By Dorothy J. Gentry
Sports Editor
Photos: Charles “City” Gbadebo and Dorothy J. Gentry
Max Christie has been quite the bright spot for the Dallas Mavericks this season.
The 6 ‘5 guard is having a break-out season for the Mavs – setting career highs and records and stepping up and helping the injury ravaged team win games. Most recently he scored a season-high 23 points in a match-up against the New Orleans Pelicans. That night he also hit a season-high 5 3-pointers.
With all eyes on Anthony Davis since he landed in Dallas earlier this year, it’s easy to forget that Christie was also a part of the trade that sent Luka Doncic to LA. He was drafted by the Lakers in the second round (35th overall pick) of the 2022 NBA Draft after one season at Michigan State, where he received Big-Ten All-Freshman Team honors for the Spartans.
Christie (6-5, 205) holds career averages of 5.2 points (.433 FG%, .373 3FG%, .832 FT%), 2.2 rebounds, 1.0 assists and 16.9 minutes in 154 career games (35 starts) with the Lakers.
This year he is averaging a career high 12.7 points per game along with 3.2 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game and has a 48.8% field goal percentage – 55th in the NBA.
In a recent game against the Memphis Grizzlies, Christie scored 9 points, including one 3-pointer; his 17th game this season with at least one 3-pointer made, tying him for the most of such games through the team’s first 18 games in franchise history. He joined Jason Kidd, Jason Terry, Wesley Matthews, Luka Dončić, Tim Hardaway Jr. and Kyrie Irving as the only players to have done so.
And it’s his confidence that is driving his growth in a Mavs uniform Head Coach Jason Kidd said last month after a practice. “His confidence is at a very high level.”
Christie talked with Texas Metro News recently sharing thoughts on his legacy, what motivates him and what it’s like having a brother who also plays in the NBA.
TMN: How has your game evolved or changed since you joined the Dallas Mavericks?
Christie: Well different personnel first of all. One thing I was fortunate to have in LA was having star players, LeBron, AD when he was there, Austin…I’m pretty familiar playing off the ball with guys like that who draw so much attention . So for me, it’s just doing what I usually do better and more consistently.
I’m relatively versatile. I’ve had to handle the ball a little bit more than I did in LA so I think that’s an area of growth I’ve experienced.
TMN: When did you fall in love with basketball? I was in a big basketball family, my mom and dad both played so growing up around it made me naturally fall in love with it. Watching games, Christmas Day games, just those moments allowed me to fall in love with it and now I’m blessed and lucky enough to play the game that I love at the highest level.
TMN: Best piece of advice you’ve received that has helped elevate your career?
Christie: “Process over outcome.” Just that little phrase has helped me. That’s one of the biggest things I’ve been able to key in on and being the best version of myself; not comparing myself to other people and running your own race.
Being around the NBA, seeing how everyone comes from different places, have different stories, see how difficult it is to be here; that has helped me stay grounded. Process over outcome. Just knowing you put in the work and trust your process and the outcomes will come eventually. Just trying to maximize what and who I can be.
TMN: Fun secret talent?
Christie: I played trumpet when I was younger for about 2 or 3 years. I”m a big golfer but I think everyone knows that. But I’m relatively simple, I don’t try to be super complex. I play basketball, golf, play video games. I just keep things simple and keep the main thing the main thing. I also like to watch anime.
TMN: What keeps you motivated? What is your ‘why?’
Christie: I just want to be the best version of myself. That’s what motivates me to get up. To try to be better than I was yesterday. Continuing to find those areas and margins where I can be better, not only in basketball, but just in life in general as well.
TMN: What is it like having a brother in the league? (Cam Christie, Los Angeles Clippers) How were you two growing up?
Christie: We never picked on each other growing up. We’re really close. We always fed off of each other, trying to make each other better. We always knew this was our dream and we are very blessed and fortunate to be seeing that through with hard work and dedication.
TMN: What would you tell 10-year-old Max?
Christie: Stay present in the moment. Continue to keep going. When you’re 10 you’re young. Don’t have a care in the world but I knew when I was 10 that I wanted to play the NBA so badly. I would say just be present and keep going no matter what.
TMN: Who is your all-time favorite NBA player?
Christie: Kevin Durant. He’s so unique. He’s seven-foot-three and can handle the ball like a guard. Just his confidence, poise, he’s always been my favorite player.
TMN: What do you want your legacy to be when your career is over?
Christie: I just want to be known as someone who did his job. Again, try to maximize the potential. That he was the most professional person he could possibly be. I want to be remembered as a great player of course. But someone who was easy to work with, a professional who really put in the work each and every day.
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