Cam Christie projected as 2024 first-round pick in reputable mock draft

Cam Christie will be in the starting lineup when the Gophers face Butler in the opening round of the NIT tournament Tuesday night, but how many more games will he be wearing Minnesota's maroon and gold?

Christie, who has yet to decide his future, is now being projected as a first-round pick in a reputable NBA mock draft. Sam Vecenie has the 6-foot-7 guard being taken 28th overall in his newest 2024 mock, which he released Tuesday. 

Vecenie calls Christie a "great candidate" to declare for the NBA Draft, see how it goes and then decide by the deadline whether to remain in the draft or drop out and return to college. 

"The brother of Lakers’ wing Max Christie, Cam’s style of play is similar, but he has showcased the capacity to do more with the ball in his hands than Max did at this stage," Vecenie writes. "... Scouts are excited about his potential to be a 3-and-D player with even more ball skills than normal, though it will take Christie time to reach that level."

Max Christie was drafted 35th overall by the Lakers after one year at Michigan State. 

Vecenie added: "If Christie stays in this class, he will likely be someone who will need at least a year in the G League to get his body up to speed. But in a down draft year, scouts are enthusiastic about sorting through players like him to see if any could turn into something long-term."

Christie has averaged 11.3 points per game and has hit 40.4% of his 3-pointers as a true freshman and at only 18 years old he proved to be one of the best young players in the country. He was especially good over a 10-game stretch from Jan. 27 to March 2 when he averaged 15.0 points and connected on 27-of-60 shots from 3-point range (45%). 

Christie said in early March that he wasn't focused on the NBA. 

"When that time comes, then I'll focus on it," Christie said. "But right now, staying focused on [the next game] is the main thing."

Minnesota and Butler play at 8 p.m. CT on ESPNU. The winner will play in the second round against Indiana State or SMU on March 23 or March 24.