Max Christie – A Shrewd Investment

Max Christie entered the NBA as a player surrounded by high expectations and potential. A consensus five-star recruit, Christie made an immediate impact during his time at Michigan State. At just 18 years old, he was a starter for a veteran Spartans team and quickly demonstrated his adaptability and skill on the court. Although he played more off the ball than he did in high school, Christie showcased a high basketball IQ, particularly with his cutting and slashing abilities. He also held his own defensively in the physically demanding Big Ten conference, which speaks to his toughness and determination at such a young age.

Christie’s rookie season in the NBA, however, was a mixed bag and pretty much what you’d expect out of a 19-year-old. Early in the season, he averaged 16.9 minutes per game and was given an unprecedented amount of rookie minutes. Yet, by April, his stats and minutes had dwindled to just 5.8 minutes per game. His playing time during the latter half of the season mostly came when key rotation players were sidelined with injuries. It's important to note that Christie's body was still developing, making it challenging to sustain the physical demands of the NBA at just 19 years old. Despite these challenges, he shone brightly in the G League, where he was among the team’s best in scoring and defense. Nevertheless, toward the end of the season, rumors surfaced that Christie had lost confidence in his shooting. Even with limited opportunities, Christie displayed flashes of his potential, suggesting a promising future.

Christie’s performances in the NBA Summer League further emphasized his growth and two-way potential. He put up impressive stats, averaging 19.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 0.8 steals, 1.6 blocks, and 2.2 three-pointers per game in 31.8 minutes. These numbers highlight his ability to contribute offensively and defensively, and he was one of the standout players on the court. His performances demonstrated his growth and maturity, suggesting he was ready to take on a larger role. Given his age, Christie’s performance was impressive compared to his draft peers and other players in his age group.

Despite a strong offseason, the start of the following season was not as promising for Christie as fans had hoped. Expectations were high, with many believing he had earned a spot in the deeper rotation. However, it quickly became evident that head coach Darvin Ham preferred to rely on more experienced players. When Christie did get on the court, he often seemed to press, trying too hard to make an impact. Christie’s shot selection and consistency remained areas that needed development, along with his court vision and timing as a passer. - All understandable for a 2 year vet and 21 year old.

Yet, his defensive skills were promising, particularly his ability to guard multiple positions on the perimeter. With hopes, Christie could evolve into a solid rotational defender and will be given that opportunity this season.

It’s important to remember that Christie is still just 21 years old entering the next season, and overall, he’s ahead of most other 21-year-olds in terms of skill and veteran ability. However, he's not a phenom and is still a young player finding his footing in the league.

Looking forward, Christie’s future in the NBA appears promising, especially under the guidance of a coaching staff known for developing young talent. Unlike some coaches who prioritize veterans, Coach Riddick and his staff are known for their philosophy of playing rookies and grooming them into seasoned veterans. This approach could provide Christie with the consistent playing time and opportunities he needs to develop. Christie’s athleticism and burst make him a good fit for Riddick’s system, which emphasizes cutting and movement without the ball. Given this alignment, the Lakers are expected to give Christie more opportunities as a three-point shooter, allowing him to continue developing his offensive game, particularly in terms of floor spacing and becoming a reliable shooter from deep.

Christie has primarily been groomed as a defender, and he seems poised to take the next step in his development as a rotational defender. While he may not yet be at the level of a seasoned defender like Danny Green, Christie’s length and speed suggest he could effectively guard most wings, though he may struggle against smaller, quicker players like Stephen Curry. In limited action, Christie has shown the potential to hold his own against most opponents, even if only for short stints. The Lakers’ investment in Christie is a calculated risk, similar to their previous bets on young talents like Kyle Kuzma, Talen Horton-Tucker, and Jordan Clarkson. At just 21 years old, Christie is a worthwhile gamble, not only for his potential to develop into a solid NBA player but also as a future trade asset.

Comparing young draftees to their peers of similar age and experience can provide valuable insights. At 21, Christie is comparable to a three-year college junior and could have been a top-10 draft pick. Unlike many draftees his age, he already has two years of professional experience under his belt. From a contract perspective, his $8 million per season is quite reasonable, especially with the new broadcast rights deals in place. This salary is comparable to that of a mid-level exception (MLE) player, and Christie has the potential to outperform this contract, particularly over the next four years. His floor might be similar to players like Jordan Clarkson or Josh Hart, known for their scoring off the bench and defensive contributions. However, his ceiling could reach that of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (KCP), a versatile "3-and-D" player who can defend multiple positions and shoot efficiently from beyond the arc.

Riddick’s approach to player development and his willingness to give young players a chance to grow could be precisely what Christie needs to take the next step in his career. With his work ethic, coachability, and raw talent, Christie has the potential to carve out a successful NBA career, whether as a solid bench player, a reliable rotation piece, or even a future starter. Developing a stable of homegrown talent could provide the Lakers with a strategic advantage, and Christie represents a key part of that potential future. If he continues to develop his game and maximize his opportunities, Max Christie could very well become a cornerstone of the Lakers' roster in the years to come.