Mavs’ Max Christie’s Sky-High Ambition: From the Hardwood to the Cockpit

Max Christie has quickly established himself on the court as a young and rising player in the NBA. Christie’s smooth shooting stroke, defensive versatility, and calm demeanor under pressure are all the tools he needs to build a long and successful professional basketball career. Christie says he would be going through the clouds if he weren’t playing under the bright lights of the league.

 

During his exit interview earlier this summer, the 21-year-old Dallas Mavericks guard revealed a surprising truth about his off-court interests.

“I’d probably be a pilot. I love flying—my dad’s a pilot, and I’ve always loved airplanes, so that’s likely what I’d be doing.”

Christie grew up admiring the sky instead of playing in packed arenas. Even though basketball took center stage, his father’s career as a pilot introduced him to the world of aviation and planted a fascination that has remained with him. Christie’s passion reveals the depth of his personality and the broad scope of his ambitions.

Athletes often pursue hobbies or side ventures unrelated to their sport. But Christie’s love of aviation stands out because of the precision, discipline, and calm it demands, which also define his game. Christie has a calculated mindset, whether orchestrating plays or making quick reads on defense, which would be just as advantageous in a cockpit.

Christie indicated that his flying aspirations are not just idle thoughts.

“Yeah, I’ll probably try to get my pilot’s license once my career is over,” he said. “For now, I’ve got to keep that contract intact!”

With a smile, he acknowledged the physical risks and responsibilities of being a professional athlete.

His comment demonstrates a mature understanding of balancing ambition and reality. Despite the possibility of becoming a pilot in the future, Christie is entirely focused on his current development as a player. Despite entering a crucial stage of his early NBA career, he is still committed to contributing to the Lakers’ success and improving both on and off the court.

Christie’s decision to wear a flight suit instead of sneakers is endearing and inspiring. It reminds us that athletes, even those performing at the highest level, are multidimensional individuals with dreams that go beyond their sport. Max Christie excels at gliding on the court and even in the air, even if it’s just for a goal.