Max Christie, now four years into his NBA career, is making notable progress with the Dallas Mavericks. Initially drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers, Christie is experiencing growth in his performance this season.
Max Christie’s Early Career
Christie played college basketball at Michigan State under renowned coach Tom Izzo. In his freshman year, he started all 35 games, recording an average of 9.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game. While his shooting statistics were modest, including a 38% field goal percentage and 32% accuracy from three-point range, this performance was enough to secure his entry into the NBA.
Transition to the Dallas Mavericks
Christie was selected as the 35th overall pick in the NBA Draft by the Lakers. After spending two and a half seasons with the team, he was traded to the Mavericks as part of a significant deal involving superstar Luka Doncic. This transition marked a new phase in Christie’s career.
Current Season Performance
As of December 29, Max Christie has started 22 games for the Mavericks. His average playing time is 28.4 minutes per game, slightly down from the previous season’s average of 30.4 minutes. However, he is experiencing a career-high in scoring, averaging 11.4 points along with 3.4 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game.
Shooting Accuracy
This season, Christie is also achieving impressive shooting statistics. He boasts a field goal percentage of about 47%, with over 45% success from three-point range. Additionally, he converts over 83% of his free throws, indicating his improvement in finishing plays.
Team Performance
The Mavericks currently hold a record of 12-21 and are positioned fourth in the Southwestern Division. Despite the team’s struggles, Christie’s individual performance has been a bright spot. Following a strong November, where he averaged 12.5 points per game, December has presented some challenges, reducing his scoring average to 9.3 points.
Future Prospects
At just 22 years old, Max Christie has the potential for further growth in the NBA. Coaches and fans alike are optimistic about his future, especially considering his significant development during his time at Michigan State. Tom Izzo can take pride in Christie’s achievements, reflecting the success of his coaching method in nurturing professional talent.
