Upon being questioned publicly by Dennis Schröder in a recent podcast appearance due to his absence from Germany’s campaign in last year’s EuroBasket, Maxi Kleber ultimately decided to declare his ineligibility for his nation in this upcoming 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup.
In a statement he released via Twitter (hat tip to EuroHoops for translation), the Dallas Mavericks big man cleared speculations and revealed that he took a needed rest last year from the injuries of the 2021-22 NBA season, and it was a tough decision for him not to play alongside his countrymen.
“My goals in playing basketball and representing Germany are to be 100% healthy and help the team win and be a good teammate. The (very tough) decision last summer not to play was due to an injury I had played with in the last four months of the 2021-22 NBA season.
“I needed complete recovery and rest. If I had been healthy, I would have liked to play with pride for our NT. All communication from my side with all relevant persons was done in an honest and respectful way,” Kleber started.
As he wants to not create further distractions within the national squad, Kleber announced that he would not suit up for Germany on the grand basketball tilt.
“I followed the team’s success with joy and was proud of what they achieved. I started this summer with the full intention and motivation to join the national team at the World Cup.
“However, the recent unfortunate and inappropriate public statements about me have made it 100% clear that I am not fully welcomed in the NT. It’s not my goal to destroy the good chemistry in the team last summer, nor do I want to be a source of distraction.”
He added: “That’s why I decided it’s best for everyone involved if I don’t play. Instead, I will cheer and support the team as a fan. I have no intention of continuing to speak publicly about this matter. I wish the NT every success!”
Kleber, who averaged 5.9 points and 3.6 boards in an injury-stricken 2022-23 season for the Mavs, is now healthy after a full offseason break and could have helped the Germans on their World Cup campaign as they are slated within Group E alongside Japan, Australia and Finland.
Unfortunately, his decision serves as a major blow for Germany as the World Championships are just nearly a month away which will commence from Aug. 25 to Sept. 10.
