Michigan State Basketball: Projected starting 5 post-Max Christie decision

With Max Christie officially announcing his decision to remain in the NBA draft, here’s what Michigan State basketball’s starting five could look like.

One final decision stood between Michigan State basketball and officially kicking off the offseason: Max Christie.

Would the former five-star freshman shooting guard return for one more season to work on his game and show more consistency while starring for the Spartans or would he take his raw talents to the NBA in hopes of catching on as a first-round selection? When he declared after the season, it felt like just a move to get some feedback from scouts and he’d undoubtedly return, but the trend in recent weeks was the opposite.

On Monday, Christie made it official, announcing that he would be staying in the draft and hiring an agent, a move that Tom Izzo said was made by him and his family — the second part of that is important here.

While Christie may have wanted to return (we may never know), his family felt like it was in his best interest to take that next step despite an up-and-down freshman season.

Although the Spartans could have used Christie next season because the wing depth is lacking, they will have to move forward with what they have.

There’s talent on this team, but not so much depth.

Here’s my best guess at a starting five for next season after the Christie decision.

*Note: This is subject to change depending on potential transfer addition(s).