Michigan State Basketball: 3 reasons Max Christie should return in 2022-23

Max Christie has decided to test the NBA waters and there are plenty of rumors circulating, but here’s why he should return to Michigan State basketball.

With the season officially over, it’s time to focus on the 2022-23 outlook and that starts with question marks surrounding the Michigan State basketball roster.

The Spartans are losing both Marcus Bingham Jr. and Gabe Brown who both announced that they’d be heading to the NBA draft and hiring agents but the status of the last senior, Joey Hauser, is still up in the air.

The most important name in limbo, however, is Max Christie.

After an up-and-down freshman year, the former five-star prospect decided to declare for the NBA draft and retain college eligibility. There have been plenty of rumors swirling that he may not return, but no one outside of Max really knows what’s going to happen.

Here’s why I believe he should return for one more season.

3. NIL opportunities while playing for Big Ten title-caliber team

Max Christie’s freshman year wasn’t exactly what he expected it to be because of the wall he hit in the middle of the season, but a return to Michigan State in 2022-23 would give the Spartans a go-to scorer and it would give the roster a legit star player. That’s what all contenders need.

With Christie back and a portal addition or two, Michigan State will be a legitimate Big Ten title threat and maybe even a favorite.

The Big Ten might be a little down next year so having a player like Christie return could really set the Spartans apart.

Plus, with a return, that would open up more NIL opportunities, especially since potential deals would be waiting for the star player on the team which would be Christie. There would be more NIL opportunities for him next year with him being the centerpiece of a Big Ten title-caliber team.