Maxi Kleber withdraws from Germany's WC campaign following Schroder's comments / News - Basketnews.com

Maxi Kleber has issued a statement, where he announces that he'll skip the upcoming World Cup with Germany, due to Dennis Schroder's statements that made him feel unwelcome.

Credit: AP - Scanpix Credit AP - Scanpix

Almost out of nowhere,Maxi Kleber found himself being accused of intentionally skipping the 2022 EuroBasket after his Germany NT teammateDennis Schroder questioned the motives and reasons behind that decision.

Maximilian Kleber

Position:PFAge:31Height:207 cmWeight:92 kgBirth place:GermanyProfileNewsStatistics

In an interview during the Got Nexxt show by basketball insider Andre Voigt,Schroder criticized Kleberand said that he didn't approve of his decision to skip the EuroBasket 2022.

"I was like 'Ok, what game is he trying to improve?' In the NBA, when you're good at something, you stick to it. It wouldn't make sense if a big center started being a ballhandler," Schroder said in his newest video on his YouTube channel.

"He knows his game and he knows what his role is. Of course, I accepted it because it was his decision but it was a bit difficult to respect it. If he had another reason - a contract or because he wants to play longer - it would've been totally fine with me," Schroder said.

However, the drama continues as Kleber and his agent issued a public statement via BIG Magazine, with the Dallas Mavericks forward announcing his decision to skip the World Cup in light of the comments Schroder made against him. Although Kleber doesn't refer to his teammate directly, he stresses that the "recent unfortunate and inappropriate public statements" have made it clear that he's "not fully welcome in the national team.“

"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 played with for the last four months of the 21-22 NBA season. I needed full recovery and rest.

Had I been healthy, I would have been happy and proud to play for our NT.

All communication from my side with all relevant people was done in an honest and respectful manner. I enjoyed watching the team's success and was proud of what they accomplished.

I started this summer with full intention and motivation to join the national team in the World Cup. However, the recent unfortunate and inappropriate public statements about me have made it100% clear that I am not unreservedly welcome in the NT.

It is not my goal to destroy the good team chemistry of last summer. Nor do I want to become a source of distraction. Therefore, I have decided that it is best for everyone involved if I do not play.

Instead, I will cheer on and support the team as a fan. I have no intention of commenting further publicly on this matter.

I wish the NT every success!"

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