Michigan State Basketball: Projected starting 5 after Tyson Walker pledge

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 09: Tyson Walker #2 of the Northeastern Huskies dribbles up court during the CAA Men's Basketball Tournament - Semifinals college basketball game against the Elon Phoenix at the Entertainment & Sports Arena on March 9, 2020 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /

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Oct 6, 2018; Colorado Springs, CO, USA; USA Men’s Junior National Team participant Max Christie (20) during minicamp at the U.S. Olympic Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

A lot of people may be wondering, “Where the heck is Rocket Watts?”

My answer? Currently still in East Lansing. I think there’s a chance Watts could dispel rumors and stay at Michigan State for his junior season, but there may be a part of him that’s thinking the grass is greener elsewhere. The rumors have been circulating regarding a potential transfer from Watts, but I still have Max Christie here even if Rocket stays.

Why? Because I think Rocket coming off the bench would take a lot of pressure off of him. He could come into the game with Jaden Akins and form one of the best one-two backcourt combos in the country off the bench.

Christie may not start from day one for the Spartans, but he may give the starting five its highest ceiling. He has length at the shooting guard position that Watts just simply doesn’t possess at 6-foot-6 and 195 pounds and he’s been bulking up. If he proves to be a plus defender and can score at a decent clip, he could be one of the best freshmen in the Big Ten.

The five-star from Illinois is having a huge senior year and he should be an immediate contributor for the Spartans in 2021-22.

A two-deep with Christie and Watts would be fantastic.

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