The 2024 NBA Draft is right around the corner. In less than eight weeks, the lives of many young men will forever be changed when they hear their name called and they are selected into the brotherhood of the NBA. Bobi Klintman is one of the prospects from Australia's NBL who will hear his name called during the first round of this year's draft, a moment that will make history.
There has never been a Swedish-born player selected in the first round of the NBA Draft. Damir Markota was the first player drafted from Sweden when he was selected in the second round of the 2006 NBA Draft. Jonas Jerebko was a second-round pick in 2009, as was Jeffery Taylor in 2012. Born in Malmö, Sweden, Klintman is representing more than just himself and his family as he begins his NBA journey. He is holding the weight of an entire nation on his back.
“That’s crazy to think about,” Klintman told ClutchPoints in an exclusive interview regarding the possibility of being the first Swedish player to be drafted in the first round. “That would be big time because I love my country and have a lot of pride being from Sweden.”
At 6-foot-10 with a 7-foot-1 wingspan, Klintman is one of the most versatile and unique prospects in this year's draft class. Overall, the 2024 NBA Draft class is underwhelming compared to what we have seen in previous years with the likes of Anthony Edwards, Paolo Banchero, and Victor Wembanyama. Still, there is plenty of potential that exists, which is where Klintman stands out as a first-round prospect.
This past year, Klintman played in a total of 23 games with Cairns Taipans in the NBL. There, he averaged 9.7 points and 4.8 rebounds in about 21.3 minutes per game while shooting roughly 44 percent from the floor. Klintman's overall impact on the game doesn't always show up in his stats, as he really made his mark as a defender and offensive player who can easily create space for himself and others by cutting to the rim. Given his explosiveness and athleticism, Klintman immediately made his mark in Australia by being a part of the NBL Next Stars program.
“For me, I just wanted to be a guy who could wear a bunch of different hats and take on multiple responsibilities rather than just fit into a box,” Klintman stated. “Doing the little things on the court sets you apart, and I definitely stood out in that aspect.”
From playing professionally in Sweden to spending a year in college at Wake Forest to recently playing in the NBL, Klintman's experiences at just 21 years old make him a player many NBA scouts and executives are watching closely.
Ahead of the NBA Draft Combine 2024, Klintman sat down and spoke with ClutchPoints about his basketball journey and why he takes a lot of pride in the history he is about to make for the country of Sweden in this year's draft.
ClutchPoints: Growing up, what kind of a role did basketball play in your life?
Bobi Klintman: Sports always played a major role in my life as a kid. Living in Sweden, soccer was a focus early on, but basketball was always one of my favorite sports growing up. Since it wasn’t as big as soccer at the time, I usually ended up playing soccer with my friends.
As I got older, I started taking basketball more and more seriously by doing extra workouts and stuff like that with my brother and cousin. Then, when I was around 12 years old, my coach told me that I had potential and said that if he was going to do extra workouts with me, that I had to take it seriously. From that point on, basketball became my sole focus.
CP: How did the pandemic play a role in you ultimately coming overseas to the United States and playing college basketball at Wake Forest?
BK: So, the pandemic hit during my junior year of high school. That’s when I had my breakout year in Sweden. I started getting noticed more globally as well, but we were only able to play six total games before the pandemic hit. Honestly, I was lucky to be able to practice and play with a pro team in Sweden during that time.
After that year with the pro team, I went to Sunrise Christian Academy and played in the United States. Living through the pandemic was tough, but I feel like I was one of the lucky ones because I got the pro opportunity. Unlike most kids who have the potential to make the NBA, I have already seen what it’s like to go up against that level of competition.
CP: After a lengthy recruiting process, you settled on Wake Forest and quickly caught the attention of NBA scouts due to your length and athleticism. At Wake, in what aspect do you believe you improved the most as a player compared to your time playing in Sweden?
BK: Just seeing the game from a different perspective compared to playing professionally in Sweden helped me grow my entire game. Whether it was on offense or defense, the little things I was able to pick up against great athletes helped me advance my skills. The time I got on the floor at Wake allowed me to evolve into a player who could thrive on either side of the ball. I also learned more about my athleticism compared to others while playing college basketball.
CP: After Wake, you initially declared for the 2023 NBA Draft and then decided to play this past year overseas in the NBL. What ultimately led you to the decision to withdraw from the 2023 draft?
