But there’s no doubt they sit in one of the more intriguing positions of probably the weirdest draft in recent memory. And the Wolves aren’t the only Minnesota team providing fascination for this 2024 NBA Draft class.

The Golden Gophers have one of the youngest prospects up for grabs this week, 18-year-old Cam Christie, who is projected to go somewhere in the 20-40 range. Guess who has two picks in that range. We already mentioned the Wolves’ No. 27 pick, but they also own No. 37 too.

Could Minnesota Timberwolves draft former Gopher Cam Christie?

They need shooting, and Cam Christie’s shot is exactly why NBA teams like him so much. Oh, and wouldn’t you know, Cam was recently worked out by the Wolves at Mayo Clinic Square, according to Darren “Doogie” Wolfson (SKOR North, KSTP), during his Scoops session with Mackey & Judd on Tuesday.

“Had a nice conversation with [Cam Christie] last night, 13 workouts total. Yesterday, with the champion Boston Celtics.”

“Yes, he had a workout [with the Timberwolves]. Yes, he told me the workout here went very well. It was a good workout. If he is on the board at 37, especially if you grab a guy at 27 that can maybe help you sooner, rather than later, an older type guy, a Terrance Shannon, Baylor Scheierman, somebody like that, and Cam Christie is there at 37, maybe you go developmental guy there.”

Darren Wolfson – Mackey & Judd (SKOR North)

Dane Moore confirmed Christie’s workout “and interview” with the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday morning, while he was on KFAN radio with Paul Allen. So… how possible is it that Cam Christie actually lands back in the Twin Cities, when the NBA Draft completes?

Related: Timberwolves ‘Definitely’ Interested in Drafting Bronny James, But the Feeling is Not Mutual

Well, I’d say it is certainly plausible. He’s going to go somewhere around where the Wolves are picking in the back end of the 1st round, and near the front of the 2nd. And as mentioned, Cam can shoot, which Chris Finch desperately needs.

Max Christie got a twin brother who is even better????

Get Cam Christie to the Lakers 👀👀 pic.twitter.com/I5BDs1Zvzq

— 𝐉𝐚𝐤𝐞 (@SixthManJake) February 7, 2024

But there are problems with the match, too. Cam is so young, and the Timberwolves aren’t prioritizing younger, high-ceiling talent this draft, like they have in drafts past. They need NBA-ready talent to fill out their roster and they don’t have money to do it in free agency.

Related: Cam Christie Might be the Steal of the 2024 NBA Draft… but Word is Getting Out

As Doogie mentions, the MN Timberwolves really want a ball-handler and/or shooter who could help them out immediately. That’s why it’s much more likely the Wolves would take a crack at Cam Christie, if he falls into the 2nd round and he is still there at No. 37 and they’ve already taken an NBA ready player with their pick at No. 27.

Will Christie fall all the way to No. 37? A month ago, I would have said that was a very likely future. Now, the steam around Cam has grown so hot that I’m not sure he will even make it to No. 27, let alone No. 37. But let’s be real, once you get into the 20s and 30s, nobody has any idea what is going to happen.

In his only season at Minnesota, Christie averaged 11.3 points, 3.6 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 30.1 minutes per game (33 games). He is one of the most talented players to ever come through Dinkytown. If he goes in the first round, he would be the first since 2004, when Kris Humphries was drafted No. 14 overall.

Cam Christie, at 18 years old (turns 19 in July), is one of the youngest players in this draft class, but he made a strong impression during his first and only year with the Golden Gophers. He showcased his shooting skills by hitting 39% from the three-point line.

Is Minnesota Gophers Guard Cam Christie the Most Underrated Player in the 2024 NBA Draft?

The Arlington Heights (IL) native started 26 games in Minnesota, appeared in a total of 33, where he averaged 11.3 points per game. Cam is the younger brother of Lakers guard, Max Christie, and was always seen as less talented than his older sibling.

That is why he floated under the high school recruiting radar for so long. allowing Ben Johnson to swoop in and steal a kid who ended up as one of the best freshman in the entire country last season, and now, a possible 1st round pick before he turns 19.

