Max Christie Jr.’s basketball story is still being written. From Illinois high school gyms to the hardwood of the NBA, Christie has consistently met challenges with composure and determination
+While not yet a star, his steady progress, elite shooting, and team-first mentality make him a player to watch.
Whether he becomes a long-term starter or a dependable sixth man, one thing is clear: Christie has the tools and mindset to carve out a successful NBA career.
As he continues to mature, Dallas might just be the perfect place for him to take that next leap.
The story of Max Christie isn’t just about one athlete’s rise—it’s about a family that came together to build a future.
With a strong mother who shattered records and now supports mental wellness, and a father who excelled in both sports and aviation, Max Jr. stands as the embodiment of dedication, love, and ambition.
Whether on the court or in life, the Christies have proven that greatness begins at home.
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Table of Contents
Max Christie Jr.: Who Is He?
From Illinois Prodigy to NBA Role Player
Cormac Karl “Max” Christie Jr. has steadily carved a place for himself in the NBA, showcasing growth, potential, and promise.1
From his dominant high school days in Illinois to his current role with the Dallas Mavericks, Christie’s journey is marked by perseverance, development, and basketball IQ.
As of May 2025, Christie is in his third NBA season, already demonstrating a steady climb in his performance metrics and overall contribution to the game.
Here’s a look into my fitting with @GolfDirectNow1 in West Chicago. Had a great time with these guys. Took care of me and are leveling up my golf game. Click the link in my bio to shop with them yourself! pic.twitter.com/qHknBgC4is
— Max Christie (@Max12Christie) August 1, 2024
Early Life and High School Dominance
Max Christie Jr. was born on February 10, 2003, and grew up in Rolling Meadows, Illinois. His basketball potential became evident early on.
Enrolling at Rolling Meadows High School, he quickly made waves as a standout varsity player. As a junior and senior, Christie showcased elite scoring ability, smooth shooting mechanics, and basketball maturity well beyond his years.
A defining moment in his high school career came when he dropped a career-high 51 points against Elk Grove, a performance that caught national attention. Christie’s elite scoring and all-around gameplay earned him numerous accolades. He was named:
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Illinois Gatorade Player of the Year
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News-Gazette All-State Player of the Year
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Chicago Sun-Times Player of the Year
These honors reflected both his statistical dominance and his impact on team success. A consensus five-star recruit, Christie was ranked among the top shooting guards in his class.
Max Christie Jr: Career
College Years at Michigan State University
Opting to play college basketball under Tom Izzo at Michigan State, Christie brought high expectations into the 2021–22 NCAA season.2
As a freshman, he immediately earned a starting role for the Spartans, appearing in all 35 games.
His collegiate statistics included:
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9.3 points per game
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3.5 rebounds
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1.5 assists
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38.2% field goal percentage
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31.7% three-point shooting
Christie’s versatility on both ends of the court, combined with his composure under pressure, earned him a spot on the Big Ten All-Freshman Team.
Though Michigan State’s season ended in the NCAA tournament’s early rounds, Christie’s NBA potential was evident, prompting him to declare for the 2022 NBA Draft after just one season.
A New Chapter: Drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers
In the 2022 NBA Draft, Max Christie was selected 35th overall by the Los Angeles Lakers. While not a lottery pick, Christie entered the NBA with considerable upside—particularly as a perimeter shooter and defender.
The Lakers, a franchise often focused on contending in the short term, saw in Christie a long-term developmental piece.
In his rookie season (2022–23), Christie played 41 games and posted:
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3.1 points per game
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1.8 rebounds per game
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41.5% from the field
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41.9% from three-point range
His efficiency from deep, particularly for a rookie, stood out. He often came off the bench, providing spacing and occasional defensive help.
While he wasn’t a regular part of the rotation in critical games, Christie used his time to adjust to NBA speed and physicality.
Improvement and Growth in the NBA
Now in his third NBA season, Christie has made strides in multiple areas. As of May 1, 2025, he has played in 186 career games and is averaging:
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6.2 points per game
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2.6 rebounds per game
Though not yet a star, Christie has established himself as a reliable role player—valued for his consistent shooting, smart movement off the ball, and disciplined defense.
His shooting mechanics remain smooth, and he has improved his decision-making with the ball, becoming less turnover-prone and more confident attacking closeouts.
Trade to the Dallas Mavericks
In early 2025, Christie was traded to the Dallas Mavericks, a franchise known for developing young talent alongside established stars like Luka Dončić. The move represented a fresh start and a potential opportunity for increased playing time.
In Dallas, Christie has fit in as a floor-spacer and off-ball threat, often utilized in lineups that require three-point shooting and positional versatility.
His ability to play both shooting guard and small forward gives the Mavericks lineup flexibility.
International Success with Team USA
Christie’s journey on the hardwood has not been limited to domestic play. In 2019, he represented Team USA at the FIBA Americas U16 Championship held in Brazil. The U.S. team dominated the tournament, and Christie contributed to the gold medal campaign.
That experience gave him a taste of international competition and helped shape his basketball development.
Competing with and against other elite young talents, Christie showcased his scoring prowess and unselfish play, elements that remain central to his identity today.
Max Christie Jr: Playing Style and Strengths
Max Christie is known for a polished, controlled style of play.3
His strengths include:
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Shooting Efficiency: Especially from beyond the arc. His 41.9% three-point shooting as a rookie reflects his potential as a perimeter threat.
