Julian Champagnie is evolving into something Spurs fans have seen before, and that's three-time [NBA champion Danny Green.](https://airalamo.com/san-antonio-spurs-once-again-turning-castaway-strong-impact-nba-player) Green only won one ring with the Silver and Black, but he was a core piece of a strong rotation for years. His defense on the perimeter was crucial, and his ability to contest players more athletic than him in the open floor on fast breaks was uncanny.
Green's catch-and-shoot skill was really where he made his money, though. The retired marksman was a career 40% three-point shooter and put on one of the best shooting performances in an NBA Finals we had ever seen in 2013. Champagnie can reach those heights, and he's already on the right track.
Champagnie can make a long-term spot for himself on the Spurs roster
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Jules isn't the defender that Green was, but he can get there. He has all of the same measurables and then some. DG was listed at 6'6" with a 6'10" wingspan, and Jules is 6'7" with a 6'10" wingspan. Champagnie is slightly more athletic than Danny was, but Green was an instinctual defender who knew how to use his long arms and leverage to bother guys.
Both players began to come into their own in their third season. They're even both from New York. Green was drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers but was off the team after one season. It had to be a reality check for the former Tar Heel. He came from a prestigious program that won a ton of games during his tenure, including a National Championship alongside Tyler Hansbrough and Ty Lawson.
He could have gone into the tank, but he turned himself into one of the best three-and-D wings in the league. He had a specialty, and he worked on his craft relentlessly. That determination led him to a lengthy career with unimaginable success, but his upward trajectory began with the Silver and Black.
Champagnie can follow a similar path. He was drafted by the 76ers, but flamed out pretty quickly. He just finished his third year, and in it, the beginnings of a potentially long career were formed. He shot 37% from deep on the season, but on a microscale, he shot 39% in the final 30 games of the season on catch-and-shoot opportunities. That's where Green shined, and Champagnie can do the same.
What can separate him [from the former champion](https://airalamo.com/ranking-gregg-popovich-legendary-championship-runs) is his ball-handling and finishing ability. Jules looks more natural than DG ever did when he puts the ball on the floor. If he can sure up his ball security and work on finishing more consistently, he'd be the brand new Danny Green with cool new upgrades. This team actually needs that right now.