Dallas Mavericks backup big man gets unfortunate injury news

The Dallas power forward was injured on January 25.
Jan 9, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Maxi Kleber (42) drives to the basket past Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija (8) during the second half at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Jan 9, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Maxi Kleber (42) drives to the basket past Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija (8) during the second half at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images / Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
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After being injured on January 25 against the Celtics, Mavericks forward Maxi Kleber has undergone surgery to repair a right foot fracture, according to Mavericks PR on Twitter.

Kleber, in his seventh NBA season, has dealt with injuries on and off throughout the last few years. The 33-year-old German native was averaging 3.0 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game in 18.7 minutes so far in 2024-25. With injuries to several frontcourt players, including Dereck Lively II and Dwight Powell, his role had increased as of late.

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Known primarily as a shooter with size, Kleber has struggled this season from beyond the arc, connecting on just 26.5% of such attempts and showing some degree of hesitation on the offensive end. Though he has in the past been an important piece to what the Mavericks do, his age and lack of recent offensive firepower have relegated him to a lower role in the rotation until the aforementioned recent circumstances.

There is not a mentioned timeline for his return to the floor this season.

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Keenan Womack
KEENAN WOMACK

Keenan Womack is a sportswriter native to Dallas, Texas, who has spent the last 12 years in Austin, the home of his alma mater, the University of Texas. Keenan has covered sports for SB Nation, Bleacher Report, Rivals/Orangebloods, a host of his own sites and now, Fan Nation. Focusing on basketball, Keenan was on the beat for the Longhorns hoops team for the last two-and-a-half years before moving on to pursue other opportunities. He is married and lives with his wife close to the Moody Center, so they can continue to catch games together.