Max Christie’s defense will be key to keeping his starting job for the Mavericks

The Smoking Cuban argues that Max Christie must improve defensively during the 2026-27 NBA season to maintain his starting shooting guard role with the Dallas Mavericks. Despite starting 70 games last season and providing reliable offensive production, Christie faces increased competition for his starting position following the arrival of Zaccharie Risacher.

Christie recorded a team-worst -339 plus-minus and a 115.2 defensive rating last season as his blocks, steals, and rebounds declined. During Media Day, Christie acknowledged his defensive regression and expressed a desire to serve as the team's primary point-of-attack defender this year.