Maxi Kleber is a German professional basketball player who plays for the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA. He is a versatile forward who can stretch the floor and defend multiple positions. However, he has been sidelined with a right small toe dislocation since late October 2023. How did he get injured and when will he return to the court? This article will answer these questions and more.
Who is Maxi Kleber?
Maxi Kleber was born on January 29, 1992 in Würzburg, Germany. He is 6 feet 10 inches (2.08 meters) tall and weighs 240 pounds (109 kilograms). He started his basketball career in his hometown club, s.Oliver Würzburg, where he played alongside future NBA star Dirk Nowitzki. He then moved to Spain and played for Obradoiro CAB and Rio Natura Monbus before returning to Germany and joining Bayern Munich in 2014. He won two German League titles and one German Cup with Bayern Munich.
Kleber signed with the Dallas Mavericks in July 2017 as an undrafted free agent. He made his NBA debut on October 18, 2017 against the Atlanta Hawks, scoring nine points and grabbing three rebounds in 26 minutes. He quickly established himself as a valuable role player for the Mavericks, providing energy, defense, and shooting. He averaged 6.8 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game in his first season with the Mavericks.
In his second season, Kleber improved his scoring, rebounding, and shooting percentages. He also became a regular starter for the Mavericks, starting in 68 of the 71 games he played. He averaged 9.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game, while shooting 45.3 percent from the field and 35.3 percent from the three-point line. He signed a four-year, $35 million contract extension with the Mavericks in July 2019.
In his third season, Kleber continued to be a reliable contributor for the Mavericks, especially on the defensive end. He often guarded the opposing team’s best player, such as LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard, and Giannis Antetokounmpo. He averaged 9.1 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game, while shooting 45.9 percent from the field and 37.4 percent from the three-point line. He helped the Mavericks reach the playoffs for the first time since 2016, where they lost to the Los Angeles Clippers in six games.
In his fourth season, Kleber started in 50 of the 51 games he played, averaging 7.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game. He shot 41.2 percent from the field and 41 percent from the three-point line, both career-highs. He also set a career-high with eight blocks in a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on March 3, 2020. He helped the Mavericks reach the playoffs for the second consecutive year, where they again lost to the Clippers in seven games.
What Happened to Maxi Kleber?
Kleber suffered a right small toe dislocation during the Mavericks’ practice on October 25, 2023. He was ruled out for the Mavericks’ game against the Chicago Bulls on October 26, 2023, and has not played since then. The Mavericks have not released a specific timetable for his return, but according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, Kleber could be sidelined for 6-8 weeks. The injury is also described as a sprained knee by Charania.
The injury is a rare and painful one, as the small toe is the smallest and most vulnerable of the five toes. The toe can be dislocated when it is bent or twisted in an unnatural way, such as when it gets caught in a shoe or stepped on by another player. The toe can also be fractured or torn from its ligaments, which can cause more complications and require surgery. The treatment for a dislocated toe depends on the severity of the injury, but it usually involves reducing the toe back to its normal position, immobilizing it with a splint or tape, and resting it for several weeks. The toe may also need to be iced, elevated, and medicated to reduce swelling and pain.
The injury is a significant blow for the Mavericks, who rely on Kleber’s versatility and defense. Kleber is one of the few players on the team who can guard multiple positions and switch on screens. He is also a capable shooter who can space the floor for Luka Doncic and Christian Wood. Without Kleber, the Mavericks have to rely more on Dwight Powell, Markieff Morris, and rookie Dereck Lively II to fill the power forward and center positions. The Mavericks have gone 2-2 without Kleber so far, losing to the Bulls and the Minnesota Timberwolves, and beating the Charlotte Hornets and the Orlando Magic.
New Maxi Kleber Injury Update
On November 6, 2023, the Mavericks announced that Kleber had surgery on his right hamstring, which was also torn during the practice on October 25, 2023. The surgery was performed by Dr. Daniel Cooper at The Carrell Clinic in Dallas. Kleber will begin his rehabilitation immediately, but there is no timetable for his return.
The surgery adds another layer of complexity and uncertainty to Kleber’s recovery. The hamstring is a group of muscles and tendons that run along the back of the thigh, connecting the hip and the knee. The hamstring is responsible for bending the knee and extending the hip, which are essential movements for running, jumping, and changing directions. A torn hamstring can occur when the muscle is overstretched or overworked, such as when sprinting or stopping abruptly. The tear can range from mild to severe, depending on the extent of the damage to the muscle fibers and blood vessels. The symptoms of a torn hamstring include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking or bending the knee.
The treatment for a torn hamstring depends on the grade of the tear, but it usually involves resting, icing, compressing, and elevating the injured leg, as well as taking anti-inflammatory drugs and painkillers. In some cases, surgery may be required to repair the torn muscle and restore its function. The surgery involves making an incision in the back of the thigh, locating the torn ends of the muscle, and stitching them together. The surgery may also involve removing any scar tissue or blood clots that may have formed around the injury. The surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia and takes about an hour to complete.
The recovery time for a torn hamstring varies depending on the severity of the injury, the type of surgery, and the individual’s healing process. Generally, it takes about six to eight weeks for the muscle to heal and regain its strength and flexibility. However, it may take longer for the athlete to return to their pre-injury level of performance, as they have to gradually resume their training and conditioning. The athlete may also need to undergo physical therapy and exercises to restore their range of motion, balance, coordination, and endurance. The risk of re-injury is high, especially if the athlete returns to activity too soon or without proper rehabilitation.
Conclusion
Maxi Kleber is a valuable player for the Dallas Mavericks, who can do a lot of things on both ends of the floor. However, he has been out of action since late October 2023, due to a right small toe dislocation and a right hamstring tear. He underwent surgery on his hamstring on November 6, 2023, and will start his rehab soon. There is no timetable for his return, but he could be out for several weeks or months. The Mavericks will miss his presence and contributions, and will have to find ways to cope without him. Kleber will have to work hard and be patient to recover from his injuries and get back to the court.
