The 2024-25 season was filled with highs and lows for the third-year shooting guard out of Michigan State. The Lakers signed Christie to an extension in the summer of 2024 and he entered the year with high expectations and a hope for an increased role and production. He jumped from 14 minutes a game to 25 minutes a game in Los Angeles, missing just one game while wearing a Laker uniform. In February, he ended up in the shocking trade of Luka Doncic for Anthony Davis and Christie. With the Mavericks,
his role increased further, racking up 30 minutes a game and playing every possible game down the stretch of the regular season. He ran out of gas in March, taking a big dip in productivity and losing his shot almost entirely, but that can be chalked up in part to the aforementioned massive minutes bump.
Big Question
Max Christie is a footnote in the biggest sports trade in modern history. Whether he stays a footnote or makes a name for himself is entirely within his control. At just 22 years old and in year two of a four-year extension he signed in the summer of 2024, all pressure on Christie is internal. Just how good does he want to be?
Christie played over 1000 more minutes last season compared to 2023-24. Increased opportunity meant increased production across the board, with Christie posting career highs across the board.
However, this Dallas team is currently stacked with talent, despite missing Kyrie Irving. With some unorthodox big line-ups expected from head coach Jason Kidd, Christie is likely going to have to earn both minutes and production in different ways than in past seasons. If he can increase his solid shooting efficiency from deep at all, he could prove a very valuable piece to a packed Dallas roster.
Best Case Scenario
After starting the season as the eighth and sometimes ninth man off of the Dallas bench, Christie works himself comfortably into the backup two guard position, relieving Klay Thompson on nights off and giving Dallas a much needed shooting boost off of the bench. Christie increases his solid three point percentage from 36% to 39% or higher while shooting four to five attempts from beyond the arc per game.
An offseason focus on improved ball handling pays off, with Dallas more comfortable allowing Christie to run the occasional set, giving the playmakers of Dallas a rest on occasion. Christie continues his streak of availability, playing most or all of the season without missing a game.
Worst Case Scenario
A reduction in minutes and role to start the season results in a decrease in confidence for Christie. Despite Dallas lacking guard depth, Kidd stops turning to Christie as often, which results in Christie being hesitant on the court. His percentages with limited opportunity tumble some and he struggles with a lack of consistent role within the offense.
Season Goal
It might sound trite, but the goal for Christie this season has to be to contribute. At the moment, I think he’s on the very edge of the rotation, meaning his minutes are going to wax and wane early on as Jason Kidd tries things. Dallas has a weird, but very talented roster, and there are political elements of who’s going to play as well (Klay Thompson’s buy-in stands out, for example).
As a result, Christie may have to be patient. He made a big make last year and showed a level of potential I would not have considered. Of course, he’s got much to improve on, but he’s still at a developmental age. He can and should improve. Doing so under more chaotic circumstances than the last 30 games with Dallas is going to be a challenge.
Overall
Christie’s season is so dependent on other things within the roster. He’s young, talented, and by all accounts, he works really, really hard. But his season may likely come down to the performance and health of players further up the rotation. One would think his position scarcity on the roster guarantees something, but it’s just too hard to predict until we see more of this team playing actual basketball. This may well be a season of treading water for Max Christie.
