As the San Antonio Spurs make their dramatic run through the 2026 NBA Playoffs, forward Julian Champagnie has become a household name for basketball fans. The 24-year-old has emerged as a crucial sharpshooter for the team, playing a pivotal role in their push for a championship. But while his on-court heroics are well-documented, the story of his life away from the arena is equally compelling. From a budding romance that has captured the attention of Spurs fans to the unbreakable bond with his twin brother, Champagnie’s personal life provides the foundation for his professional success.
Born on June 29, 2001, in Staten Island, New York, Champagnie grew up in Brooklyn in a household where athleticism and hard work were cherished values. While he continues to focus on his career, his personal life has also taken a significant step forward. So, who are the key people in the Spurs forward’s life as he competes on the biggest stage in basketball? Let’s take a closer look at his journey from a private relationship to an engagement and the supportive family that has always had his back.
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The Love Story: From Girlfriend to Fiancée
Julian Champagnie is not married, but he is happily engaged. The Spurs forward proposed to his longtime partner, Cassidy Velez, in 2024, making them one of the most anticipated couples in the Spurs organization. The couple’s relationship appears to have begun in early 2023, as photos from Velez’s Instagram account suggest they have been together since then. She has been a constant source of support, standing by his side through the highs and lows of his NBA journey.
When Champagnie was cut from the Philadelphia 76ers on Valentine’s Day in 2023, it was his “long-term girlfriend, Cassidy Velez” who was there to celebrate with him, turning a difficult professional moment into a personal one worth marking. The couple publicly announced their engagement in July 2024 with a joint Instagram post, with Velez simply captioning it, “The beginning of forever”.
As Champagnie’s profile has risen during the 2026 playoffs, Velez has been his biggest cheerleader, celebrating the Spurs’ Western Conference title on social media and expressing immense pride in “MY HONEY”. With no public records or announcements of children, the focus remains on their upcoming wedding and shared future.
A Rock-Solid Foundation: Parents and Twin Brother
The family unit has always been the bedrock of Julian Champagnie’s resilience and drive. He was raised in a sports-oriented home by his parents, Ranford Champagnie and Christina Champagnie. His father, Ranford, was a college soccer player for St. John’s University and a member of their 1996 National Championship-winning team, later becoming a coach at Baruch College. Interestingly, Ranford initially hoped his sons would follow in his soccer footsteps, but as he recalls, “When their mom put a basketball in their hands, it was like, forget about soccer”. Julian’s mother, Christina, is a second-grade school teacher whose passion for basketball helped steer her sons toward the sport.
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Perhaps the most significant figure in Champagnie’s life is his twin brother, Justin Champagnie. Born just seven minutes apart, the brothers have been inseparable competitors and supporters since childhood. Following in each other’s footsteps, both went undrafted and have carved out impressive NBA careers; Justin currently plays for the Washington Wizards. Their sibling rivalry has become a fun subplot in the league, with the two facing off as opponents, but their mutual respect and shared journey from Brooklyn to the NBA remain a powerful testament to their family’s strength. From his devoted fiancée to his inspiring family, Julian Champagnie’s story proves that the most valuable assists often come from the people you love.
