Dallas Mavs Injury Update: Maxi Kleber to Be Re-Evaluated in Multiple Weeks
DALLAS — As the Dallas Mavericks continue to build on a 7-2 start to the season, they will need to manage without Maxi Kleber in the lineup
After Saturday's practice, an update was shared regarding Kleber's status, who suffered a toe injury against the Chicago Bulls on Nov. 1. Kleber attempted to return on Wednesday against the Toronto Raptors but ended up still being bothered by the injury when trying to play on Friday against the LA Clippers. He will remain sidelined and will be re-evaluated in a few weeks.
"He tried to play on it, and it was still bothering him, so we're going to give him extended time to heal," Mavs coach Jason Kidd said. "He will be re-evaluated in a couple of weeks."
After the Mavs' loss against the Raptors, Kidd was asked about Kleber's struggling performance, and the topic of his health was the focus. Naturally, an adjustment period was expected after coming back from an injury, but considering the latest development, more time appears needed to fully recover.
"I think it starts with his health. He's got to be healthy," Kidd said of Kleber's play after Wednesday's game. "This is first game back and so as much as we would like him to be at a high level coming back from the injury was just trying to get him going and he came out again.
"I don't know if he was hurt or not, but it starts with your health before you can be added at any level," Kidd explained. "And so hopefully we can get him healthy and get him to the level that we all believe he can play at."
Dallas Mavericsk big man Maxi Kleber.
Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
The Mavs began the season starting Kleber at center when matching up against Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs. Since that point, Dereck Lively II has been the center in the first unit when healthy. The team will need to rely on Dwight Powell, with additional options being Richaun Holmes, with even Derrick Jones Jr. or Grant Williams as small ball options.
When identifying possible options for the four spot to replace some of Kleber's minutes in that role, the Mavs have deployed some small lineups when not playing either Williams or Jones. Beyond the regular wing options, rookie Olivier-Maxence Prosper is another name that could be called upon for spot minutes at times.
Kleber has averaged 4.2 rebounds, 3.4 points and 2.0 assists in five games. He's received 22 or more minutes in three of those performances, with his playing time being skewed as a result of playing four minutes against the Bulls.
The Mavs begin a four-game road trip with the first of two occurring against the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday at Smoothie Kings Center.
