PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – It has been a rollercoaster for Justin Champagnie since he left Pitt after his sophomore season. On Sunday, stability for the former Panthers star agreeing to a four-year, $10 million deal with the Washington Wizards.
The news first reported by ESPN came a day after scoring 10 points, eight rebounds, two assists, two steals and three blocks in 22 minutes in a Washington win over Charlotte.
Season highlights:
· Double-double, 13 points/14 rebounds against Boston
· 16 points, 8 rebounds at Cleveland
· 23 points, 8 rebounds against Denver
· 31 points, 10 rebounds vs. the Knicks
Overall the 6’6”, 206-pound Champagnie is averaging 7.5 points, 4.6 rebounds, 0.9 assists, 0.9 steals and shooting 50% from the floor in 18.3 minutes a game in the 2024-25 season.
Despite being signed as an undrafted free agent by Toronto in 2021, Champagnie won’t turn 24 until late June. He’s played in 96 NBA games in four seasons (Raptors, Celtics, Wizards), but the 40 with the Washington this year is a career high. Overall, he’s averaged five points, 3.3 rebounds and a 47% field goal.
Champagnie returns to Oakland often in the offseason and consistently talks with the Pitt coaching staff. In the last of his two seasons with the Panthers, the Brooklyn native averaged 18 points and 11 rebounds shooting 48% field goals.