Leading up to the 2024 NBA Draft, Christie is flying under the radar yet again. But one draft expert, ESPN’s Jonathan Givony isn’t fooled. On Saturday, he listed Cam Christie as THE underrated shooting guard of this rookie class.

Christie missed the beginning of the season while recovering from mononucleosis, but stood out during Big Ten action, playing outstanding basketball over the final two months of the season. He was likely overlooked to an extent as few projected the skinny, three-star recruit to emerge as a possible one-and-done first-rounder, despite establishing himself as one of the best freshman shooters in college basketball while also playing top-notch defenses on a nightly basis.

At 6-foot-6 in shoes and with an impressive 190-pound frame that should carry bulk nicely in the long term, Christie’s dynamic shot-making stands out for his age. He ranks as one of the best off-the-dribble shooters in this class, converting 39% of his pull-ups on the season. He also showed some ability initiating out of pick-and-roll, being tasked with more ballhandling responsibility this season than one might expect, helping him develop into more than just a big-time shooter.

Jonathan Givony – ESPN

Givony suggests that Christie is likely to be considered in the late first round of the draft, and if not, he could easily be picked early in the second round. The main concern for teams, according to him, revolves around Christie’s age he’s only 18 and his limited college experience of just one year.

What stuck out about Cam from the very beginning of the Minnesota Gophers’ 2023-24 season was, as Givony notes, his ability to shoot the ball, not just from everywhere on the court, but at any time. Off the dribble, off the catch, in the lane… it doesn’t matter, Cam Christie can get his shot just about whenever he wants, and at a very high success rate.

.@GopherMBB freshman Cam Christie has been on an absolute tear recently! 😤 pic.twitter.com/0J2fMLD0tS

— Big Ten Men's Basketball (@B1GMBBall) February 14, 2024

It’s a skill that not even a lot of NBA players possess, which is why teams are thinking about taking a flyer on his ridiculously high ceiling, even though he’s only 18 years old, with an underdeveloped body that probably isn’t ready for the league yet. Here is Givony’s projection for Cam this week.

Projection: Christie is getting looks from almost every team drafting in the 20s, but there are scenarios in which he falls into the 30s (or the second round) because of concerns about his readiness to help a team early in his NBA career, especially on the defensive end where he struggles with his thin frame. Whichever team drafts him will need to take a long-term view of his development in the next three to five years, and not necessarily what he is right now — which is, in many ways, the essence of the draft.

Jonathan Givony – ESPN

Related: Hometown Former Gophers Basketball Player is Going Pro… in Boxing

Christie earned a spot on the all-freshman team at the end of the season and was recognized as freshman of the week twice throughout the year. Will he eventually become a better pro player than his brother, Max, who averaged 14 minutes per game last season with the Los Angeles Lakers?

That’s what teams right around where the Minnesota Timberwolves are picking at No. 27 are trying to figure out. The first round of the NBA Draft is on Wednesday night, the second round will take place on Thursday.

Over the past two decades, only two Gophers players have been drafted, with Daniel Oturu being the most recent, selected at No. 33 in 2020. Kris Humphries was the last to go in the first round, picked at No. 14 back in 2004.

If Chris Finch wants to get his Minnesota Timberwolves to the NBA Finals next season, it will require Tim Connelly getting the fringes of the roster right. The Wolves need a shooter, preferably one that doubles as a point guard.

2024 NBA Draft Rumors: USC’s Isaiah Collier falling down NBA Draft Board

USC’s Isaiah Collier, who landed on campus as the No. 1 overall high school basketball prospect in the country just one summer ago, could fit that bill perfectly. Collier was supposed to be the big headliner of a groundbreaking 2023 Trojans class that also included Bronny James.

Fast forward to summer 2024, and it’s clear things didn’t go as planned in SoCal last season, which is the biggest reason as to why Collier is falling down draft boards and no longer seen as a lottery pick by most NBA Draft experts.

Isaiah Collier, the No. 1 overall recruit from the 2023 high school class, is sliding down boards in the pre-draft process.

After a very inconsistent season at USC, plus concerns around his shooting ability, Collier is likely to slip into the 20s on draft night.

