Atlanta Hawks: Ranking the 12 Best Fits in Free Agency
By Chris Guest
#4. Maxi Kleber
In his second NBA season at age 27, Maxi Kleber of the Dallas Mavericks showcased his unique skill set in the NBA. Every team is looking for a player that can spot up for three on offense and protect the rim on defense, and Kleber is one of the few players in the league that is a free agent this offseason that matches that profile.
Though, once again, Kleber played the majority of his minutes at the power forward spot this season – which would not fly alongside John Collins – Kleber did see 16 percent of his minutes at the five with the Mavs in 2018-19, though that’s likely not a long-term option.
Still though, Kleber produced career-highs in both three-point attempt rate (56.5% and three-point percentage (35.3%) in his second season with the Mavs, showcasing a growth in both volume and efficiency from beyond the arc.
Combine that with a career-high 4.4 percent block rate (which was 11th in the NBA), and you have the makings of a stretch four with solid defensive anticipation – a perfect complement to an Atlanta Hawks team that adores spacing and also sorely needs some help side shot-blocking.
As a restricted free agent, it seems rather likely that the Mavs will match any contract that the Atlanta Hawks throw Kleber’s way, but the team should at least make an offer.