4 Dallas Mavericks who have exceeded expectations, 4 who have fallen short

2. Fallen short: Maxi Kleber

One player who has struggled to make ends meet is seventh-year veteran Maxi Kleber. The Mavs forward has been on the decline this season.

Kleber was the team's center to start the season but has only appeared in four games since then. Injuries have been the main issue.

Against the Chicago Bulls on November 1, he suffered a dislocated toe injury. Kleber attempted to come back on November 8, but struggled to play through the pain.

He has not seen playing time since the injury. Last season, Kleber suffered a torn hamstring that kept him out for a while.

Yet despite the injuries, Kleber's numbers have also been on the decline. This season he averages 3.4 points per game while shooting 25 percent from the court. Last season, Kleber made 45.6 percent of his attempted field goals.

Along with the decline, he also struggled to find minutes behind an already packed center position.

So, what could this mean for the future? Could he seen an increase in minutes?

Kleber could come back in a limited role with the team, or the Mavs could place him on the trading block.

Either way, this has not been Kleber's year. It'll be up to the Mavs forward to make a full recovery.