Dallas Mavericks Power Forward Maxi Kleber will not play for the German national team. Kleber, 32, didn’t play in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France, and it appears like the basketball world has seen the last of the German power forward in international play. Kleber is from Wurzberg, Germany, like Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki, but Kleber’s far from a legendary player in Dallas, Texas.
The Mavericks have always had a roster full of international talent after embracing European players starting with Nowitzki, now 46, back in 1998. The Mavericks’ newest German player, Kleber, has appeared to be done with his international playing career. Kleber’s also a constant topic in basketball forums for his benefits and flaws as part of the Mavericks. Here’s the information on why.
Maxi Kleber’s Play With Team Germany
Maxi Kleber has reportedly ruled out a return to Team Germany. Kleber has represented his country, Germany, in international competitions, such as the 2019 FIBA World Cup, the qualifiers for the 2019 World Cup, and the 2014 EuroBasket. Kleber has not been selected to play in international competitions since facing public criticism from Dennis Schroder, the German senior national team leader, for skipping the 2022 EuroBasket.
Kleber recently spoke about some uncomfortable situations surrounding the German National Team over the past few years in an interview with EuroHoops.net. “The situation was what it was. That’s why I had to come to terms with it … I watched the games as a fan, of course, because it is always positive for German basketball when the national team is successful.”
Spanish Basketball Coach Alex Mumbru has taken over the head coaching position for the German National Team. Mumbru, 45, took over as the head coach but fell short of impacting Kleber’s decision to step away from the German team. Mumbru told EuroHoops.net: “I know him, but I haven’t spoken to him yet … The national team is definitely over for me. So, there will be no return.”
Kleber’s Play With Dallas Mavericks
Maxi Kleber’s play for the Dallas Mavericks has come with its ups and downs since signing with the Mavericks on July 13, 2017. Kleber re-signed with the team on July 10, 2019, and scored a career-high 26 points and posted a career-high 9.1 points per game in a 122-106 win over the Orlando Magic on February 21, 2020. Fast forward to November 25, 2024, when Kleber had seven points, seven rebounds, and one assist in a 129-119 win over the Atlanta Hawks. Kleber then shot 3-16 from the field and 1-9 from the three-point line as the team’s top defender in a 129-114 win over the New York Knicks.
Before the last two appearances in 2024-25 Maxi Kleber has dealt with a right hamstring strain. Kleber’s inability to stay healthy and lack of durability can be described as unsustainable for the Mavericks’ long-term plans. Kleber’s decline in defense and shooting can be attributed to wear and tear over the years. However, Kleber could succeed on the glass if he played with Daniel Gafford or Dereck Lively II in a lineup with two big men.
Kleber So Far This Season
Since Maxi Kleber won’t return to play for Team Germany, his stats with the Dallas Mavericks so far this season have been a cause of concern. Maxi Kleber has been averaging 2.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 0.7 assists per game, while shooting 47.4% from the field and 33.3% from the three-point line. Kleber’s stat line is far from impressive, but if he continues to be the best version of himself by locking down opposing forwards and buying open three-pointers, he can keep his role on the Dallas bench.
