Admittedly, Justin Champagnie wasn't high on preseason lists from fans and media alike as a reason the Washington Wizards would turn the team around enough to make their first playoff berth since 2021.
And on a team with the firepower of All-Stars Trae Young and Anthony Davis, plus the No. 1 overall pick in AJ Dybantsa, it’s understandable that Champagnie didn’t dominate the conversation.
Well, through the first three games, he should now.
Justin Champagnie is one of the most valuable Wizards
Guessing the player who leads the Wizards in rebounding so far in this young season seems like an easy enough answer. It must be the member of the NBA 75th anniversary team they added in February, right, Davis?
Or how about the franchise cornerstone big man who the Wizards drafted with the second overall pick in the 2024 draft, who was amazing in his sophomore season, Alex Sarr?
Or, if they’re coming off the bench, it’s got to be former number one overall pick Deandre Ayton, who’s a career 10 rebounds per game guy, right?
It’s actually 6 '6, sixth-year pro out of Pittsburgh, Justin Champagnie. On Saturday against the Chicago Bulls, he led the team in offensive rating, defensive rating, rebounds, and plus-minus, amongst other key categories, in a win for the Wizards.
And leading the team in plus-minus is nothing new for Champagnie, as he’s recorded a positive plus-minus in all three games thus far. He leads the team for the season in the category at a plus-36, further proving the productive and connective component he brings every time he’s on the floor.
Players like Justin Champagnie are essential on contenders
Yes, in the NBA you need your stars to get you in the door of looking to contend at the highest level, but dependable role guys are the players that will push you over the edge of contention.
When asked about his positive contributions that have led to leading the team in plus-minus thus far, Champagnie said: “I just stick to my role, do my job. Shoot open threes, rebound, defend, and just be a dawg. I feel like my energy is what my teammates feed off of and that allows me to be so impactful out there.”
And although it’s early, from the hustle on both ends that Champagnie brings, to the fact that he is one of the few players on the team who can be impactful without the ball in his hands, and on top of the fact that he seems like a great teammate, there should be no worries that when the games get more consequential for the Wizards, he will shine even more.
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