In the shocking trade for Luka Doncic, the Dallas Mavericks celebrated the headliner Anthony Davis who arrived to strengthen their defensive stronghold. For the top brass, AD is seen as the missing key to elevate the Mavs into championship contention. However, they also received Max Christie, a player who swooned JJ Redick. His tenacity and play on both sides of the floor stood out to the Lakers enough for him to crack into the regular rotation. And now, even Kyrie Irving can see the influence that Christie brings to the table.

In two games thus far, the 21-year-old has displayed maturity in the way he plays the game. The former Lakers guard is a defensive hound who can also open up defenses without the ball. Irving admits to being ‘impressed’ with how quickly Max Christie has managed to slot into the Mavs’ system.

Understandably, he akins that quality to the players that Christie got the opportunity to learn from such as Davis and LeBron James. “Really excited to keep growing with him and he has a great feel for the game already. You can tell he’s played with some high-level players just his spacing instincts it’s good to see a young person in our league to do the intangibles and accept their role very early on. Just seamlessly adjust with us and adapt,” Irving says about his new teammate.

Christie’s immediate impact isn’t as surprising considering Redick’s opinion of him. The Lakers coach hailed his maturity and competitive spirit. Furthermore, even though young, Christie isn’t hungry for minutes or the ball. His purpose is to be impactful in the game. In both games with Dallas, he’s had a positive net differential and showcased his diverse scoring acumen.

There’s no doubt that the major pickup for Dallas remains Anthony Davis. His dominance and rim protection are transcending. However, Christie’s toughness and unselfish mindset can also be key in the long run.

Max Christie hasn’t stopped improving

From the time he arrived in LA as a teenager, the development scale on Christie was off the charts. Although young, his feel for the game was comparable to a veteran. The 21-year-old plays with the right mindset, staying active and constantly evolving himself to fit into any system. And his introduction opens up the avenue for the Mavericks.

Although not a volume scorer yet, Christie makes the right reads and has the mentality to remain a threat at all times. In his two games, he has averaged 15 points. But both times, he displayed different skills. In his debut, he went a perfect 4-4 from three point range. Tonight, in a fighting win against the Celtics, his off-ball acumen and regular movement allowed for great looks at the rim.

Furthermore, from a defensive standpoint, the 6’5″ guard holds his own. He is holding opposing guards to shooting just 33.6% from three. Moreover, his high-octane pressure results in forcing turnovers and blowing up possessions. At just 21, the Mavericks view him as a long-term piece, a diversion from the main reason they made the decision to trade Luka Doncic.

And well, Christie is a player many teams would want. So far, he seems to be thriving in Dallas, and with Jason Kidd as his head coach, his development shouldn’t face any obstruction either.