A potential… pic.twitter.com/d4szN61sj3

— Evan Sidery (@esidery) June 19, 2024

Isaiah Collier, the No. 1 overall recruit from the 2023 high school class, is sliding down boards in the pre-draft process. After a very inconsistent season at USC, plus concerns around his shooting ability, Collier is likely to slip into the 20s on draft night. A potential steal for a contending team, if in the right situation for his development.

Evan Sidery – Forbes Sports

Could Isaiah Collier be drafted by the Minnesota Timberwolves?

The Timberwolves would be an ideal landing spot for Collier, who could use a mentor like 17-year veteran, Mike Conley, as he adjusts to yet another step up in competition. There would be no pressure for the youngster to play a major role in winning, as a rookie.

The better he were to play, the more minutes he would get from Mike, who wouldn’t argue about less minutes during the regular season, and a chance to stay healthier for the playoffs. There’s no doubting how much talent this kid has.

Don’t overthink Isaiah Collier

he is one of those ones 📞✍🏾 pic.twitter.com/N17XxEn42r

— 🪼. (@juerter) May 13, 2024

Related: Timberwolves ‘Definitely’ Interested in Drafting Bronny James, But the Feeling is Not Mutual

Once he is ready to run with the ones a little bit, he’d be surrounded by some of the most elite offensive weapons in the league, not to mention a defender like Rudy Gobert to show him the ropes defensively, and save his butt when needed.

Isaiah Collier would be a dream pick for the Minnesota Timberwolves at 27, if he is still there, but he hasn’t been brought in for a workout yet. It may be tough to believe he’ll slip that far, which could be why he hasn’t been in yet.

Could Cam Christie be drafted by the Minnesota Timberwolves?

Collier isn’t the only talented kid who is expected to go somewhere around where both Timberwolves picks are currently slotted. Another one of those very young talents with a very high ceiling is Minnesota Gophers freshman guard Cam Christie, who is being mocked somewhere in the first half of the 2nd round, in most mock drafts.

He has been creeping his way closer and closer to the first round, though. Then this week, Yahoo staff writer Krysten Peek pulled the trigger, and gave the people what they want by mocking Christie to the Timberwolves, not at 37… but 27.

27. Minnesota Timberwolves

Cam Christie, G

Ht./Wt.: 6-6, 190 pounds | Class: Freshman | Minnesota

Christie is a late riser and could sneak into the back half of the first round with how well he’s been performing in team workouts. He averaged 11.3 points and shot 39% from 3-point range during his freshman year at Minnesota.

Krysten Peek – Yahoo Sports

Cam Christie's trigger coming off ball screens is uber impressive, especially for a 6'6" 18 year old. Not sure where I'd draft him, but his ability to rise up for pull-ups is intriguing. pic.twitter.com/wv9TpDidYw

— Will Morris (@w_a_morris) April 16, 2024

Uncertain if he would ultimately declare for the draft, Christie kept his name in the pool and now has an opportunity to play just miles from where he went to college.

It would be a nice way for the Timberwolves to engage a bought-in portion of the fanbase, and like Collier, Christie has a profile that could work, if given time to fully develop. Others who are being projected to go near the Wolves are Terrence Shannon Jr (Illinois) and Zach Edey (Purdue).

NEWS: Minnesota's Cam Christie will remain in the 2024 NBA Draft and forgo his remaining college eligibility, a source told ESPN. Christie is the No. 34 ranked prospect in ESPN's draft projections. pic.twitter.com/RhLoyrLg4d

— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) May 29, 2024

Christie spent only one season playing college basketball with the Gophers, but he left a lasting mark on the team. During that time, he started in 26 games and became a key player on the court. He averaged an impressive 11.3 points per game and showcased his shooting skills by hitting 39% of his shots from three-point range.

Christie then entered the transfer portal, giving himself the freedom to explore all his options. After considering his future, he has ultimately decided to go straight to the NBA.

Christie, at 6-foot-6 and just 18 years old, brings an interesting blend of size, youth, fluidity, and shot-making versatility. I went to watch him work out earlier this month, and it's pretty clear why NBA teams are so intrigued with his long-term upside. https://t.co/Tc9GpZVjat pic.twitter.com/SOdXjd7FcQ

— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) May 29, 2024

Christie is almost certain to get drafted, but the real question is whether he’ll go in the first round. In many mock drafts, he’s right on the cusp of being a first-round pick.

