After Thursday’s trade deadline, many Dallas Mavericks fans were left frustrated by some puzzling moves. The day began with Nico Harrison’s shocking trade of superstar Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers and ended with Quentin Grimes heading to the Philadelphia 76ers.
Adding to the disappointment, the Mavericks failed to bring in a point guard, a glaring need after sending Doncic away. The team’s need for more shot creation, playmaking, and ball-handling was unmet by their deadline moves.
Despite the turbulent week, there’s still hope for the future after the Mavericks defeated the Boston Celtics 127-120 on Thursday, even without Anthony Davis, who is expected to make his debut on Saturday against the Houston Rockets.
While Davis has yet to play for Dallas, Max Christie, who was also traded in the Doncic deal, has quickly caught the attention of fans with his performances.
Max Christie Surpasses Expectations in Dallas
At first, the Doncic-Davis trade seemed like a disaster for Dallas. While it may still be seen as a loss, it’s evident that Dallas found a valuable long-term player in Christie. Initially overlooked in the trade, Christie is becoming one of the Mavericks’ most promising role players.
Drafted by the Lakers in 2022, Christie spent much of his early career as a minor player, but his potential was always clear. In his third year, he thrived after being named the starting shooting guard, averaging 10.6 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in 25 starts.
After the trade to Dallas, Christie has seamlessly transitioned into his new role, impressing fans with his efficient scoring, off-ball movement, and defensive versatility. In his first game as a Maverick, Christie scored 15 points off the bench, hitting all four of his three-point attempts. He also grabbed nine rebounds, showcasing his all-around game.Against the Celtics, Christie again shone with his off-ball movement and timely cuts, along with a spectacular dunk over Celtics center Luke Kornet.
In just two games as a Maverick, Christie is averaging 15 points per game, shooting 57.1% from three, and pulling down 7.5 rebounds per game. His off-ball movement has unlocked new strategies for coach Jason Kidd, and he’s excelling in the smaller details of the game.
Though his role remains uncertain once the Mavericks are fully healthy, Christie has established himself as a key rotational player. His performances may even help ease the sting of Harrison’s controversial trade of Doncic.
Christie may not be in the starting lineup yet, but his rapid rise has sparked questions about the Mavericks’ potential, especially if they reach the NBA Finals this season. While Harrison may always be associated with the Doncic trade, Christie and Davis could help fans look past that if Dallas continues to thrive.
