EAST LANSING – Max Christie has hired an agent and will stay in the 2022 NBA Draft. Christie’s career at Michigan State has ended after one season. 

The freshman guard started 35 games for MSU last season as a freshman and averaged 9.3 points, 1.5 assists and 3.5 rebounds a game. He was named to the All-Big Ten freshman team.

Tom Izzo released a statement saying, “I know this is 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. We appreciate all of the hard work and dedication he gave to Michigan State Basketball this season and wish him nothing but the best.”

Coming out of Rolling Meadows High School in Illinois, Christie was a top 20 recruit in the country and rated as a five-star prospect. He was the seventh highest rated player to commit to Michigan State since 2003.

Christie played a large role for the Spartans in his lone college season. On offense, Christie was a primary creator and took over eight shots per game. On defense, he drew the toughest assignment from the opposition on most nights. He averaged half a block and half a steal per game.

The NBA Draft Lottery takes place on May 16, 2022 and the NBA Draft is on June 23, 2022.

Christie’s departure leaves Michigan State with a lot of questions heading into the 2022-23 season. Gabe Brown, Marcus Bingham Jr. and Julius Marble have also moved on from MSU. 

The Spartans will need to replace the production Christie gave both offensively and defensively by committee. Players like Jaden Akins, Pierre Brooks and Jaxon Kohler must be positive pieces if Michigan State will be a NCAA tournament team once again.