Cam Christie’s brother, Max Christie, is already in the NBA, playing for the Los Angeles Lakers. Max honed his skills at Michigan State during his college years. With Cam set to join the NBA next season, both Christie brothers will now be on NBA rosters.

Related: Gopher Basketball Boosters Aiming to Raise $1 Million in NIL Money

This is a positive development for head coach Ben Johnson and the Gopher basketball program. Cam Christie’s upcoming draft selection marks a significant moment, as he’ll become only the second Gopher player drafted since 2004. The last was Daniel Oturu, chosen 33rd overall in the 2020 NBA draft.

Just before the deadline for entry into the portal passed, Christie made the decision to explore his options. While initial reports left a chance of Cam returning, reports since have all but ruled out that possibility. Christie is keeping his options open, and there’s a chance he could return to college ball.

Minnesota Gophers’ Cam Christie ranked near top of NCAA Transfer Portal class

ESPN insider Jeff Borzello recently shared his top transfers in the portal, and unsurprisingly, Christie made the list at No. 8.

8. Cam Christie, 6-6, SG, Fr., Minnesota Golden Gophers

Christie could opt to keep his name in the NBA draft, projecting as an early-second-round pick. The smooth freshman averaged 11.4 points and shot better than 39% from 3.

Jeff Borzello – ESPN+

Borzello ranks Cam Christie as the eighth-best prospect to hit the transfer portal during this last cycle, trailing behind some of the most talented kids in the country, including Kadary Richmond (Seton Hall –> St. John’s), AJ Storr (Wisconsin –> Kansas), Tucker DeVries (Drake –> West Virginia) and Robbie Avila (Indiana State –> St. Louis).

The Gophers are facing a tough blow as they bid farewell to several crucial members of last season’s roster: Elijah Hawkins, Braeden Carrington, Josh Ola Joseph, and now Cam Christie. Among them, the departure of Cam Christie hits the hardest.

Related: Gophers Grab Two Backcourt Transfer Portal Commitments

Christie is clearly among a group of incredibly talented players on the list, but it’s definitely disappointing to think about the Gophers losing one of the nation’s top players if he were to decide to return for another year of college.

.@GopherMBB freshman Cam Christie has been on an absolute tear recently! 😤 pic.twitter.com/0J2fMLD0tS

— Big Ten Men's Basketball (@B1GMBBall) February 14, 2024

Christie still has the NBA as a viable path ahead, given that he’s officially entered the draft. However, he’s got until June 16th to withdraw his name if he decides to go back to college.

There’s a slim chance Christie might return to the Gophers, but it’s highly improbable at this stage. It would require a substantial NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) offer to sway him to stay. However, he’s likely to receive offers from the best teams nationwide regardless of his decision.

Still, many of us (myself included) were holding out hope that Christie would struggle to find greener grass in the NBA, and opt for a return to Dinkytown. But on Wednesday, news broke that Cam was entering the transfer portal too, just before Thursday’s deadline.

Cam Christie is not coming back to Minnesota Gophers

At the time, there were some rumors floating about that his “Do Not Contact” designation meant he was just keeping his options open, which is partially true. But, according to Darren ‘Doogie’ Wolfson (KSTP, SKOR North), Minnesota will not be one of his options, should he decide to return to school, which is very possible. Why have the Gophers already been ruled out? NIL (or lack thereof).

“Cam Christie… I mean, the money is just… it’s ridiculous. It really is. Building a relationship, being a good recruiter, doesn’t matter anymore and I can’t fault these kids. My understanding is the feedback that Cam has gotten [from the NBA] has been pretty lukewarm. Now, he’ll go have some workouts for teams, may get a combine invite or a G-League combine invite, so he’ll have many more opportunities to impress scouts, and it’s a weak draft.

So it’s entirely possible Cam keeps his name in the draft, gets drafted, signs like a four-year deal, the last three years non- guaranteed, but that first year guaranteed. That he can go start his professional career. That is absolutely in play. But if he plays college basketball next year, which is also very much in play, it’s not going to be at Minnesota.”

