It happens every time a young player with a familiar last name enters the league. Fans start connecting dots that aren't there. If you've spent any time watching the NBA lately, you've probably wondered about the link between Doug Christie and Max Christie.
They look alike. They play similarly. Honestly, they even share that same wiry, defensive-first frame that makes life miserable for opposing guards. But here is the reality check: they aren't related. Not even a little bit.
Klay Thompson even fell for it. Seriously. In a viral clip from early 2025, Klay admitted he spent years thinking Max was Doug’s son. If a future Hall of Famer who grew up in NBA circles can get it wrong, don't feel bad if you did too.
The Mystery of the Missing DNA
The confusion is basically a perfect storm of coincidence. Doug Christie was the heart and soul of those legendary early-2000s Sacramento Kings teams. Max Christie is a rising talent who, as of 2026, is carving out a significant role with the Dallas Mavericks after a stint with the Lakers.
Max’s father is actually Cormac Karl Christie, Sr., and his mother, Katrina, was a total standout at Northwestern. He grew up in Arlington Heights, Illinois. Doug, on the other hand, is a Seattle legend who went to Pepperdine.
There is no biological crossover here. It's just one of those weird NBA glitches where two people with the same name occupy the same niche.
Why the Comparison Sticks
People don't just compare them because of the jersey name. It’s the vibe.
- The Build: Both stand around $6'6''$.
- The Defense: Doug was a 4-time All-Defensive selection. Max is currently proving to be a "3-and-D" specialist who actually cares about getting stops.
- The Shooting: While Doug was more of a facilitator, both share a smooth, high-release jumper that looks remarkably similar on film.
Doug Christie’s Second Act in Sacramento
While Max is busy trying to help Luka Doncic and the Mavs navigate the Western Conference, Doug Christie has moved into the hot seat. In May 2025, the Kings officially made Doug their 32nd head coach after he served as an interim following Mike Brown’s exit.
It hasn't been easy.
As of early 2026, the Kings are struggling with a record that would make most coaches sweat. But the organization is sticking by him. General Manager Scott Perry has been vocal about Doug’s "toughness" and his "Pittsburgh Steelers-style" culture.
Doug is coaching the way he played: scrappy, defensive-minded, and unapologetically blunt. He’s been known to be hyper-critical of his players in post-game pressers. Some fans love the old-school accountability; others wonder if it's too much for the modern NBA.
Max Christie: The Dallas Transformation
Max Christie's career took a massive turn when he was traded from the Lakers to the Dallas Mavericks in early 2025. It was part of the blockbuster deal that shook the league, and honestly, it might have saved his trajectory.
In Los Angeles, he was buried. In Dallas, he’s a key rotation piece.
- Current Stats (2025-26 Season): Averaging 12.3 points per game.
- Efficiency: Shooting a lethal 44.1% from three-point range.
- Role: He’s effectively the "Klay Thompson insurance" for the Mavs, playing nearly 30 minutes a night.
He signed a 4-year, $32 million contract back in 2024, which now looks like an absolute steal for Dallas. He’s earning about $7.7 million this season. For a guy who can guard three positions and hit nearly half his triples, that’s a bargain.
Sorting Fact From Fiction
Let's clear up the common misconceptions that keep popping up on Reddit and Twitter:
Is Max Doug's son?
No. Doug has a son named Douglas Christie Jr., but he isn't the Max Christie playing for the Mavericks.
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Did Doug Christie play for the Lakers?
Yes, actually. This adds to the confusion. Doug started his career with the Lakers in 1992 before moving to the Knicks and then finding his home in Toronto and Sacramento. Max also started with the Lakers.
Is there any connection at all?
Only professional respect. Doug has watched Max play and has commented on his poise, but there is no "Uncle Doug" relationship happening behind the scenes.
What to Watch for Next
If you're following these two, the next few months are huge.
For Doug Christie, it’s about survival. The Kings are in a "rebuild on the fly" mode, and he needs to prove his defensive schemes can work with a roster that has historically been allergic to guarding anyone.
For Max Christie, it’s about the playoffs. The Mavericks are legitimate contenders in 2026, and Max’s ability to hit corner threes when teams double-team Luka will determine if he’s a role player or a future starter.
If you want to track their progress, keep an eye on the Kings' defensive rating—it’s the only stat Doug truly cares about. For Max, watch his "clutch time" minutes; the fact that Jason Kidd is keeping him on the floor in the fourth quarter says everything you need to know about his growth.
Check the Mavericks' injury report before their next game against Utah; Max has been dealing with a minor illness but is expected to be back in the starting lineup soon.