Maxi Kleber, the 118:123 defeat of your Dallas Mavericks at the Miami Heat after extra time was as unfortunate as it was unnecessary. In this short-lived NBA business, how long does it generally take you to tick off a game like that?
Glue: For the moment it was of course a very bitter defeat. But since game after game follows here, we basically have to put the game in Miami behind us at the final siren and look forward. Every game counts – and that’s why you can’t worry too much about a match that’s now over.
To stay with the mental aspect: Last season you and the “Mavs” were in the NBA finals against the Boston Celtics, but were defeated 1:4. How long have you carried this bitter feeling around with you – especially with a view to the new season?
Glue: Sure, the situation after the finals was undoubtedly extremely annoying. When you get this far, you want to win the last game in a series like this. This has been with me throughout the summer. The fact is, however, that we now have a new season and are essentially starting from scratch again. What we achieved last season no longer counts. Just because we got this far recently doesn’t automatically mean that it will be the case again this time. Some new players have joined the team and we are now seen differently by our opponents. It is therefore important that we function as a team and continually perform.
One of these new players is five-time NBA All-Star and “sniper” Klay Thompson, who came to Dallas from the Golden State Warriors in the summer. To what extent does his presence change the game and the possibilities of the Mavericks?
Glue: On the one hand, Klay is a really good defender. On the other hand, he opens up the field on offense with his incredibly good throwing. Due to the fact that Klay attracts a lot of attention, Kyrie Irving and Luca Doncic, for example, have significantly more space to work with. That is of course a big advantage.
You moved to the NBA to the Dallas Mavericks in 2017. How has your role changed over time? Would you now describe yourself as a leader and a kind of mentor for the young players?
Glue: I would say: In terms of the game, the dynamics have already changed. The rest actually stayed the same. On the subject of leaders: Among other things, we gained another leader in February 2023, Kyrie Irving. Otherwise, of course, the guys who, like me, have been there for a long time know what to do in the league or a team. We can help young and new players, especially when it comes to the game system.
Due to your many years of experience, you know the NBA bone mill with its 82 main round as well as the preparation and play-off games inside and out. Due to the current numerous long-term injuries to stars such as Kevin Durant (Phoenix), Kahwi Leonard (Los Angeles Clippers), Paulo Banchero (Orlando), Paul George (Philadelphia) and Chet Holmgren (Oklahoma City), there are again discussions about the physical strain is clearly too high for NBA professionals due to the high number of games. Would you like to see a change here?
Glue: This is certainly a difficult topic. When it comes to injuries, I can tell you a thing or two about it myself. Basically, you have to find a solution for yourself in order to get through it in the best possible way. Of course, this also means that you always find time to recover, especially between games, so that your body can regenerate accordingly. Of course, due to the fact that the game has become faster over time, the intensity and stress are also significantly higher. Nevertheless, I am of the opinion that the body as a whole is very adaptable.
In your first two seasons with the Mavericks (2017 to 2019) you had the opportunity to play with Dirk Nowitzki. How present is the now 46-year-old, to whom a statue was erected in front of the American Airlines Center almost two years ago due to his immense contributions, still with the “Mavs”?
Glue: Dirk is present at our games every now and then, but not really during training. I also saw him once or twice during preparation. From that point of view, Dirk is certainly still present, especially since he is a huge figure both in the club and among the fans. However, I can’t really say what exact task or position he currently holds with us. He can probably explain it best himself.
If you look back at your NBA career so far: Would you say that the reputation and status of German basketball and basketball players within the league has changed during this period?
Glue: I would say so, yes! Especially due to the national team’s strong performance at the World Cup and the Olympic Games, when the team was at least one of the secret favorites. But also because of the young teams, I am definitely of the opinion that Germany has now taken a place on the US map. Especially thanks to guys like the Wagner brothers Franz and Mo, who play in Orlando together with Tristan da Silva, or Dennis (Schröder, editor’s note) and Isaiah (Hartenstein), the attention has increased significantly.
You just mentioned the Paris Olympics. Did you actually follow the basketball tournament there?
Glue: Yes, yes.
How did you feel when you watched the DBB selection games? Are you an enthusiastic fan or do you sometimes feel a bit sad about not being able to attend such a major event?
Glue: Well, the situation was what it was. That’s why I personally finished it. Otherwise, I watched the games as a fan, of course, because it’s always good for German basketball when the team plays successfully. Overall, the aim is ultimately to ensure that the sport of basketball continues to grow in Germany. And the Olympic Games, where you can watch all the matches on television, are a great event. Apart from that, since I know a lot of the guys very well or am friends with them, it’s also a lot of fun to watch them and keep my fingers crossed.
With the Spaniard Alex Mumbru, who replaced Gordon Herbert, who moved to FC Bayern Munich, there is now a new German national coach. Have you already spoken to him or can you basically imagine returning to the DBB selection?
Glue: I know Alex Mumbru, but I haven’t spoken to him yet. However, the topic of the national team is finally over for me. Therefore there will be no return.
By skipping the Olympics early on, you at least had the opportunity to regenerate and give your body a break after a long 2023/24 NBA season. What did the summer months look like for you? Was a visit home to Würzburg also on the agenda?
Glue: Yes, I was actually in Würzburg too. After the season with the finals was quite long, I came to Europe. I first took a short vacation there and ended up spending most of the time with my family. For the most part we actually commuted back and forth between Würzburg and Munich. Basically, I really enjoy being back home with my family and friends. I simply feel comfortable there and can therefore regenerate very well.