Darren Wolfson – Mackey & Judd (SKOR North)

Unfortunately, I wish I could say that Wolfson got more optimistic about the Minnesota Gophers men’s basketball program’s outlook after this… but I can’t. It got significantly worse, in fact.

Related: Ben Johnson, Gophers Receive Transfer Portal Commitment from Oregon Guard Brennan Rigsby

Remember when I mentioned former Gopher big man, Pharrel Payne? He’s now a Texas A&M Aggie. Why? Because he’s receiving well north of $500,000 in NIL dollars to transfer there. Now well north? Wolfson doesn’t give an exact amount but he does say that the ‘get in price’ just to start negotiations with Payne was $500K.

Ben Johnson’s NIL situation is really, really tough right now…

How close was Minnesota to matching that number? Here’s where things get downright depressing. According to Doogie, the Gophers men’s basketball team doesn’t have anywhere near $500K to pay their entire team. Ben Johnson’s entire NIL budget is $350-$400K. Less than what Payne is making individually at A&M. Yikes…

Doogie: “When you hear the money being tossed about… think about Pharrel Payne. He got North, I know Reusse threw out $500,000, that was the get-in price. Like, if you want Pharrel, it’ll take you a minimum of $500,000. I was told, in the end, it’s north of 500,000 with Texas A&M. [Gophers assistant coach] Dave Thorson built up this great relationship, going back to Pharrel’s junior year, sophomore year, at Cottage Grove Park. Those don’t matter anymore.”

Mackey: “What’s the most that the Gophers [can pay]? Like what is there [budget]? What are we paying for basketball players?”

Doogie: “Here’s what I’ll tell you. So Pharrel Payne is getting north of $500,000 from Texas A&M. The entire Gopher roster, right now, doesn’t touch that. The Gophers’ pool right now is like $340K… $350K.”

Mackey & Judd (SKOR North)

Honestly, I do not know who to blame for this… or if the Gophers basketball program being a feeder team for the actual real players of the power-4 basketball world is an inevitable reality that no coach would be able to overcome.

We brought Ben in to recruit Minnesota kids and get them to stay home out of high school. But when the Gophers can’t even pay their entire roster what other schools are playing individual players… there’s just no shot at fielding a competitive roster.

Related: Minnesota Gophers Grab Two Backcourt Transfer Portal Commitments

And if you’re blaming the kids… then maybe take a deep breath and look in the mirror. Why does money matter to you? This is life-changing money we are talking about. It’s impossible to blame the players for taking way more money to move elsewhere. You and I would do the exact same thing.

The fact of the matter is, Ben Johnson needs to be a better fundraiser. Either than, or Mark Coyle will be forced to find someone who is. PJ Fleck seems to have figured something out with the football program’s NIL situation. Johnson needs to find a way too. And honestly… maybe it’s too late.

On Friday, Christie announced that he will be entering the next step of the NBA Draft process, while retaining his college eligibility, for now. Cam’s social media post made official what Gopher basketball insiders had already reported.

💛 pic.twitter.com/vHqB7kJ3jl

— Cameron Christie (@24CameronC) April 12, 2024

As an 18-year-old freshman in a new state (from Illinois), Cam Christie was a difference make from the moment he first took to the Barn’s raised hardwood. After his first 33 collegiate games, the 6’6″ Arlington Heights kid averaged 11.3 points (2nd most on team), 3.6 rebounds and 2.2 points per game, not to mention his plus-abilities and length as a perimeter defender.

True Minnesota Gophers Freshman, Cam Christie

It wasn’t just what he stuffed into the boxscore, though. There are things that Christie does on a regular basis, that other division 1 basketball players don’t do. His ability to get his shot from anywhere on the floor, whether on the catch or off the dribble, is the first thing that opened my eyes to what Cam’s potential. The quickness, confidence and smooth-factor is the type of thing that makes you want to fall in love with basketball all over again.

Looks like Cam Christie wants to repeat as @bigten freshman of the week. 🤩

Enjoy each of his career-high 5️⃣ 3-pointers in Minnesota's win over Michigan State. ⤵️@24CameronC x @GopherMBB pic.twitter.com/6rspugn5Ah

— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) February 7, 2024

Nonetheless, there’s nobody who has coached Cam Christie that would go out on a limb to say he’s ready for the National Basketball Association, today. For those of us who watched his inconsistent play for an entire Minnesota Gophers regular and NIT postseason, your eyes have told you the same story as a deeper look at his numbers.

