Career: Montrose Christian High-School (USA-High School, 2002-03), University of Missouri (USA-NCAA, 2002-05), Denver Nuggets (USA-NBA, 2005-07). Selected in the first round of the 2005 NBA Draft (#27) by the Portland Trailblazers. Rights traded to the Denver Nuggets immediately
Kleiza has been an outstanding prospect for many years now but it seems like he may be ready to show is stuff to all of Europe. To many fans of European basketball, Kleiza is still a bit of an unknown after going to the USA in 2002 to play in high school, college and then the NBA. The undisputed leader of Lithuania’s youth teams, Kleiza missed the U21 World Championship in 2005 due to a knee injury. But this versatile forward came back stronger than ever and reminds people a bit of a young Charles Barkley with his strength and size. Kleiza uses a vast array of moves and fakes around the rim and his strong performance for the Missouri Tigers at the collegiate level (16.1ppg and 7.6 rpg) impressed NBA scouts enough so that this named was announced at the 2005 NBA draft. Portland picked him in the 27th spot but soon traded his rights to Denver. Kleiza played two seasons under the demanding George Karl who helped Linas to mature and polish his game. Karl called him "the hardest working young player I've ever coached" and has rewarded him for his dedication. In March and April 2007, he played over 23 minutes per game for the Nuggets while averaging 11 points and four rebounds. The 22-year-old made his debut for the National Team at the 2006 World Championship where he averaged 10.8 points and 5.8 rebounds per game.
