Maxi Kleber: The Silent Force of the Hardwood
A Comprehensive Biography of Life, Career, Achievements, and Resilience
Maximilian Kleber — known widely as Maxi Kleber — has quietly but firmly established himself as a vital contributor in the world of professional basketball. Known for his defensive tenacity, shot-blocking, and versatile offensive skill set, the German-born forward has carved out a respected NBA career, particularly with the Dallas Mavericks. This article offers a comprehensive look into Maxi Kleber’s life — covering his career, family, achievements, injuries, contracts, goals, and key facts.
Early Life and Background
Full Name: Maximilian Kleber
Date of Birth: January 29, 1992
Age (as of May 2025): 33 years old
Place of Birth: Würzburg, Bavaria, Germany
Maxi Kleber hails from Würzburg — the same hometown as NBA legend Dirk Nowitzki, a player who would later become both an inspiration and a teammate figure for Kleber. Growing up in Germany, Kleber displayed athletic promise early on, gravitating towards basketball in a country traditionally more enamored with soccer.
Family
- Parents: Not widely publicized (Maxi is known to keep his private life discreet)
- Siblings: Maxi has an older brother, Marius Kleber, who also played basketball semi-professionally in Germany.
The Kleber family’s support was pivotal in Maxi’s steady rise through the German basketball ranks. His connection to Würzburg and its tight-knit community shaped both his work ethic and sense of humility.
Education and Early Basketball Career
Kleber attended school in Würzburg while simultaneously refining his basketball skills through youth clubs and regional competitions. His formal basketball development began with:
- s.Oliver Würzburg — his hometown professional team
Debuting with the senior squad in 2011, Kleber showcased his ability to stretch the floor as a forward, defend multiple positions, and block shots effectively.
Professional Basketball Career Timeline
s.Oliver Würzburg (2011–2014)
- German Basketball Bundesliga (BBL)
- Averaged 9.9 points, 6.7 rebounds per game in his final season
- Gained attention from European scouts and NBA talent evaluators for his mobility and shooting touch at 6’10”
Obradoiro CAB (Spain, 2014–2015)
In 2014, Kleber signed with Obradoiro CAB in Spain’s Liga ACB — widely regarded as one of the top leagues outside the NBA.
- Averaged 11.5 points and 6.5 rebounds per game
- Named to the All-ACB Second Team (2015)
His performance in Spain accelerated his visibility on the international stage, drawing interest from both European powerhouses and NBA franchises.
Bayern Munich (2015–2017)
Returning to Germany, Kleber joined FC Bayern Munich Basketball.
- Contributed in EuroCup and German league competitions
- Averaged 9.0 points, 5.3 rebounds per game in the 2016–17 season
- Honed his perimeter shooting and defense, positioning himself as a modern stretch forward
NBA Career: Dallas Mavericks (2017–present)
Date Joined
July 13, 2017 — Maxi Kleber officially signed a contract with the Dallas Mavericks, marking his NBA debut.
He entered the NBA as an undrafted free agent but quickly earned his spot through Summer League play and training camp performances.
Contract History
- 2017: Signed a two-year minimum contract with Dallas
- 2019: Re-signed a four-year, $35 million contract extension
- 2023: Signed a three-year, $33 million contract extension, securing his role as a core rotation player
His contracts reflect both his steady production and Dallas’ commitment to versatile, defensively strong forwards.
Playing Style and Impact
Standing 6’10” (2.08 m) and weighing 240 lbs (109 kg), Kleber plays both power forward and center. His hallmark attributes include:
- Three-point shooting: Career average ~35% from beyond the arc
- Defense: Known for guarding multiple positions, averaging over 1 block per game in multiple seasons
- Basketball IQ: Reliable in pick-and-roll defense and off-ball rotations
Kleber’s value surged in the 2020 NBA Playoffs, where his defense against elite forwards such as Kawhi Leonard and Paul George drew wide praise.
Injuries and Comebacks
Throughout his career, Kleber has faced various injuries but consistently demonstrated resilience.
Key Injuries
- 2021: Achilles soreness sidelined him for several weeks
- 2022: Oblique strain during playoffs limited his minutes
- December 2022: Suffered a torn right hamstring — one of the most serious injuries of his career. Surgery was not required, but he missed 35 games, returning in March 2023.
- 2024: Minor ankle sprain; missed a handful of regular-season games
Status and Return (2025)
As of May 2025, Kleber is active and playing for the Dallas Mavericks. His role remains pivotal as a stretch big and defensive anchor off the bench.
Personal Life
Wife
Maxi Kleber is married to Brittany Gibson, a former collegiate athlete and fitness enthusiast. The couple married in 2022, though they have kept much of their personal life private.
They currently reside in Dallas, Texas, where Kleber balances his professional career with community engagement and philanthropy.
Trade Rumors and Team Status
Throughout his tenure, Kleber has occasionally surfaced in NBA trade rumors, typically due to Dallas’ pursuit of star players and his attractive contract. However:
- No official trade has been executed as of 2025
- Dallas Mavericks have publicly reaffirmed their appreciation of Kleber’s two-way play and veteran leadership
Markieff Morris Connection
Kleber and Markieff Morris, a veteran forward acquired by Dallas in 2023, share complementary roles in the Mavericks’ frontcourt. Both players contribute defensive versatility and floor spacing, often sharing minutes in key rotations.
National Team Career
Maxi Kleber has represented Germany in international competitions, although he opted out of EuroBasket 2022 to recover from injury. He remains a respected figure within the German national basketball program.
Career Achievements and Highlights
- All-ACB Second Team (2015)
- Signed multiple NBA contract extensions (2019, 2023)
- Key contributor in Dallas Mavericks’ 2022 Western Conference Finals run
- Over 450 career NBA games played (as of 2025)
- Career-high 26 points vs. Indiana Pacers (2021)
Key Facts and Figures (Quick Reference)
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Maximilian Kleber |
| Birth Date | January 29, 1992 |
| Birthplace | Würzburg, Germany |
| Nationality | German |
| Height / Weight | 6’10” (2.08 m) / 240 lbs (109 kg) |
| Position | Power Forward / Center |
| Current Team | Dallas Mavericks (2017–present) |
| Jersey Number | #42 |
| NBA Career Averages | 7.4 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 1.0 BPG (approx.) |
| Estimated Net Worth (2025) | $25 million |
| Spouse | Brittany Gibson (m. 2022) |
Goals and Aspirations
Maxi Kleber has publicly expressed goals that include:
- Pursuing an NBA Championship with the Dallas Mavericks
- Maintaining elite defensive play and expanding his offensive repertoire
- Mentoring younger players both in Dallas and the German national team
- Giving back to Würzburg and supporting youth sports initiatives
- Longevity in the NBA, aiming to play deep into his 30s
Maxi Kleber Now (2025)
As of 2025, Maxi Kleber remains a valuable veteran and rotational player for the Dallas Mavericks. He is appreciated for his defensive acumen, leadership, and ability to stretch the floor — key traits in modern NBA systems. His story of perseverance, adaptability, and professionalism continues to inspire young European players aiming to make their mark in the NBA.
Conclusion
Maxi Kleber’s journey from Würzburg’s local courts to the bright lights of the NBA embodies discipline, patience, and steady growth. While not always in the spotlight, Kleber’s consistent contributions, resilience through injuries, and commitment to team success make him one of basketball’s most respected role players. As he moves into the later stages of his career, Maxi Kleber remains a testament to the value of hard work, versatility, and quiet leadership — both on and off the court.
