Former Second Round Pick Thriving for Dallas Mavericks

Last week the Dallas Mavericks did the unthinkable, trading 25-year-old superstar Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers for a package than many thought inadequate.

It’s been one of the more talked-about events in the sports hemisphere in the last several days, especially with Doncic making his debut in purple and gold on Monday night. And while the Doncic trade is certain to leave a bad taste in Mavericks fans forever — especially with newly-added star Anthony Davis having suffered an injury in his first game with the team — Max Christie has been a silver lining.

Drafted at No. 35 in the 2022 NBA Draft, Christie was always thought of to be a potentially valuable role player, but struggled to make his presence known in his first few seasons. He averaged just 3.8 points on 42% shooting across his first two seasons with the Lakers, finally breaking into the rotation in a major way in Year 3.

Christie was a one-and-done at Michigan State in college, averaging 9.3 points on 38% shooting. He was a project pick in the ’22 draft, but obviously had a compilation of skills that could make him a potentially impactful NBA player.

With the Mavericks, he’s looked like a different player entirely, scoring 17.7 points, grabbing 5.7 rebounds and dishing 3.0 assists per game in his first three contests with the team. He shot 52% overall in that stretch, including his blazing 67% 3-point shooting.

At 6-foot-5, he’s a slender but versatile guard, able to defend on the perimeter, handle the ball in moderation and score at all three levels. He was already in line for a production boost in LA, and now seems to be getting just that in his new role with the Mavericks.

He continued to showcase his talents on Monday, scoring 15 points on 5-for-10 shooting in an overtime bout versus the Kings. He also added four rebounds, two assists, two steals and one block. The Mavericks ultimately weren't able to come away with the extra-inning win, but Christie finished with a team-high +23 plus-minus off the bench.

The Mavericks next take on the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday, Feb. 12.

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