Freshman guard Max Christie (5) scores a Spartan two-pointer in Michigan State's match against the Purdue Boilermakers in the semifinals of the B1G tournament at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. - March 12, 2022
All-Big 10 freshman Max Christie has decided to stay in the 2022 NBA Draft and hire an agent, effectively ending his college career at Michigan State.
Christie, a former five-star recruit, started all 35 games he appeared in this season and led the team in minutes per game at 30.8. Christie averaged 9.3 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game.
He is the first one-and-done Spartan since Jaren Jackson Jr. in 2018.
According to Justin Thind, declaring for the draft has been Christie and his family’s plan for a while. The Michigan State coaching staff has been operating under this impression for several weeks.
Christie has all of the tools to be a successful professional, as his shooting ability, wing defensive prowess, and body frame potential all are at an NBA level, but many still believe he could have benefited from another year of Big Ten play.
Head Coach Tom Izzo said he is excited about Christie’s next step.
His official departure leaves the Spartans with some depth concerns going into the season, but there is still time for MSU to utilize the transfer portal to address those concerns.
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