Mavs' Max Christie Earns Recognition as 'Most Underrated'

Max Christie arrived in Dallas as part of one of the biggest trades in NBA history that sent Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers, but his impact has quietly become one of the Mavericks' biggest success stories.

While much of the attention surrounding the franchise has centered on its new core, Christie has steadily developed into a dependable two-way starter. And Bleacher Report recognized that when they listed him as the team's most "disrespected hidden gem" in a recent piece.

READ MORE: Mavericks' Naji Marshall Earns Major Respect in New Ranking

"Going from a second-round pick in 2022 to the starting shooting guard between Kyrie Irving and Cooper Flagg has been quite the rise for Max Christie," Greg Swartz writes. "For a franchise that now needs shooting and ball-handling around Flagg, Christie looks like a reliable starter for the Mavericks moving forward."

This past season, he averaged 12 points, three rebounds and two assists while knocking down 40 percent of his shots from beyond the arc. Those numbers don't jump off the page compared to some of the league's stars, but they highlight a player who consistently impacts winning without demanding the spotlight. 

READ MORE: Mavs Shouldn't Be 'Dumb' in Daniel Gafford Trade 'Dump'

His value extends well beyond the box score. Christie started 68 of the 77 games he appeared in, giving Dallas stability on the perimeter throughout the season. He also finished second on the team in made three-pointers, trailing only veteran sharpshooter Klay Thompson, proving he can space the floor at a high level while fitting seamlessly alongside the Mavericks' top offensive options. 

That combination of shooting and perimeter defense makes Christie an ideal complementary piece as Dallas continues building around Cooper Flagg. He doesn't need the ball in his hands to make an impact, yet he's capable of attacking closeouts, making smart decisions, and guarding opposing wings every night. Those traits often separate good role players from players who become long-term starters.

With another offseason to continue refining his game, there's reason to believe his best basketball is still ahead. At just 23 years old, Christie is still developing physically and mentally, and another leap could cement him as one of the league's better two-way wings.

For a Mavericks team looking to return to playoff contention, Max Christie may no longer qualify as a hidden gem for much longer. The rest of the NBA is likely to catch on soon enough.