Maxi Kleber‘s return to the Dallas Mavericks is gone “/>
Dallas’ loss to Houston was disappointing in many ways, as the Mavericks were outrebounded in rebounding (37 DAL, 50 HOU) and around the basket, and had a lack of urgency in terms of high-quality shots in the first half ( 2 of 12 from beyond the arc). The game was particularly disappointing since Dallas was also essentially fully healthy: the only two Mavericks out with injury were Dante Exum and Maxi Kleber.
With Dallas suffering so badly on the scoreboard in this contest, Kleber could very well have helped solve the problem if he played one of Gafford or Lively II in a big two lineup. Of course, Kleber was out with a right hamstring strain, as Kleber missed the last two contests due to an injury to the same hamstring he suffered during the 2022-23 season.
Kleber has only played 80 games total over the last two seasons, as a myriad of different injuries he has suffered over the last two seasons have left Mavericks fans very doubtful. Head coach Jason Kidd’s recent comments have given Mavericks fans reason to believe he may not return anytime soon, as Kidd hasn’t revealed any details about when Kleber will be available.
Kleber’s injury to the same hamstring that he tore two seasons ago is concerning enough. With his inconsistencies in Dallas’ lineup and his up-and-down play on both ends when he has played, the biggest discussion is heading toward whether second-year forward Olivier-Maxence Prosper could take over Kleber’s role in the interim that Kleber will return to health.
