s. His father was part of a team that won a national championship in 1996.
See also
In Spanish: Justin Champagnie para niños