The Dallas Mavericks opted against issuing early contract extensions to select players prior to the start of the season, a group that included 2023 first-round selections Dereck Lively II and Marcus Sasser. Among the decisions that drew less public attention was the choice regarding starting shooting guard Max Christie, who could become a free agent next offseason and holds an $8.8 million player option for the 2027-28 season. While external observers and fans voiced a desire for a proactive extension, team leadership instituted a new regime and chose to evaluate Christie’s fit within an altered tactical framework.
Through the opening three games of the season, those early concerns have materialized on the court. Christie is averaging 8.7 points per game while experiencing a sharp dip in perimeter accuracy, converting just 4 of 17 attempts from beyond the arc for a 23.5% shooting clip. Despite leading the roster in three-point attempts, his total of makes is eclipsed by three teammates: Marcus Sasser with eight, Kyrie Irving with six, and P.J. Washington with four.
Context remains important in the early going, as the Mavericks have yet to field a fully healthy or complete lineup. Key contributors including Santi Aldama and Dereck Lively have been sidelined, while rookie prospect Flagg sustained an injury during the first half against the Indiana Pacers, and Kyrie Irving missed a Saturday matchup against the San Antonio Spurs. Integrating a new system with shifting personnel has created a complex environment, though Christie’s early performances have arguably registered as the most disappointing development on the roster under head coach Dusty May.
Should Christie’s offensive slump persist, analysts note that May could look to alter the starting lineup, with several candidates staking early claims for increased minutes. Zaccharie Risacher started every preseason contest before opening the regular season on the bench. Although Risacher has battled offensive inefficiencies, his defensive impact has been notable, tallying 7 steals and 5 blocks across three games while rendering life difficult for Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton.
Meanwhile, Marcus Sasser has delivered a productive start, posting 11.7 points per contest while shooting an efficient 8 of 14 from three-point range, complemented by tenacious defense and steady playmaking. A higher-upside alternative emerged in Sergio De Larrea. After seeing minimal action in the first two contests, De Larrea capitalized on extended opportunities during the absences of Flagg and Irving in the third game, exploding for 21 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists while shooting 9 of 15 from deep. Although development remains ongoing for the young guard, his offensive ceiling has introduced a compelling option for rotation adjustments.