BK: There was definitely more room to grow, and that played a major factor in my decision. Last year, there were a handful of teams interested in me, but they wanted to see more. They wanted to see how I would mature playing another professional season, and they wanted to compare me against better competition. Going through that pre-draft process was great for me as a whole. I definitely feel more prepared going into all of that this year than I was initially.
CP: What was the biggest piece of advice you received during the 2023 draft process?
BK: I would say just the feedback of me needing another year to develop. The NBL is one of the toughest leagues in the world outside of the NBA, so many, myself included, felt like spending the extra year to get better before entering the draft was the path to becoming a first-round pick. Some had their doubts about me, which is why I really wanted to prove my worth and that I can go up against professionals that have been in the NBA before. I knew what I was capable of, but I wanted to showcase my defensive abilities and the strengths of my game in general on the biggest stage I could. For those who weren’t familiar with my skills, they definitely are now.
CP: How has the NBL, in your mind, prepared you for the 2024 NBA Draft compared to where you were coming out of Wake Forest last year?
BK: Playing against pros and guys who have been in the NBA before has helped me mature a lot. Even learning from some of the guys that I was able to call my teammates. Just because you are great defensively or can shoot at a high level doesn’t necessarily mean you are mentally ready for the NBA. I definitely learned this in the NBL, and I'm very grateful to have had the opportunity I did over the last year.
CP: Unlike most players, your path to the NBA is unique in the sense that you have played in three different leagues and countries to this point. Tell me about how the constant lifestyle changes you’ve gone through have helped you mature, not just as an NBA prospect, but a young man.
BK: There is really no way to describe how much it has helped me. I’ve seen a lot of different places, a lot of different leagues, and each one is unique in its own way. When I played in Sweden, we were all around Europe, seeing different lifestyles and cultures. That’s sort of like how the NBA is with all the different players with unique backgrounds and skills.
In terms of my maturity, I’ve had to live on my own a lot because of the pro leagues I was a part of. Learning what it means to be an adult and do things on my own in a different country with nobody that I knew was certainly a change. Being able to adapt and learn about who I want to be has definitely helped me mature. The responsibilities I have had aren’t the same ones most 21-year-olds can say they’ve had because they usually stay at home. For me, I was by myself to figure things out most of the time. While it was hard, I was able to learn a lot about what it means to find success without being constantly guided to it.
CP: What would you say is the biggest lesson you have learned just by seeing the game in three different countries?
BK: From my NBL perspective, I learned a lot about preparation. You always have to be ready. You can’t pick and choose when you want to play. Consistency is vital, and you have to show up every day with the mentality of making this day better than the last. Learning how to take care of my body in terms of working out and eating the right foods was also a huge lesson.
The difference in the pro leagues compared to college, at least from my perspective, was the constant challenge of improving. In college, they look to develop and fit players into certain boxes. In the pros, like in Europe and Australia, the focus was obviously winning, but it was a challenge to be a good teammate while also competing for minutes and a spot on the roster every day. College offers assurances. Those are gone when you are on your own, trying to showcase what you can do against other professional athletes.
CP: What was the biggest challenge you faced in the NBL?
BK: Just the skill level compared to other leagues. Most of those guys have either played in the NBA or been a part of an NBA organization at some point in their careers. They all understand what it takes to succeed at the highest level possible. Every team also has its own unique set of skills. For example, every team plays defense a different way, and they match coverages differently than what happens in college. Figuring out how to adjust your game on a nightly basis while still playing to your strengths is something I learned.
CP: Do you believe your abilities to cut towards the rim on offense and be an active defender against any position are the reasons why you've improved so much as part of the NBL Next Stars?
BK: Most definitely. I take a lot of pride in my abilities on defense because that is where you can make the greatest impact for your team. You can score every possession, but everything starts on the defensive side of the court. For me, I just wanted to be a guy who could wear a bunch of different hats and take on multiple responsibilities, rather than just fit into a box.
I became a better shooter as my confidence grew, and I started to pick up on the little things it meant to be a professional basketball player, like finding open space on the floor and making our offense flow better by cutting. I really made a jump by just playing the game the right way. Doing the little things on the court sets you apart, and I definitely stood out in that aspect.
CP: Ahead of the draft, how would you assess your biggest strengths and what sets you apart from other prospects?
