Max Christie is in his first full season with the Dallas Mavericks. Since joining the team via last year’s Luka Dončić trade, Christie has emerged as a starter after previously serving as a reserve before the Mavericks coaching staff recognized his potential.
While Christie’s development has been encouraging, the Mavericks are not in strong form this season. Dallas is expected to miss the playoffs following a turbulent campaign. Despite the team’s struggles, Christie has expressed satisfaction with his role. The young guard recently shared his thoughts on his growth with the Mavericks.
Max Christie Credits Mavericks Teammates for His Growth
Christie has progressed significantly since entering the league in 2022. During his three seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers, he showed flashes of potential, particularly in the year he was traded to Dallas midseason.
Upon his arrival, Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd recognized Christie’s ability and gave him the opportunity to play freely. In his first season with Dallas, he averaged double figures in scoring for the first time in his career. Last season, he posted 11.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.5 assists in 32 games.
This season, Christie has improved slightly, averaging 12.7 points per game. Of the 64 games he has played, he has started 55, underscoring his importance to the roster. While his individual growth is evident, Christie credited his teammates for enabling him to thrive.
“I’m just taking what the defense gives me and just going in and continuing just to play hard and continuing to let my game take over,” Christie told R.org. “I’ve got great teammates that are able to get me the ball in certain situations. Obviously, they’re able to take over, too, but I just think as a unit we’ve done a good job of getting everybody involved.”
At 23 years old, Christie is expected to remain with the Mavericks, particularly as the team rebuilds. He is in the second year of his four-year contract, making it likely he will stay in Dallas for several more seasons unless traded.
Dallas’ primary objective this offseason is to secure pieces that complement rookie Cooper Flagg, and Christie is making a strong case.
With the Los Angeles Lakers, Christie averaged 5.2 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.0 assists per game across two and a half seasons. Since joining the Mavericks, he has raised his production to 12.2 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game.
This season, he is averaging a career-high 12.7 points per game, along with 3.4 rebounds and 2.1 assists. He has started a career-high 55 games and continues to establish himself as one of the Mavericks’ most important young players at age 23.
