Mavericks' dream Cooper Flagg co-star isn't who anyone expected

Fans of the Dallas Mavericks won't ever get over the Luka Doncic trade, as Anthony Davis has already been traded to the Washington Wizards, but got a win in the former Los Angeles Lakers guard, Max Christie. The Mavs got him at the perfect time, especially because one of their young studs has been seriously injured for the past two seasons.

Dereck Lively II was a key piece next to Luka Doncic, and even though Doncic isn't a Maverick anymore, he and Cooper Flagg are poised to be a great duo. Coming into the 2025-26 season, Lively II was the most promising player on this team outside of Flagg. That may not be the case anymore due to his constant injuries. It's time for Christie to take that role from Lively II because of Lively II's inconsistencies and inability to stay on the court.

Christie has been on the Mavericks since the second half of last season and has played in 84 games in his Mavericks career. That's only 14 games less than Lively II's entire career. Assuming Christie stays healthy the rest of the season, he will pass Lively II for games played as a Maverick. It was supposed to be Lively II and Flagg, but now it looks like it's going to be Christie as Flagg's sidekick.

Christie needs to replace Lively II as Flagg's running mate

Christie has already taken the next step as a reliable starting guard in the NBA. He's already started in 43 games this season, by far the most in a season in his career. He's also reliable in terms of durability, something that Lively II can't say. Flagg's ability to run the court with Christie and take outside shots makes the offense run smoothly.

Lively II is perfect for a slower-paced offense that Flagg can work with in the pick-and-roll. Very similar to how he worked with Doncic, but Flagg can be the perfect facilitator to get Lively II involved as he continues to grow as a facilitator. The only hope is for Lively II to get better next year, but can he stay healthy? That's the million-dollar question.

Christie has been the perfect running mate for Flagg in a way that could develop an even stronger connection in the future. Kyrie Irving and Flagg have the potential to form a duo unlike anything we've seen in recent memory, but this won't begin until next season.

There's still a question about Lively II's future with the Mavs. His constant injuries may eventually put him on a similar Davis route, where he gets traded midseason. Obviously, a lot would have to happen, but it's not out of the picture. It's still early in his career, and he has plenty of time to get on his feet. But if injuries continue, it won't look good for the former Duke star big man.

Matt Riccardi and Michael Finley have another easy decision when it comes to Christie's future. He's not trade bait, and they must keep him next to Flagg. He's one of the keys to bringing the Mavs back to relevancy. Christie has worked his way from the ground up, and he deserves to be on the Flagg hype train with a front-row seat.