Christie does not operate in a vacuum, as is occasionally represented on the forum. He has a fleet of coaches offering advice, a GM pulling strings, and an owner that has lofty unmet expectations. Add a mismatched team of veteran players of contrary talents that demand respect with playing time and the resulting cacophony is an expectation.
While the "buck stops" with the head coach, unless he is ignoring or overruling his staff, the current situation is a complex combination of misguided influences. There is also the possibility that this product is being produced by design and intent.
Outwardly, Christie seems to be acting the "stooge" for the management because he does not follow the principles he advocates. In fact, Christie is part of management so must bow to his superiors' directions. Surely, his coaching staff recognizes that condition as the reason his decisions often defy winning basketball logic.
There is much to play out for the remainder of the year in trades, roster adjustments, playing times, player roles, and other administrative changes. When the season is over, the decision on Coach Christie's future will come into clearer focus.