Wizards Have to Make Room for Rotation-Worthy Wing

This is a brewing issue that'll only get compounded when Bilal Coulibaly, who started every game he appeared in last season, returns from rehabbing after his summer thumb surgery. In the meantime, though, they're faced with a matter that's only growing in urgency; they have find space for Justin Champagnie in their crowded rotation.

What Does He Provide That They're Missing?

His presence as a defender and hustler has been sorely missed through the first few games, with his brief appearances usually sparking strong activity along the margins. He'll guard anybody, grab any available board and hit shots when he's open, traits that have usually resulted in productive minutes for those he's sharing the floor with.

A night like the Wizards' 139-113 loss to the Charlotte Hornets really reminded fans of the issue, where several of his weaker-defending teammates were left to try slowing LaMelo Ball down. He put up 38 points, 13 rebounds and 13 assists on the opposing team's head in their own home opener, and Champagnie only got to see five minutes of action during the second-half collapse.

Head coach Brian Keefe proved to be acutely aware of the logjam. The wing's been allocated to a George backup in this most recent outing, only called upon when the rising star got into some foul trouble.

"I thought [he] gave us great minutes," he said following the weekend's loss. "I threw him in there not to mess up the rotation. I thought he gave us some energy, always gives that when he's on the court."

Champagnie, after all, is coming off of a season in which he averaged 21.6 minutes per game while collecting an average of 8.8 points per game, 1.8 offensive rebounds a night and 38.3% from 3-point range on a regular dose of attempts. He may not have the draft-based upside as many of his teammates, but his professional presence is sorely missed among this needy bunch.