Maxi Kleber could make his NBA debut for the Dallas Mavericks next night (live in the LEAGUE PASS).In a conference call, the German national team member spoke about the big change, the great help Dirk Nowitzki was to him and comparisons with the future Hall of Famer.
Question: Mr. Kleber, you start tonight with the Dallas Mavericks against the Atlanta Hawks.How much anticipation and what are your goals for the season?
Mxi Kleber: The anticipation is of course incredibly high.It’s a childhood dream come true.We have already played against the Hawks in the preseason and I have spoken to Dennis.But I don’t know my role yet – whether I play at all and how much.For me it is important that I continue to work and improve.It’s a change of pace after all.But I believe that I can fight my way into rotation with hard work and ambition.I have to stick to my head and support the team at all times.For the season, I hope I can help the team and find my role.
Question: What has been the biggest NBA conversion for you so far?
Kleber: That was the three-line.It does matter if you stand further away.Besides, the game is much faster.The guards are incredibly nimble and I had to get used to it.Especially as a big player it is important to keep the build-up players in front of you.
Question: You will now play against the best in the world.What do you want to throw into the scales so that your opponents can deal with you?
Kleber: I am well aware that it will be a big challenge for me.Every evening, another big caliber awaits me.It’s important to me that I do what I’ve always done.I’m a Stretch Four and can make room for the guards.In the defense I have to do my best, so stay aggressive and rebound.I’m just not trying to change my game.
Question: Is it also what the coaches expect or was there perhaps a new approach?
Glue: No, my attitude and my commitment must always be right.That is quite clear.My job is to be a shooting foursome and widen the field.But I expect this from myself and would like to implement it accordingly.
Question: Obviously, you’ve also gained physical strength.How much did you put on it in the summer?
Kleber: It was all about making me physically more stable.We’ve run several tests.That’s why I decided not to play for the national team, because in Dallas I had to work on several construction sites on my body.I’ve been working on that all summer.It makes me stronger.But my weight is almost the same, it’s what the Mavericks wanted.The overall package should be just right.
Question: How does the training differ from what you know from Germany and Spain?
Kleber: We did a lot of drills for the defense.The whole thing seems a bit more organized, because it is completely clocked through.There’s a clock running next to it and you know: Now this drill comes four minutes, then another one for four minutes.
Question: How does communication with the coaches work?Rick Carlisle in particular is not necessarily known for being particularly rookie-friendly.
Kleber: I can’t complain.I talk a lot with the assistant coaches, but Carlisle also talks a lot with us, though not individually.But in front of the whole team, he says what he expects.Of course, the preparation is also different from the season.So I can’t yet estimate what to expect.But if you have questions, you can ask anyone, be it the atheltic trainer, the physio or the assistant trainer.Of course you can also talk to Rick.
Page 1: Adhesive about the transition to the NBA, the training and coach Rick Carlisle
Page 2: Glue about the help of Nowitzki and the targets with the Dallas Mavericks