In the preseason opener against the Guangzhou Loong-Lions, no one expected the starters to play heavy minutes. They were expected to dominate and avoid being the team that handed the Loong-Lions their first win, but the world knew their production would be restricted.
However, Cam Christie was in a bit of a different situation. He ended the first game with a solid stat line of five points, one rebound, and one assist, shooting 50% from the floor in five minutes, but the sad truth is that no matter how many times he proves himself to the coaching staff, he will not receive quality minutes.
This is not his fault, as he has gone above and beyond in putting the effort into improving and growing into the veteran he will one day become, but with how the Clippers’ roster is looking, and their clear capitalization on experience, Christie’s dream opportunity may have to wait until year three, or even longer.
Cam Christie has the potential for a massive sophomore leap, but he will not receive the opportunity
Cam Christie’s summer league showcase was praised for his numbers, as this is what will be permanently recorded in the books, but fans of the LA Clippers witnessed a young wing who took the weight room seriously with hopes of adding as much muscle as possible.
Moreover, the number one aspect every rising sophomore needs to make the anticipated leap is a Kobe Bryant-like work ethic, and Christie showed this, hinting to the front office to think twice before adding players at his position.
However, Lawrence Frank wants to win now. Unfortunately, for Christie, the addition of multiple guards could force him to sit on the sidelines even more this season than he did last season, despite his growth and advancement on and off the court.
Thus, Christie could go as far as being crowned by the NBA community as the preseason MVP, and it will likely not make a difference to head coach Tyronn Lue during the regular season.
But, just because this reality may sting, it will just be for the time being, as Chris Paul could retire after this season, Bradley Beal could decline his player option, and the Clippers could decline Bogdan Bogdanovic’s team option.
If each of these three pans out, the front office will most likely add a guard in the offseason just for depth, yet Christie will have his chance next season.