Maxi Kleber, just a guy from Germany

[Dirk]

So...

How surprised have you been with this man?

I still get shocked every time he makes athletic plays. The way he has been able to look the part has been impressive, especially considering he is a rookie. Thought this was another one of those Euro players who could shoot but was a black hole on defense... and it has been a revelation watching him look fluid and versatile out there.

All the blocks vs Celtics
https://streamable.com/znkpx

Gfycat Video - Click to Play

[Torgeir Bryn]

So...

How surprised have you been with this man?

I still get shocked every time he makes athletic plays. The way he has been able to look the part has been impressive, especially considering he is a rookie. Thought this was another one of those Euro players who could shoot but was a black hole on defense... and it has been a revelation watching him look fluid and versatile out there.

All the blocks vs Celtics
https://streamable.com/znkpx

Gfycat Video - Click to Play

I expected a German Charlie V

[Knosh]

So...

How surprised have you been with this man?

Going by my comment in July, I guess he has been a bit disappointing for me:

Black horse for MVP?

[arkuo]

If only Kleber were 19 years old, this guy would have been big. But we'll see.

[2011Champs]

Kleber is still young at 25 and virtually no NBA mileage. I hope he continues to improve and can remain part of the team for the next 10+ years. Dallas wouldn’t be the same without a big German on the team.

[Teffer10]

Kleber is still young at 25 and virtually no NBA mileage. I hope he continues to improve and can remain part of the team for the next 10+ years. Dallas wouldn’t be the same without a big German on the team.

I didn't think Kleber had much of an upside but it appears he does. I'm not sure PF will be our greatest need now once Dirk retires.
Just hope Dirk teaches him the one-legged fade before he retires.

[Mr B]

Kleber has been very impressive! Not only has he played well but he might be the main reason Powell has played well. I think he felt the pressure when Kleber showed up and started balling. I think he even surprised Dirk when he got those two blocks on the same possession against the Celtics. The look on Dirk’s face was priceless!

Also funny how in this thread Kleber was said to be 6’8” but he’s clearly bigger than that. The Mavs have him listed as 6’11”. I know that may be with with shoes but who had 3” heels on their sneakers.

[cmavswin]

Interesting player looks like he can play a little but not quite buying it yet. Sometimes players look good when the other team is going “through the motions” now when this team plays a desperate team needing a win then that will be the acid test for me.

[Torgeir Bryn]

Kleber is still young at 25 and virtually no NBA mileage. I hope he continues to improve and can remain part of the team for the next 10+ years. Dallas wouldn’t be the same without a big German on the team.

While Kleber is not old, I feel like you see some of his experience from Europe when he plays. He might not give us those five blocked shots in every game, but he rarely screws up, knows where to be and plays team ball. I thought he would be more of a gunner from 3, but he shoots it when open or he moves the ball.

[Teffer10]

Kleber has been very impressive! Not only has he played well but he might be the main reason Powell has played well. I think he felt the pressure when Kleber showed up and started balling. I think he even surprised Dirk when he got those two blocks on the same possession against the Celtics. The look on Dirk’s face was priceless!

Also funny how in this thread Kleber was said to be 6’8” but he’s clearly bigger than that. The Mavs have him listed as 6’11”. I know that may be with with shoes but who had 3” heels on their sneakers.

He is definitely over 6'8". He looked several inches taller than Barnes when they were standing next to each other in the huddle and is just a little shorter than Dirk. My guess is 6'10" or 6'11". About the same height as Powell.
He seems to be a poor man's David Lee to me.

[Dirk]

Some Maxi little things from last night...

https://streamable.com/tcjli

Gfycat Video - Click to Play

[SharoneWright]

Some Maxi little things from last night...

https://streamable.com/tcjli

Gfycat Video - Click to Play

Maxi "Padding" his stats...

[Teffer10]

I think Maxi is now what we were all hoping Powell would turn into.

[dirkules_41]

He's balling tonight, love seeing Dirk getting all fired up about it

[kane0801]

who need noel when you have maxi

[Mr B]

Would be interesting to see Kleber playing next to Ayton.

[Teffer10]

Would be interesting to see Kleber playing next to Ayton.

Agree....also think Kleber and Bamba would be a nice front court too.

[Mr B]

Would be interesting to see Kleber playing next to Ayton.

Agree....also think Kleber and Bamba would be a nice front court too.

The defense and rebounding issues would definitely be solved with Bamba playing next to Kleber. I’d like to see Kleber get more consistent from 3 pt range. With either of those two centers though (or Jaren Jackson Jr) the Mavs would have a pretty big and formidable front court especially with Barnes at the 3.

[Pointguard01]

In December, he is averaging 9pts, 5rebs, and 1.4 blocks on 62% FG + 44% 3-PTS. Very solid. He also plays really solid defense and moves his feets extremely well. He could be an excellent role players for us down the line. He does play winning basketball.

[Dirk]

That must have been one of the dumbest endings of a game I have ever seen. So many bad plays... and ironically by some of the most experienced players. Barea had a terrible turnover with 2 minutes left that symbolized everything.

The Mavs totally dominated this undermaned Spurs team and somehow found a way to lose when that seemed impossible.

Anyway, ultimately it doesn't really matter.

What matters...

Gfycat Video - Click to Play

Just unbelievable what this guy does.