Dallas Mavericks big man Maxi Kleber took a step forward during his second NBA season. He played more minutes (averaged 21.2 per game), proved he was a capable 3-point shooter (hit 35.3 percent from downtown), and showed his rim protection ability. The 27-year-old will be looking to continue to improve heading into next year.
Let us focus on Kleber’s shot blocking ability. He swatted 78 shots in his 71 games played. That is special in the NBA. Only 33 players averaged one block per game or more. Kleber was 29th in the league despite playing only 21.