Michael Kaskey-Blomain•Add The Sporting News on GoogleYou know how the saying goes: One team’s trash is another team’s treasure.That’s certainly been the case for Julian Champagnie, who has found a home as a starter and key contributor on a title-contending team in the San Antonio Spurs after being waived by the 76ers after a brief stint in Philadelphia during the 2022-23 NBA season.While recently reflecting on the path he took to get to his current position, Champagnie gave the 76ers a major backhanded compliment for parting ways with him.“I’m super grateful for my whole journey, I wouldn’t change it, I wouldn’t have it no other way," Champagnie said. "I’m happy I got cut, probably the best thing that could have happened for me… so shoutout to Philly.”Julian Champagnie reflects on being cut by the Sixers:“I’m super grateful for my whole journey, I wouldn’t change it, I wouldn’t have it no other way. I’m happy I got cut, probably the best thing that could have happened for me… so shoutout to Philly.” pic.twitter.com/RYbZTniOVz— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) April 5, 2026More to come. More NBA news: Warriors' Steph Curry details difficult return from nagging knee injuryKristaps Porzingis gets brutally honest regarding his future with WarriorsHow Luka Doncic could still win NBA MVP award despite season-ending injuryCollin Gillespie breaks Phoenix Suns' 3-point record for a single seasonZion Williamson gets brutally honest regarding his future with New Orleans PelicansENJOYED THIS STORY?Add Sporting News as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reportingAdd as preferred source on GoogleMichael Kaskey-BlomainMichael Kaskey-Blomain is a freelance writer with The Sporting News. He is an experienced sportswriter and media member with over a decade in the industry. He has covered the NBA and NFL for a variety of outlets, including CBS Sports, 247 Sports, FanSided and the Philadelphia Inquirer. Michael grew up just outside of Scranton, Pennsylvania, and currently resides in Philadelphia.