Max Christie, the promising 21-year-old NBA guard, has embarked on a new chapter in his professional basketball career with the Dallas Mavericks. Drafted with the 35th overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft's second round, Christie spent his initial seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers, largely contributing off the bench. Known for his tenacity in guarding elite 2-guards across the league, Christie's potential continues to unfold as he adapts to his new team environment.
Christie's journey took a sudden turn following a notable performance in what was to be his final game with the Lakers, where he scored 15 points. An hour after the game, Christie received news of his trade to Dallas. Reflecting on the unexpected transition, he stated, "It's a big shock for anybody having a transition like that, that fast."
In Dallas, Christie is poised to provide depth and skill coming off the bench behind veteran shooting guard Klay Thompson. Despite this shift, Christie's mental fortitude and preparation remain steadfast. Since his rookie season with the Lakers, he has actively engaged with counselors and therapists to enhance his mental resilience. As he shared, “I’ve been talking to them for three years now.”
Christie's mother, Katrina Christie, a professional psychologist specializing in mental health, has also played a significant role in his personal growth. He expressed gratitude for her guidance:
“And then my mom is also a therapist. So, having someone like that around all the time is phenomenal for me. And they’ve put a lot of smart stuff in for me to be able to realize when things aren’t going my way, being able to have a different perspective, being able to start the full-figured picture.”
During his tenure with the Lakers, Christie learned valuable lessons from seasoned players like LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Russell Westbrook. His confidence flourished as he occasionally found himself in starting roles. Christie emphasized that perspective was crucial to his development:
“Perspective is everything, especially for players that were in my position where you want to play, you feel like you should be playing, you’re putting all the work in, [but] it’s not coming right away.”
LeBron James recognized Christie's growing potential and commitment:
“That is what this league is all about. First of all, you get the opportunity. You get the confidence from your coaches and then you put the work in. Whoever is on the floor for us at point in time of the game, we have confidence in them to make plays. He continues to get better and better. He’s still young. Super young.”
With this mindset, Christie ensured he was always ready to seize opportunities:
“But for me, my perspective was [watching] the guys we have in the locker room and being able to study them, learn from, and then knowing that opportunity is going to come eventually. It’s a long season…”
He remained dedicated by staying active in both the gym and weight room while continually seeking guidance:
“And for me, when that opportunity came, I was always prepared just because I didn’t quit when I felt like I wasn’t getting playing time. I stayed in the gym. I stayed in the weight room with Randy. I watched film. I asked questions. So, I felt like I had all the answers going into the game. For me, it was just confidence knowing that I’ve done everything I can to prepare for the moment and the opportunity.”
Nico Harrison, reflecting on Christie's time with the Lakers and potential impact for the Mavericks, noted:
“Max Christie was a Lakers starting shooting guard.”
Harrison also praised Christie's defensive prowess and adaptability:
“He doesn’t miss any games. He guards all the best 2-guards in the league. He’s durable. He gets his hands on a lot of balls. His shot is really nice. He’s bouncy. We’re excited about him. He’s going to help us.”
Christie made an immediate impact in his first game with Dallas by matching his previous scoring feat of 15 points and achieving a perfect 4-for-4 on 3-point attempts. This performance exemplified how his skills have matured since joining the NBA.
Reflecting on his growth while with the Lakers, Christie conveyed:
“My confidence grew for sure just being in those situations. Getting the trust from coaches and teammates definitely meant a lot to me. I felt really good. I felt I was playing the best basketball of my career so far. I’m look forward to trying to continue that here.”
Family support remains an integral part of Christie's journey as well; his brother Cam has recently started his career as a rookie guard with the Los Angeles Clippers.
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