Draymond Green Shouts out Lakers' Max Christie: History Says He'll Be an All-Star
June 24, 2022
Golden State Warriors veteran Draymond Green believes Los Angeles Lakers draft pick Max Christie is going to be a star in the NBA.
After the Lakers selected Christie out of Michigan State University during Thursday's NBA draft, Green had to shout out the 19-year-old on Twitter, noting that "history says he's going to be an All-Star."
It's no surprise Green believes Christie is going to succeed at the next level. The Warriors forward was also the 35th pick in the 2012 draft out of MSU and has gone on to have a pretty impressive career.
Bleacher Report Draft Expert Jonathan Wasserman's Scouting Report
Player: Max Christie
Position: SG/SF
Height: 6'4"
Pro Comparison: Jeremy Lamb
Scouting Report: Though Christie struggled to make shots, high school and FIBA tape—plus a believable stroke—have teams willing to buy his long-term shooting development. At 6'4", he's a fundamentally sound wing who can hit jumpers off spot-ups, screens and pull-ups.
Green has spent his entire 10-year career with the Warriors and is among the most successful players to ever suit up in the NBA.
The 32-year-old is a four-time NBA champion and four-time All-Star. In addition, he was named Defensive Player of the Year in 2016-17, was the 2016-17 steal champion, has been named to the All-Defensive Team seven times and the All-NBA Team twice.
While Green's best basketball is behind him, he's still one of Golden State's most significant contributors. During the 2021-22 season, he averaged 7.5 points, 7.3 rebounds, 7.0 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.1 blocks in 46 games.
The former Spartan was just as good in the playoffs, averaging 8.0 points, 7.2 rebounds, 6.3 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.0 block in 22 games en route to the NBA title.
Green spent four seasons at Michigan State from 2008-12 before entering the NBA. He had an impressive senior season for the Spartans, averaging 16.2 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.0 block in 37 games.
As for Christie, he spent just one season with the Spartans before entering the NBA. The rookie guard averaged 9.3 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.5 assists in 35 games as a freshman and was named to the Big Ten All-Freshman Team.
But while Green believes Christie could one day be an All-Star, he has a lot of work to put in if he wants to make the Lakers' roster. In addition, L.A. is currently in a win-now mode with LeBron James and Anthony Davis still on the roster, so it could be some time before we see Christie crack the roster.