With each game that passes, I become more and more convinced that Maxi “Glue Stick” Kleber is a legit NBA player. Not a very exciting player, or a particularly productive one, but a legit one nonetheless. He can definitely stick around for a few years and then go back to Europe because he’s probably not good enough to play here until he’s 35.
Evidence for his legitness includes the insane connection he has with anyone who is willing to throw him a lob. Often that means J.J. Barea, but it can mean other people too. I’m thinking “white DeAndre Jordan”, but that’s probably overstating things a bit. In any case, I think he’s caught more lobs this season than Dirk has in his entire career. And he blocked more shots this game as well.
I’m also thinking “Dirk Nowitzki replacement”, but after seeing Dirk still look playable this season, that’s probably also not going to happen, at least right away.