Dallas Mavericks: 5 players who need more playing time

Dallas Mavericks player who needs more playing time: 1. Maxi Kleber

Coach Carlisle shifted Maxi Kleber into the starting five with Willie Cauley-Stein. The move pushed Tim Hardaway Jr. to the bench and allowed the Mavs to play bigger. They needed to solve their defensive and rebounding issues.

Kleber is one of the team’s best defenders. He is the top option at defending both in the paint and on the perimeter. Fans have seen on numerous occasions where guards think they can drive past Kleber only to see their shot swatted away at the rim. His defensive chops earned him the starting nod in the playoffs as coach Carlisle made him the primary defender on Kawhi Leonard.

Kleber has also been in the Mavericks closing lineup in both clutch games. Dallas needs his defense and spacing abilities on the floor. Kleber is averaging 22.7 minutes per game so far this season, but he should be playing more. Expect him to set another career-high, despite the Mavs frontcourt depth. Maxi Kleber is the Dallas Mavericks secret weapon.

The Mavs have depth and are a team nobody is looking forward to facing when Kristaps Porzingis returns to the lineup. Fans should be excited. Stay tuned for what promises to be a fun and exciting season.