Maxi Kleber, the NBA pro hailing from Würzburg, doesn't envision returning to the German national basketball team. In a candid conversation with the German Press Agency in Los Angeles, Kleber expressed his doubts, stating, "I don't think so, I don't see the point either, because the way things have turned out, the success and everything, it all fits". He continues, acknowledging his hesitation could potentially cause more instability than solidity, explaining, "I think I also said in the summer that I would bring more unrest than stability or help - and if that's the case, then I'd rather stay away from it, simply because the team's success is more important to me. If it means I'm watching, then I'll watch."
Originally, Kleber opted out of the World Championship, a decision that perpetuated tensions with team captain Dennis Schröder. Despite the success of the German team, which culminated in a historic gold medal, Kleber stands by his choice, justified that: "The decision has been made either way. No matter what the result was in the end, it was clear from the outset that it wouldn't have worked out or wouldn't have been right and then the decision was made and you don't have to worry about the rest."
Kleber's been absent from the basketball court due to a dislocated toe on his right foot, which forced him to sit out of games. Positive interactions with Schröder, who currently plays for the Toronto Raptors, were crucial. Kleber shared, "Before the game, I just said congratulations on the title and also on the individual success," and, following Germany's groundbreaking victory, "It's a huge success and it was definitely a lot of fun to watch."
Maxi Kleber's contributions to NBA teams, such as the Dallas Mavericks, have made him a valuable player with a notable impact upon the league. His impressive statistics, including an impressive true shooting percentage of 48.9% and an effective field goal percentage of 45.3%, illustrate his reliability and efficiency. However, recent injuries, including a fractured right foot and a rib injury, have impacted his playing time. In the wider German basketball community, Kleber boasts prominence as a significant figure in German basketball and a highly-regarded NBA player.
Sources: [3] Deutscher Basketball Bund (DBB) [4]
