Dallas Mavericks: Why Maxi Kleber may be the breakout player to watch

Second year pro, Maxi Kleber, is a player every Dallas Mavericks fan should be watching this season because he may be on the cusp of a breakout

With so many new pieces, the Dallas Mavericks are expected to have a very dynamic lineup this season with ever-changing roles and variable minutes dispersed between the bench players. One player who may force Rick Carlisle to give him a bigger role and greater minutes in second-year player, Maxi Kleber

Maxi Kleber came to the Dallas Mavericks last season on a low-risk two-year deal. The 26-year-old German import went from an end of the bench fringe player to a steady contributor, all in his first year. As the season wore on, Maxi stepped up his game. On average, Maxi played 16.8 minutes per game but that seemed to peak around mid-season.

Kleber finished the year with a respectable 5.4 ppg, 3.3 rebounds, 0.7 blocks average. The 6’11” C/PF had one or more blocked shots in 39 games and proved to be a pretty decent rim protector.

But in order to carve out a regular role in Year 2, Maxi will need to improve his game. His 31.3 percent from three will need to improve as will his rebounds. The addition of DeAndre Jordan to the Dallas Mavericks front court mean minutes will be hard to come by. Especially since the Mavs return Salah Mejri, Dwight Powell, and of course, Dirk Nowitzki.

This preseason, Maxi Kleber has averaged 13 points, 7.3 rebounds, 2 threes, 2 blocks, 1.3 assists, and 0.7 steals.

Despite all that’s needed from Kleber, and all the factors working against him, Maxi should be a player to keep an eye on. This preseason Maxi is showing off his improved game. He’s seemed to improve every area of his game all while keeping that same focus and hustle that endeared him to Mavs Nation in the first place.

This preseason, Maxi Kleber has averaged 13 points, 7.3 rebounds, 2 threes, 2 blocks, 1.3 assists, and 0.7 steals. If he can move his three point needle closer to where it was when he was playing with Bayern Munchen (an impressive 38.6 percent) he will be impossible to keep off the court.

Last season Maxi played primarily alongside Dirk (over 338 minutes according to basketball reference.com).

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But his best opportunity in playing time will likely be in place of Dirk early in the season. Dirk is expected to miss time early and that looks like the perfect opportunity for Maxi to gain extra minutes and become an important part of the rotation.

DeAndre Jordan and Harrison Barnes are obviously starters on the Dallas Mavericks. And Dwight Powell is the first big man up behind them. But Maxi Kleber should have no problem edging out Salah Mejri for minutes since he offers so much more offensively.

Maxi Kleber is one of the hardest working Mavs already and if his game continues to improve, he’s going to play an important part on the Dallas Mavericks this season. Keep an eye on Maxi because he’s a player primed to breakout off the bench, and with Dirk out, that breakout may come sooner rather than later.

• Published on 10/11/2018 at 17:01 PM
• Last updated at 10/11/2018 at 11:46 AM