Related: Ben Johnson on Hot Seat? Mark Coyle Angry Gophers Missed NCAA Tournament Again

Cam shot just 40% from the field, as a freshman; and while his 11.2 points per game was 2nd on the team, it’s not a requisite number for a kid playing at Minnesota (which hasn’t made the NCAA Tournament in five years), who wants to be a reliable contributor at the next level. That’s before you get into his underwhelming assist and rebound numbers.

Why would an NBA team draft Cam Christie if he isn’t ready?

Without a doubt, Christie’s long-term future could use another year or two with the Gophers. Not just in college basketball, but in a place he’s already comfortable and on a team where he knows his role. But, money talks and there are mock drafts out there that project Christie as a 2024 1st round pick.

They see him as a high-ceiling lottery talent that a forward-thinking front office can draft in the back-half of this year’s first round, if they’re willing spend that type of capital on someone they’d have to stash in the G-League, then hope he continues to develop there, like he did in Dinkytown.

Related: Local Big Man Andrew Morgan Chooses Nebraska Over Gophers for Rumored $200K

Being a 1st round pick would guarantee Cam at least $4 million guaranteed over the next two years. In case you were wondering, that’s far more than he would get from any NIL collective, especially if he returns to Minnesota.

Today vs the Indiana State Sycamores, Cam will continue to pull on the heart strings of Gopher nation, but the moment Minnesota’s NIT Tournament run ends, it will be other teams and leagues tugging on him from all directions. Not only will head coach Ben Johnson have to fend off other collegiate programs… but the NBA is coming for him too.

The 18-year-old Arlington Heights (IL) native will have options. Whether it’s the allure of NIL opportunities or the potential earnings from an NBA contract, money will undoubtedly factor into Cam’s decision-making, just like it does for the rest of us.

How much will it cost to keep Cam Christie with Gophers?

How much will he cost to keep around, you ask? Last month, it was reported that he’d require at least $10,000 per month. But in his column Sunday morning, longtime local insider Charley Walters (Pioneer Press), says sources are telling him that amount has now skyrocketed to as high as $400,000 per year.

Gophers insiders say it could cost $400,000 a year in name, image and likeness (NIL) compensation to retain freshman basketball star guard Cam Christie.

Charley Walters – Pioneer Press

This season, Christie earned a spot on the All-Freshman Team for the Big Ten. He maintained an average of 11.3 points per game and showcased an impressive 40.4% accuracy from beyond the arc, quickly established himself as one of the premier young talents in the nation.

Max Christie got a twin brother who is even better????

Get Cam Christie to the Lakers 👀👀 pic.twitter.com/I5BDs1Zvzq

— 𝐉𝐚𝐤𝐞 (@SixthManJake) February 7, 2024

The NBA is certainly an option for Christie, too, and likely the biggest threat to losing him. The Athletic recently mocked him as a late first round pick. If those projections were to come true, the draft is probably the biggest threat. The $400,000 amount may seem exaggerated at first. But if Christie were to be drafted in the 1st-round, he’d be guaranteed over $2 million.

Related: Parker Fox ‘Leaning Toward’ Leaving

It’s possible a blue blood with deep pockets comes calling for Cam this offseason, with a $500K offer, or something similar. That could be in play too. But this new price could have more to do with his outlook as a draft prospect, than it does his prospects in the transfer portal.

We’ll soon learn how the NBA scouts feel surrounding Christie’s immediate suitability for the league because it’s already been reported that he will go through the early draft process, which will allow teams to give him an idea of where he will go, before making his final decision.

In fact, it’s very possible a victory tonight hinges on the type of game played by Gophers’ true freshman, Cam Christie, who’s risen as one of the best players on the team and undoubtedly the most talented. When you’ve watched enough basketball, you can just tell when somebody is different. That’s Cam, at least at the college level.

Even as a true freshman, Christie moves with a silkiness that you don’t see every day, at that level. But if you really want to see smooth, check out his jump shot, especially off the dribble. So effortless and on the money. It’s an NBA jump shot. That’s really the best way to explain it.

