Maxi Kleber is one of five Germans in this NBA season. In an interview with SPOX and DAZN, the rookie of Dallas Mavericks assesses the performance of his fellow countrymen and also mentions his personal goals for the rest of the season.
SPOX/DAZN: Mr. Kleber, how normal is it for you to be in the NBA? At the beginning of the season, you spoke of an overwhelming feeling.
Kleber: If you train and play as much as we do, it becomes a bit of normality. But if I think about it again, it is still something overwhelming.
SPOX/DAZN: We now have five Germans in the NBA. You can play the teacher and rate your fellow countrymen. Let’s start with your team mate Dirk Nowitzki. How do you see his season?
Kleber: It took him a little bit of aggressively to get into his rhythm at first, but he threw the last few games quite well. But what fascinates me most is that he always gets rid of his litter. The opponents know exactly which move he wants to make and yet they can’t get close – not even I. Sometimes, for fun, we play one-on-one before the game against each other and he just throws it over me. Of course, he helps us offensively. Defensively he has become a little slower and no longer the same. Nevertheless, it remains an important pillar for us.
SPOX/DAZN: How can he really help the team?
Glue: As I said, offensive, it is still an important option. Many teams switch against us and he helps us because he throws over everyone. If he’s having a good day, he just hits every roll. Besides, he’s just the character in Dallas. You can tell when he’s being replaced. The whole audience is getting loud. This gives us energy and pushes us naturally. But what I find particularly important is that he works so hard and is a role model for the young players. He is now 39 years old and after training he goes on the treadmill to stay fit.
SPOX/DAZN: You can’t even imagine Dallas without Nowitzki. It’s his 20 now. Season. If you could bet, is this his last season?
Kleber: That’s a good question, but I can’t say for sure. I think it depends on how the team is doing and how he feels. He does a lot extra to make himself feel good. At the end of the season he will sit down and decide. But I think he could play another year.
SPOX/DAZN: We would be delighted. But let’s go east to the Atlanta Hawks, who have a difficult season. How do you see Dennis Schröder’s services?
Kleber: He is a great player, he has already proven that. He always finds a way to the basket and has a good eye. I think he’s established himself as a top point guard. Of course, the victories are missing at the moment, but they will come. I wish him every success.
SPOX/DAZN: It is now his fifth season at the Hawks. What’s wrong with him becoming a big man?
Kleber: I think he’s on the right track. He has very high demands on himself. That’s the key. He always wants to get better. He plays aggressively very well and can also influence defensively with his speed. Maybe there’s just no time yet. He is aware of what he can and wants to achieve. That’s why I think there won’t be any obstacles.
SPOX/DAZN: He told us he wants to be an all-star in two years. Do you think that’s realistic?
Glue: Absolutely. He has the potential and he has already shown it.
SPOX/DAZN: You know each other from the national team. Do you have contact during the season?
Glue: Sporadic. If we play against each other more, of course, because we will see each other. Otherwise, of course, we also follow what the other player does and how he plays.
Page 1: Glue about Nowitzki and Dennis Schröder’s All-Star ambitions
Page 2: Glue about the strong start of Daniel Theis and his own season