According to a report from Michael Grange of Sportsnet, former Pitt forward Justin Champagnie has earned the final spot on the Toronto Raptors 15-man roster.
Champagnie appeared in 36 games for the Raptors last season, averaging 2.2 points and two rebounds per game while shooting 46.3% from the field. The 6-foot-6 forward also played 14 games for the Raptors’ G League affiliate, posting averages of 21.1 points and 8.1 rebounds per game.
The Brooklyn native played 46 games in two seasons at Pitt, averaging 12 points per game as a freshman and earning First Team all-ACC honors as a sophomore, putting up 18 points and 11.1 rebounds per contest. After going undrafted, he signed with the Raptors shortly after, and will now play with the big-league squad for the second-straight year.
He’s in the NBA, and that’s good, but as the 15th man, his place is very tenuous. I can’t help thinking that staying another year at Pitt would have served him well. He could have been perhaps mid-range #1 and have a much stronger roster spot, and perhaps a better chance to showcase his obvious talents.
Wasn’t going to have another year like his last one at Pitt. Capel and the shit show would have only diminished his stock.