Orlando #Magic and OKC #Thunder will have scouts at the Barn today to watch Cam Christie, Dawson Garcia, Pharrel Payne, and other #Gophers and Scarlet Knights. Rutgers unbeaten since guard Jeremiah Williams became eligible a couple weeks ago. He’s a stud. pic.twitter.com/NnNsD1iehe

— Darren Wolfson (@DWolfsonKSTP) February 18, 2024

And that has some, myself included, concerned over the possibility of Christie finding a big time NIL offer in the transfer portal this offseason, like Jamison Battle did last year, and using it as a ticket out of Dinkytown. But it sounds like that won’t be an issue. In fact, recent steam suggests that Ben Johnson and the Gophers don’t have to worry about fellow collegiate teams nearly as much as they do NBA.

Minnesota Gophers true freshman Cam Christie may be an NBA flight risk

According to Darren “Doogie” Wolfson (SKOR North, KSTP), among others, the expectation is for Christie to test out the NBA Draft process this offseason, something that does not force him to enter the draft, but will give him an idea of where he might be slotted, should he decide to follow through, after going through the initial steps.

Related: Four Minnesota Gophers MBB Players Receive 2023-24 Big Ten Honors

Doogie is hearing that, once Cam starts down the draft path, he’s likely to find a lot more suitors than some might expect for the true Freshman Gopher. That there’s a lot of second round chatter right now surrounding Christie, even some later first round noise.

“The biggest fear on Cam Christie is him — like he’s going to test… my understanding is he’s going to test the NBA draft waters. Is it possible, at all, that some team makes him some sort of guarantee second round pick or a two-way contract guarantee? Something like that, where he would say, ‘you know what, that’s worth me leaving’, compared to coming back to the U?

I still think Cam Christie, you know, his ceiling is so darn high that like I’m not ruling out first round maybe late first but first round pick in a year or two but can the Gopher sell cam Christie on coming back versus if some NBA team gives him a promise that’s what I would keep an eye on I’m not necessarily keeping an eye on cam Christie entering the portal then ultimately transferring.”

Darren Wolfson – Mackey & Judd Show (SKOR North)

Christie is averaging 11.3 points, 2.2 assists, 3.5 rebounds and only 1.2 turnovers, playing almost 30 minutes per night, hitting 40.3% from deep, something the NBA scouts really like. Now, these numbers may not raise eyebrows to the casual NBA fan.

But teams targeting Cam aren’t banking on what he will be able to do for them in the immediate future. They see Christie as a future lottery pick with more seasoning. Someone that that, if a team can convince him to enter the draft a year or two earlier than what his development says he should, could get in the 2nd round.

Related: Tom Izzo: Gophers Could be Team to Beat in Big Ten if Ben Johnson Keeps Them Together

Christie lands in 1st round of The Athletic NBA mock draft

But Wolfson isn’t the only one buzzing over Cam Christie’s surging draft stock. On Tuesday, draft expert and insider, Sam Vecenie (The Athletic), released his early NBA mock draft and guess who he has being picked by the Utah Jazz with the No. 28 overall pick? You guessed it. The Arlington Heights, IL native, Cam Christie, whose older brother Max plays for the Lakers.

28. Utah Jazz (via Thunder)

Cam Christie | 6-6 wing | 18 years old | Minnesota

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.

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.

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. 

Sam Vecenie – The Athletic

The Minnesota Gophers have only had one men’s basketball player selected in the NBA Draft — Daniel Oturu: No. 33 overall (2020) — since Kris Humphries was taken No. 14 overall in 2004.

The Gophers’ chances of an at-large bid are pretty much dead so they’d have to win the Big Ten tourney this week, to make the NCAA Tournament. (Editor’s note: That has never happened in the tournament’s 25-year history)

Officially official. The Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament bracket is here. pic.twitter.com/QD94U3mcFU

— Connor Onion (@ConnorOnion) March 11, 2024

Minnesota Gophers basketball players earn All-Big Ten Honors, Awards

But no matter how next week goes down, the 2023-24 season has already been the exact type of bounce-back year that head coach Ben Johnson needed in his 3rd-year. Entering the season, the DeLaSalle grad had a total of six Big Ten wins since taking over the program prior to the 2021-22 season.

