By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Progress following an injury disrupting his run in the 2024 NBA Playoffs Presented by Google Pixel shapes a positive update for Maxi Kleber.
Initial fears regarding a dislocation of the AC joint in his right shoulder included the 32-year-old German forward potentially missing the remainder of the postseason. However, a return during the Western Conference Finals is likely.
“Still out,” confirmed the head coach of the Dallas Mavericks, Jason Kidd, “Looked good today. He looked good on the treadmill.”
Kleber was sidelined through the Western Conference Semifinals. However, the Mavs eliminated the Oklahoma City Thunder in six games, setting up a best-of-seven series against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Game 1 will be played in Target Center on Wednesday.
“We have done it already in one series. We are going to have to do it again until he comes back. But that gives other guys the opportunity to step up and we truly believe everyone in that locker room is going to hold it together until he gets back,” Kidd referred to teammates, including Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively II, covering for the German import.
Despite dealing with a right knee sprain and left ankle soreness for most of the Playoffs, Slovenian Luka Doncic is projected to remain available for the Mavericks and resurface in the West Finals for the second time in his career.
On the opposite end of the series, the European spotlight is on French Rudy Gobert reaching the conference finals for the first time.