Justin Champagnie began the 2024-25 season far from the limelight. Signed to a two-way deal with the Washington Wizards, Justin Champagnie’s opportunities seemed limited. Two-way contracts allow players to participate in only 50 games with their NBA team, barring a standard contract upgrade. For Champagnie, this presented a narrow window to make an impression.
The Unlikely Miracle of Justin Champagnie on the Wizards
However, injuries to key players thrust him into the starting lineup. Over the past 10 games, Champagnie capitalized on this chance, averaging 12.8 points, 8.4 rebounds, 1.6 steals and 1.2 blocks while shooting 54.8% from the field. His breakout moment came in a Dec. 7 victory over the Denver Nuggets, where he scored 23 points and helped snap a 16-game losing streak.
“I’m a dog,” Champagnie said, reflecting on his approach to the game.
His relentless effort and resilience define his unexpected rise.
Master of the Offensive Glass
At 6-foot-6, Champagnie stands out as one of the NBA’s best offensive rebounders among forwards. Cleaningtheglass.com ranks him in the 90th percentile for offensive rebounding rate. Since entering the starting lineup, he has been second among non-centers in offensive rebounds per game.
Champagnie credits his rebounding instincts to early lessons from his mother and coaches. Rebounding isn’t about size alone—it’s about determination. Champagnie thrives on perseverance, crashing the glass on nearly every missed shot.
“A lot of guys don’t want to guard someone throwing their body on the line,” he said. “I take advantage of that.”
Earning Points Without Plays
Champagnie doesn’t rely on set plays to score. His points often come from hustle and anticipation. At Pittsburgh, head coach Jeff Capel rarely ran plays for him, but Champagnie still became a first-team All-ACC player.
“He just has a knack for getting the ball,” Capel said.
Champagnie honed this skill through countless film sessions, learning to predict where the ball would bounce. Even in the NBA, Champagnie continues to create scoring opportunities out of sheer willpower.
“At least three or four times a game,” he said, “somebody is going to miss me, and I’m going to go get it.”
Adapting and Evolving
Offensive rebounding isn’t Champagnie’s only strength. His shooting has become a key part of his game, making him a more versatile player. This season, he’s shooting 37.5% from three-point range. His career-high 31-point performance against the New York Knicks included five three-pointers.
Improved defense has also helped him thrive. Wizards head coach Brian Keefe recently assigned him to guard Karl-Anthony Towns, a player six inches taller and 42 pounds heavier. Champagnie embraced the challenge, joking afterward about needing an ice bath.
“I’m not going to complain,” he said. “I’m going out there and giving my all every time.”
Fighting for a Permanent Spot
Champagnie’s two-way contract limits his games with the Wizards, but his performance has sparked debate about converting his deal into a standard contract. With veterans like Kyle Kuzma returning, Champagnie may lose his starting role, but his spot in the rotation seems secure. Most of the Wizards veterans are on the trade block so it’s very likely he could get a standard contract post-trade-deadline.
Justin Champagnie Crashing the Glass to Build a Future on the Wizards
Champagnie’s journey is a testament to resilience and determination. From going undrafted to becoming a key contributor, he embodies the value of perseverance. He might not be the most athletic player on the court, but his relentless effort makes him invaluable.
For now, Champagnie will keep crashing the glass, proving doubters wrong, and embracing every opportunity. His story is a reminder that hard work and grit can lead to unlikely miracles.
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