Minnesota’s resurgence can be attributed in large part to the play of four Gophers, Dawson Garcia, Cameron Christie, Elijah Hawkins, and Parker Fox. The latter three players were all new to Ben Johnson’s lineup this season, in one way or another. All four, including super senior Parker Fox, still have eligibility remaining next season and all four were recognized by the Big Ten on Tuesday.

Dawson Garcia (Jr) : All-Big Ten – 2nd Team

𝐀𝐥𝐥-𝐁𝟏𝐆 🏆

Back-to-back years with All-B1G honors for @Dawson23lee! #SkiUMah pic.twitter.com/kqT4oicd7N

— Minnesota Men's Basketball (@GopherMBB) March 12, 2024

Though @GopherMBB dropped a 86-77 game at Williams Arena to @IowaHoops last night, Minnesota's leading scorer Dawson Garcia paced all players with 30 points, 19 of which came in the second half. Here's all 10 of those points which came from the field:@kare11 #Gophers pic.twitter.com/rbwn76woAW

— J.T. Messinger (@JTMessinger) January 16, 2024

Dawson Garcia earned a spot on the All-Big Ten Second Team as voted by media members, while also securing a spot on the All-Big Ten Third Team as voted by coaches. The Prior Lake native wrapped up his second season with the Gophers after transferring from Marquette and North Carolina to play closer to home. Garcia posted impressive averages of 17.7 points and 6.7 rebounds per game this season.

Elijah Hawkins (Jr.): All-Big Ten – Honorable Mention

𝐀𝐥𝐥-𝐁𝟏𝐆 🏆

After setting the Gopher single-season assist record, @eslimee_ earns All-Big Ten honors!#SkiUMah pic.twitter.com/rZBVuLKoi1

— Minnesota Men's Basketball (@GopherMBB) March 12, 2024

Elijah Hawkins, the Gophers starting point guard, made a strong impression in the Big Ten this season and received an honorable mention. In his first year with the Gophers after transferring from Howard, the diminutive point guard showcased his exceptional passing abilities over and over and over and over and over…

The Washington DC product set a University of Minnesota program record with 17 assists in a single game, earlier this year, and broke the all-time single-season assists record, with 224 (and climbing), too. Hawkins averaged 9.4 points and 7.5 assists per game. All that production and only an honorable mention? The aforementioned Dawson Garcia isn’t happy about that.

Related: Gophers #1 Team in Nation Against the Spread and Oddsmakers are Dumbfounded

Cameron Christie (Fr.) : Big Ten All-Freshman Team

𝐀𝐥𝐥-𝐁𝟏𝐆 🏆@24CameronC has been named to the Big Ten All-Freshman team!#SkiUMah pic.twitter.com/GYnQnPMYXj

— Minnesota Men's Basketball (@GopherMBB) March 12, 2024

Cam Christie is set to be a top focus for NBA teams at next week's Big Ten Tournament in Minneapolis, emerging as a prospect who may arrive earlier than anticipated. His sharpshooting, length & budding trajectory at 6-foot-6 have captivated evaluators. Won't turn 19 until July. pic.twitter.com/6LKc6G3dvJ

— League Him (@League_Him) March 5, 2024

Cameron Christie had a standout season and emerged as one of the top freshmen in the conference, earning a spot on the Big Ten All-Freshman Team. Christie showcased his talent by starting in 23 games this season, averaging 11.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.2 assists in his debut season with the Gophers.

Related: Gophers Beat Jamison Battle’s Buckeyes

Parker Fox (Sr.) : Big Ten Sportsmanship Award

And last but most certainly not least… @Parkerfox24 earns the B1G Sportsmanship Award! pic.twitter.com/QRFSYdyw87

— Minnesota Men's Basketball (@GopherMBB) March 12, 2024

Parker Fox, who bleeds maroon and gold, was honored for his sportsmanship. Fox, who played high school basketball at Mahtomedi before committing to Northern State and later transferring to the Gophers, overcame injury setbacks that sidelined him for two seasons.

This season, he finally had the chance to showcase his talent and undoubtedly brought a contagious energy to the locker room. Fox averaged 4.7 points and 3.1 rebounds per game.