Last June, the Los Angeles Lakers took an intriguing young wing named Max Christie with the No. 35 pick in the 2022 NBA draft.
In one season of college ball at Michigan State University, Christie had shown defensive potential, but his shooting efficiency was terrible. His inability to hit from the outside continued during summer league play, and it looked like he would be a project player for the next few years.
However, he started to get some playing time during the regular season, and not just in garbage time. When he got onto the court, he surprised people in a positive way.
Christie's NBA regular-season stats (in 12.5 minutes a game)
3.1 points
1.8 rebounds
0.5 assists
41.5 percent field-goal shooting
41.9 percent 3-point shooting
87.5 percent free-throw shooting
Christie's G League stats
14.3 points
5.2 rebounds
2.1 assists
41.6 percent field-goal shooting
29.0 percent 3-point shooting
71.4 percent free-throw shooting
Takeaways
Christie received little playing time during the first few weeks of the regular season. But starting Nov. 7, he played meaningful time on the court for four consecutive games, and he delivered.
The most noticeable aspect of his play during that span and afterward was a surprisingly accurate outside shot. The 3-point stroke that looked like it needed major improvement was suddenly reliable, and it remained reliable through the heart of the season, as he periodically received significant minutes for several games at a time.
Christie’s defensive effort is noticeable, and his 6-foot-9 wingspan (he stands 6-foot-5) allows him to bother opponents when they attempt shots. In addition, he makes a nice effort to go after rebounds.
Later in the year, he was sent down to the G League. Instead of seeing it as a demotion, he saw value in his time with the South Bay Lakers.
The wing reportedly bulked up during the season, and continuing to add upper body and core muscle will be key in him becoming a defensive stalwart. He needs to continue to work on his outside stroke, as its efficiency went down during his time in the G League.
But the 20-year-old has a bright future, and if he puts in some serious work this offseason, perhaps he could earn a permanent spot in head coach Darvin Ham’s rotation next season.
The question is whether he would be ready to play effective defense against some of the NBA’s premier wings.
Final grade: B
