NBA: Dallas Mavericks: Kleber praises Nowitzki’s leadership role

Maxi Kleber praised Dirk Nowitzki for his positive influence on young players at the Dallas Mavericks. “He has so much experience and is always there for the younger players. There is hardly a better teacher,” said the German national player in an international telephone conference about his teammate.

Kleber was also able to rely on Novitzkis help from the very beginning. “We were both injured in the beginning and worked together a lot in rehab. He invited me to his home when I never knew anyone in Dallas,” said the 26-year-old: “I am very grateful for his many tips. Kleber had moved from Bayern Munich to Dallas in July 2017.

However, Kleber predicted a steep career in the NBA for the Slovenian super talent Luka Doncic: “He is an all-rounder, he has no limit,” said Kleber about the rookie of the Mavericks, who averaged 20.4 points in the first nine games of the season.

Doncic, whose rookie statistics are similar to those of NBA legend Michael Jordan, didn’t want to know about a comparison with the former superstar, though: “Jordan is the best player this game has ever played. Please don’t compare me to him,” said the 19-year-old.