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Off-Ball Movement: He constantly relocates to find open shots, a trait valuable in today’s spacing-driven NBA.
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On-Ball Defense: While not a lockdown defender, Christie uses his length and footwork to contest shots and stay in front of ball handlers.
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Basketball IQ: He makes sound decisions, doesn’t force shots, and rarely overplays his hand.
These skills make him an ideal role player in systems that rely on ball movement and spacing.
Areas for Growth
Despite his promise, Christie still has room to improve. Key areas include:
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Shot Creation: Most of his offense comes via catch-and-shoot or cuts. Developing the ability to create his own shot off the dribble could elevate his offensive impact.
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Strength and Physicality: Like many young wings, Christie is still adjusting to the physical toll of the NBA. Continued strength training will help him defend bigger wings and absorb contact when finishing at the rim.
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Playmaking: As his usage grows, so too must his ability to read the floor and facilitate for teammates.
Continued work in these areas could expand Christie’s role beyond that of a 3-and-D specialist.
Outlook for the Future
At only 22 years old, Max Christie still has significant upside. In Dallas, he is in a promising developmental situation. If he continues to shoot efficiently and expands his offensive repertoire, he could become a valuable rotation player on a contending team—or even evolve into a reliable starter.
His work ethic, poise, and coachability have already won over teammates and coaches. With the right mentorship and system, Christie could follow a trajectory similar to other second-round picks who blossomed into key NBA contributors.
Christie comes from an athletic family. His mother, Katrina Hannaford-Christie, played college basketball at Northwestern and was a psychologist by profession. His father, Max Sr., also had basketball experience and has remained involved in Max Jr.’s development.
This support system played a crucial role in Christie’s rise through the basketball ranks. Grounded, articulate, and humble, Christie carries himself with professionalism that reflects his upbringing.
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Meet Max Christie’s Parents
Max Christie Jr., an emerging star in the NBA, owes much of his basketball journey to the steady support and impressive legacy of his parents—Max Sr. Christie and Katrina Christie.
Their influence has been more than just emotional support; it’s deeply embedded in his skill development, mindset, and values. Here’s a deep dive into the people who raised one of basketball’s brightest young talents.
Who Is Max Christie’s Mother? A Legacy of Strength and Smarts
Katrina Christie is no stranger to the spotlight herself. A standout player for the Northwestern Wildcats women’s basketball team, she carved out a notable collegiate career, scoring over 1,000 points during her time on the court.
Her scoring prowess, leadership, and discipline were often cited as key components of her success.
After hanging up her sneakers, Katrina shifted her focus to the world of psychology. As of April 2025, she works as a licensed psychologist, leveraging her experience in sports and education to guide others through mental health challenges.
Her background in athletics gives her a unique edge when dealing with high-performing individuals, including young athletes navigating pressure and expectations.
Katrina is also active on social media, particularly Instagram, where she goes by the handle @christie3455.
With 144 followers as of April 12, 2025, her page offers a glimpse into her life as a mother, professional, and former athlete. While not a celebrity in the social media sense, Katrina’s quiet support for her son and her accomplished background speak volumes.
Who Is Max Christie’s Father? A Passion for Flight and Hoops
Max Sr. Christie also boasts an athletic background. He played semi-professional basketball, competing for Parkland College and Wisconsin–Superior. While he never reached the NBA, his experiences laid a foundation of grit and determination that he passed down to his son.
After his basketball career, Max Sr. chose a very different path—he became a pilot. His disciplined nature and ability to perform under pressure translated well from the court to the cockpit.
It’s a testament to his versatility and ambition, qualities that no doubt impacted Max Jr.’s development as both a player and a person.
Like his wife, Max Sr. also maintains a presence on Instagram under the username @maxchristiesr34. He often shares glimpses into his life and occasionally posts proud moments from his son’s games, highlighting his deep-rooted pride in Max Jr.’s accomplishments.
Max Christie Jr: National Identity
Max Christie’s parents are both American nationals, born and raised in the United States.
Their cultural and regional roots are reflective of the classic American sports family—competitive, hardworking, and aspirational.
They represent a familiar story of middle-class parents pouring their love and wisdom into their children’s athletic dreams.
Early Exposure to the Game
From a young age, Max Jr. was surrounded by the game. With both parents having played competitively, he received instruction, guidance, and inspiration early on.
His mother focused on technique and discipline, while his father instilled resilience and mental toughness.
This well-rounded approach gave Max Jr. a head start. While other kids were learning the basics, he was already working on advanced drills and watching game film with an analytical eye.
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Balancing Sports and Education
The Christies placed equal importance on academics and athletics. Katrina’s career as a psychologist highlighted the importance of education and emotional intelligence.
As a result, Max Jr. wasn’t just pushed to excel on the court but also in the classroom. This balance helped him become a well-rounded individual prepared for the challenges of professional sports.
The Psychological Edge: Katrina’s Influence Beyond Basketball
Max Jr.’s calm demeanor and composed presence in high-pressure situations may be partially attributed to his mother’s profession.
Growing up with a psychologist as a parent offers a unique mental toolkit—especially in a sport where mental strength often separates the good from the great.
Whether it was learning breathing techniques, understanding how to cope with loss, or developing a winner’s mindset, Katrina’s insights played a subtle but crucial role in her son’s development.
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