Injuries have been a defining narrative for Anthony Davis during his stint with the Dallas Mavericks, turning him into a frequent topic of discussion across the NBA. His move to the Washington Wizards marks a fresh chapter, though he won't see the court this season due to ongoing injury issues.
The Mavericks' decision-makers, Michael Finley and Matt Riccardi, might not have realized the potential trade value of Max Christie, who came alongside Davis in the Luka Doncic trade. Putting Christie on the trade block might have yielded significant draft capital or key players.
Fans were initially puzzled by the idea of trading Christie. He was emerging as a reliable co-star next to Cooper Flagg, defying expectations. However, his production saw a notable dip in March, contrasting with his earlier performance.
Despite this, the season has been a breakthrough for the young sharpshooter. Christie was on a roll during his final months with the Los Angeles Lakers, and he continued to impress in Dallas, posting an average of 12.2 points per game and maintaining over 40% accuracy from beyond the arc. With 62 starts, his career-high, the decision not to trade him earlier might now seem like a missed opportunity.
The Mavericks' Potential Missed Opportunity with Christie
The expression "strike while the iron is hot" fits perfectly here. Christie was performing well before the trade deadline, averaging 13.4 points per game in February.
He could have been a valuable trade asset for the Mavericks. However, his value dipped in March, with his average dropping to 8.9 points per game, and the chance to capitalize on his earlier form slipped away.
While this isn't necessarily a setback for the Mavericks, it does spark a sense of "what if" among fans. Christie's value may be declining, but this could align with the Mavericks' strategy as they prepare for a top 10 pick in what promises to be a talent-rich draft class.
The Mavericks' Contingency Plan
The Mavericks need Christie to find his shooting rhythm, especially with their current three-point shooting percentage at a low 34.2%, ranking near the bottom of the league. If Christie continues to struggle, the team has options on the horizon.
The upcoming draft offers a wealth of talent, with players like Darius Acuff Jr., Kingston Flemings, and Keaton Wagler potentially stepping in as the Mavericks' next star guard. They don't need to be immediate stars, but consistency will be key.
If fortune favors them with a top two pick, or even the number one spot, prospects like Duke's Cam Boozer or BYU's AJ Dybantsa could be game-changers for the franchise.