The third 12 months of an NBA participant’s profession is usually an essential 12 months. If he hasn’t carried out a lot at this level, this third season is usually thought-about decisive for him.
For Los Angeles Lakers guard Max Christie, who’s in his third 12 months at Michigan State College, it is as much as him to start out actually placing it collectively this season. Within the first month or so, he seemingly could not throw a pea into the ocean, however over the previous few weeks he has improved offensively, particularly from the perimeter. Maybe that is why head coach JJ Redick inserted Christie into the beginning lineup for the Dec. 8 sport towards the Portland Path Blazers.
Redick informed the media Friday that elevated taking part in time, particularly throughout vital intervals, has been key to Christie’s improved sport.
“Being a younger participant in your third 12 months and being in late-game conditions is big,” Redick mentioned of Christie after the Lakers’ Friday observe. “A few of them did very properly and a few of them made errors.
“But it surely’s okay. …It is okay for him. It is a part of rising up and getting these alternatives now, I believe it is essential.
Christie has began in every of his final seven video games, and over that span he has averaged 10.3 factors and shot 42.3% from 3-point vary. However his protection is maybe probably the most promising side of his sport. He has been tasked with guarding the opposite crew’s finest guard or wing, and he has responded with spectacular defensive performances towards stars akin to Ja Morant and De’Aaron Fox.
He’ll face Fox once more on Saturday when the Lakers host the Sacramento Kings, and three days later they’re going to should comprise Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland of the Cleveland Cavaliers.
This text was initially printed on LeBron Wire: JJ Redick on the important thing to Max Christie’s improved play of late
