Max Christie Emerges as a Key Player, Not Just a Throw-In
Max Christie is rapidly emerging as a pivotal player for the Dallas Mavericks. Once considered a minor asset in the highly publicized trade involving Luka Dončić and Anthony Davis, Christie has demonstrated significant development and value on the court. Having arrived in Dallas nearly a year ago, his contributions have transformed him from a throw-in player into an essential part of the Mavericks’ roster.
Christie’s Impact Post-Trade
Following his trade to Dallas, Christie quickly made a name for himself. In his first six games with the team, he scored 15 points or more in each outing. While his performance varied as the season progressed, it became clear that he had the potential to become a key player for the Mavericks.
Outstanding Shooting Statistics
This season, Christie’s shooting efficiency has reached impressive levels. He is currently shooting:
- 3-point percentage: 45.9% on 5.5 attempts per game, ranking sixth in the NBA.
- Spot-up shootings: 47.7% on 172 total attempts.
- Pull-up threes: 38.3% on 47 attempts.
His scoring ability has made him a crucial asset for a Mavericks team lacking in three-point shooting. Coach Jason Kidd has praised Christie for his growth, emphasizing the importance of him taking more shots.
Growing Versatility
Christie’s role extends beyond just shooting. He has made significant strides in his overall gameplay, especially in creating plays as a pick-and-roll ball handler. Among players with at least 50 possessions, he ranks first in:
- Points per possession: 1.23
- Effective field goal percentage: 65.1%
Since December 1, Christie has been exceptional, averaging 1.50 points per possession while shooting 75% from the field on pick-and-roll plays.
Transition Game
Transitioning from defense to offense, Christie excels. Among players with at least 80 transition possessions, he ranks first in points per possession at 1.52 and second in effective field goal percentage at 78.5%. His athleticism allows him to outrun defenders and finish strong at the rim.
Areas for Improvement
Despite his successes, Christie has room for growth, particularly in the halfcourt. He is effective off cuts, shooting 10-of-13 from the floor, indicating that the Mavericks could benefit from creating more plays to leverage his movement off the ball.
Additionally, while he performs well as a pick-and-roll screener, he needs more opportunities in that area. His shooting percentages show strong potential, but adding a consistent floater and building strength for contact would enhance his game further.
Defensive Evaluation
Defensively, Christie possesses the physical tools needed to excel. His size and athleticism help in navigating screens and generating deflections. However, the Mavericks’ defensive stats reveal a slight dip in effectiveness when he is off the floor.
While he may not become a defensive powerhouse, Christie’s fundamentals and effort show promise. As the Mavericks aim to build a competitive roster around young star Cooper Flagg, young players like Christie are crucial.
Conclusion
At just 22 years old, Max Christie is proving himself as a vital contributor. With his impressive shooting, athleticism, and playmaking skills, he is not only valuable for the present but also for the Mavericks’ future. While stardom may be out of reach, Christie is on a trajectory to become a reliable starter in the league.
