Journal & Topics Media Group

Max Christie Officially Remaining In NBA Draft


Rolling Meadows alum Max Christie has always dreamed of playing in the National Basketball Association (NBA) and he might just do it as a first round draft pick this year in the upcoming NBA Draft.

Christie played one season at Michigan State University, where he was a 5-time Big Ten “Freshman of the Week” selection and was named to the All-Big Ten Freshman team. 

Back on April 1, he announced he was exploring his options for the upcoming NBA Draft, but was still remaining at Michigan State. 

Now Christie has signed an agent and will remain in the 2022 NBA Draft. He will participate in the Chicago pre-draft combine this week, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

“I know this has been a lifelong dream for Max and I am excited for him as he takes the next step and continues the process and journey to becoming an NBA player,” Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo said in a statement on MSU basketball’s Twitter. “We appreciate all of the hard work and dedication he gave Michigan State basketball this season and wish him nothing but the best.”

Christie is looking to be the first draft pick from the Journal-area since Jalen Brunson (Stevenson HS) was selected No. 33 overall in the second round of the 2018 NBA Draft by the Dallas Mavericks.

Niles North alum and former Maine East player Abdel Nader was selected No. 58 overall in 2016. Former Rosemont resident Jahlil Okafor was the last first round pick with ties to the Journal-area, going No. 3 overall in 2015.

In his one season at Michigan State, Christie started all 35 games he played in and averaged 9.3 points per game. He finished with 324 points, 121 rebounds, 51 assists, 18 steals and 17 blocks. He made 112-of-293 shots (.382%) overall, including 73-of-170 (.429%) 2-point field goals and 39-of-123 (.317%) 3-pointers. He was strong at the free throw line, making 61-of-74 shots for a solid .824%.

Christie is the all-time leading scorer at Rolling Meadows and the Mid-Suburban League conference with 2,100 career points. He was a multi-time first team All-State selection and helped lead the Mustangs to a 15-0 record his senior season.

Christie is looking to become the first Rolling Meadows NBA player since Aaron Williams played from 1993-2008. Williams finished with 4,120 points in the NBA after being undrafted in 1993.

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