The Dallas Mavericks are grappling with a deepening crisis as injuries continue to decimate their roster of big men, with Maxi Kleber becoming the latest casualty. Kleber suffered a right foot fracture during the Mavericks’ 122-107 loss to the Boston Celtics.
Kleber’s injury occurred in the third quarter of Saturday’s game, forcing him out for the remainder of the contest after he limped off to the locker room. He will undergo reevaluation this week, but given the nature of the injury, he’s likely facing an extended recovery timetable.
This setback follows closely on the heels of starting center Dereck Lively II’s diagnosis with a stress fracture in his right ankle. Initially believed to be a mere sprain sustained during a Jan. 14 loss to the Denver Nuggets, further imaging revealed the more severe nature of Lively’s injury. The Mavericks have stated that Lively, who has been a crucial part of the team with averages of 9.1 points, 7.8 rebounds, and notable defensive contributions, will be re-evaluated in four weeks. However, it’s more likely to be in the two-to-three-month range.
Adding to the Mavericks’ woes, reserve center Dwight Powell has missed the past four games due to a strained hip. This string of injuries leaves Daniel Gafford as Dallas’s only healthy center. Powell’s injury is not a long-term concern, and his activity level has increased during recovery. He’s unlikely to play against the Washington Wizards on Monday but appears to be trending toward a return during the Mavericks’ upcoming five-game road trip.
“It’s a hole. It’s tough,” Mavericks coach Jason Kidd said. “I’ve never seen anything like it, and it’s not going to get any better.”
Gafford, who has averaged 12.3 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks this season, is now thrust into a pivotal role and has expressed readiness to shoulder the burden.
“It’s definitely a heavy load to carry, especially with our recent injuries,” Gafford said. “But it’s about stepping up when the team needs you. I’m ready to do whatever it takes to help us navigate through these tough times.”
Kidd admits that Gafford has to shoulder a hefty workload, expressing how the Mavericks are running out of center options. Since Lively went down with an injury, he’s averaging 28.8 minutes per game.
“We’re definitely stretching him,” Kidd said. “We’re running out of centers. That’s a heavy load for him to carry, but he’s one that’s going to have to pick up some more minutes here.”
Even with Powell’s upcoming return from injury, the Mavericks would still only have two available centers for the foreseeable future. Any additional injury would place them back in a vulnerable position.
As a result, Dallas is exploring options to bolster their depleted center lineup, between the trade market, along with two-way and 10-day contracts. However, it’s unlikely the team will make a significant trade to address this issue, considering it would bring longer implications for a short-term issue.
The Mavericks will face the Wizards on Monday at American Airlines Center. The game is scheduled to tip off at 7:30 p.m. CST.
