NBA: 10 relative unknowns entering defining seasons in 2019-20

8. Maxi Kleber, Dallas Mavericks

Maxi Kleber is entering his third year in the league out of Germany, and his European seasoning — he will be 28 this season — showed up in his first two years in the NBA.

Kleber was an outstanding defender (2.3 DBPM) and efficient scorer (.579 True Shooting Percentage) on last year’s squad. With Luka Doncic and Tim Hardaway Jr. likely to be the key offensive drivers for the Mavericks, a guy who can efficiently make use of his possessions then get back on defense is a key part of a balanced team-first breakfast.

Dallas has a ton of international players and it looks like Germany won’t lose its representation now that Dirk Nowitzki has retired.

Kleber can establish himself as a solid NBA spot starter and sixth man if he plays his cards right, and this is his time to shine.