The German-born player surprised the kids at four area camps, encouraging them to be people of strong character and strive for greatness on and off the court.
Kleber’s unwavering support of the community has forged a lasting impression since he arrived in Dallas seven seasons ago.
Last week, he also visited with teens at a local domestic violence shelter, sparking hope and renewal in the hearts of the young people.
During Kleber’s visits at the Mavs Hoop Camps, he participated in drills and games with the campers, emphasizing the importance of hard work and chasing after one’s dreams.
He later hosted a Q&A session, and one camper seized the moment to ask the NBA veteran about his game-winning buzzer-beater against the Lakers back in March.
“What was going through your mind when you hit that shot?” an 11-year-old girl named Siena asked Kleber.
“Right before that shot, I was very focused,” he explained to the youth. “Kyrie (Irving) was drawing all the attention, and Anthony Davis held off, so I was like, ‘Oh, I’m open!’
“I wasn’t sure if he would still pass it because the time was running down. But once I shot it, all I remember is that the ball was in the air, and I thought, ‘Wow, I think this is going in!’ As soon as it went in, I don’t remember much. It was pure celebration, and my whole team was running toward me. It was a really crazy moment.”
Kleber said he wanted to attend the camps to give back to the game and fans.
He explained to the youngsters how camps and clinics foster teamwork, discipline and perseverance, all lessons he still uses today. He also shared his own basketball memories as a child.
“At first, I started playing basketball with my brothers and friends,” Kleber said. “It was more about friendship and having fun. At some point, one of the coaches there said, ‘Hey, you have talent. We want to push you a little bit.’ Over time, I realized I was solid at basketball. As a kid, I was obviously dreaming of playing in the NBA. Every weekend, we had an NBA recap of highlights, watching Kobe, Vince Carter, Shaq and all those highlight plays. That’s when I decided that I wanted to play basketball professionally. I didn’t know I would make the NBA, but I am very glad it happened.”
Siena, the young camper Mavs.com spoke with, said she attended two Mavs Hoop Camps this summer, and Kleber’s surprise appearance was her favorite moment of the summer.
“I like Maxi Kleber,” she explained. “He’s one of my favorite players on the Mavs. Last camp, I got to ask Dwight Powell a question, too, so today, I wanted to see what Maxi had to say about his winning shot. It’s really cool that I get to ask questions to people that I look up to.”
Siena, who is entering sixth grade next month, says she has three older brothers, and basketball is a big topic in her family.
“I started watching with them, but I’m pretty serious about the game,” she said. “I play club and attend camps. I think I can compete with anyone. I’m friends with boys in my grade; they know I can play with anyone. I’m a tough player, and I want to win. I’m very competitive.”
Kleber first started going to basketball camps when he was 10 years old.
“That’s when I really started loving the game, because you go (to the camps) with your friends and you hang out,” he said. “It’s not just basketball.
“You have a good time, and you eat together during lunch breaks.”
Born and raised in the same city – Wurzburg, Germany – that produced the legendary Dirk Nowitzki, Kleber says playing games with the kids and sharing his life experiences is a great way for him to give back.
“When I go back to Germany and when I see kids playing, I play basketball with them,” the 31-year-old Kleber said. “It’s just a fun time to share, and this is what connects everybody is basketball.”
Mavs Hoop Camps have been a symbol of the franchise’s commitment to the game for the last three decades. The Mavs Academy is hosting 10 straight weeks of camps at various locations all over the region.
The camp participants are exposed to skills training along with friendly competition. They also forge friendships that extend beyond the game and build lasting impressions with players on the team, like Kleber.
The 30th anniversary of Mavs Hoop Camp this summer is a testament to the vibrant North Texas basketball community. From the bright lights at the American Airlines Center to the rhythmic beat of the game played by youth, basketball continues to thrive in the region.
Kleber told the kids to dream big and enjoy the friendships that are built.
“The thing about the NBA is we get to compete against the best every day,” Kleber said. “However, it all started right where you are today. The little things you do really do matter. Have fun, enjoy the moment and work as hard as you can.”
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