BK: I would definitely say with a lot of confidence that I am a very versatile player. On defense, I can get stops and guard multiple positions. Better yet, I can play multiple positions. Offensively, I am able to space the floor in order to create opportunities to cut to the rim for easy dunks and layups. When you look at the way the NBA has changed, these are all huge qualities to have. For me, I was really able to sharpen these traits in the NBL.
CP: How are you preparing for the upcoming 2024 NBA Draft? Are you planning on participating at the NBA Draft Combine?
BK: I’ve been in Los Angeles working every day in the gym to prepare for the combine. I really have a great team representing me, and they know how to keep me on track. We have been doing two-a-days where I work out in the morning, practice in the afternoon, and then do a lift session. I can’t wait for the combine to showcase what I can do for everyone to see.
CP: Have you felt any pressure from scouts labeling you as a first-round prospect, or have you fully embraced this label and the challenge ahead?
BK: There’s always pressure in these types of situations because you don’t want to let yourself and those around you down. At the same time, I’ve fully embraced this pressure because I love the challenge. If you focus on what everyone else says about you, I feel like you lose focus of what you are actually capable of achieving. If you can stay true to yourself and keep working on your craft, everything that you wish for and want will come true.
CP: In today’s NBA, where do you see yourself fitting in? Is there a particular mold or style of play that you have modeled your game after?
BK: I know I am a very versatile player on both ends of the court, which is why I truly believe I’m unique. I don’t try to be someone else or model my game fully after one player because I think my game is intriguing enough on its own. This makes me the perfect player for virtually any team.
I simply want to win. I do what it takes to win, and I am always willing to do what the team needs. I space the floor well, shoot well, and am always looking to cut to the rim. I just play the game the right way. Wherever I go, I am just going to do what it takes to win, no matter what.
CP: What NBA player, either former or current, did or do you look up to, and are there any particular players you have tried to model your game after?
BK: I mean, I have to say LeBron James, right? He has been a role model for me and many players my age since we were young. For me, Giannis Antetokounmpo has been a huge influence just because of his story. It is good and crazy at the same time, and I feel like we have that in common regarding us coming over from Europe and earning everything we are given. Paul George is another player I’ve followed closely through the years. I try to learn a lot from watching George play because we have similar builds. The way he moves at 6-foot-9 with as deep of a bag as he has — I am trying to get to that level too.
CP: Based on your game and style of play, how do you believe you’ll be able to make an impact in the NBA during your rookie season?
BK: From Day 1, I know I can make my presence felt as a shooter and a defender who isn’t afraid of anyone. I have the length to guard any position, and I really worked on improving my jump shot from the perimeter in the NBL this past season. Compared to when I declared for the 2023 NBA Draft, there are definitely clear improvements in both aspects. At the end of the day, I am just going to play how I always have in order to ensure the success of my team and teammates.
CP: What would it mean to you to be the first-ever Swedish player selected in the first-round of the NBA Draft?
BK: Wow, you’re right. That’s crazy to think about. That would be big time because I love my country and have a lot of pride being from Sweden. I love my country, and I want to get more Swedes to learn basketball. The biggest thing is just embracing this moment and what it means not only for me but also for my country.
CP: Word on the street is that you are a big Harry Potter fan. Are you more of a book or movie guy?
BK: [Klintman smiles] I am definitely one of the biggest Harry Potter fans you’ll meet! Definitely more of a movie guy, for sure. I’ve seen them all countless times. To be honest with you, I haven’t really tapped into the books. I definitely feel like I need to do that if I am going to call myself one of the biggest Harry Potter fans, right?
CP: What are some of your other hobbies outside of constantly being on the basketball court?
BK: Believe it or not, I am a big fashion guy. I love clothes. I love accessories. You know, I just always like to look good and have a new fit that nobody has ever seen before. I’m also a gamer when it comes to bringing my PlayStation 5 everywhere I go. If we are on the road, if I go back to Sweden, I always have my PS5 with me. After a workout and knowing I have some down time, that’s when you can catch me on FIFA, NBA 2K, UFC, Madden, Call of Duty, and all that good stuff.
CP: So, what I am hearing is that all of the 2K tournaments and late-night gaming sessions with your teammates on road trips during your rookie season will be in your hotel room?
BK: [Klintman laughs and shakes his head in approval] Probably so. Probably so… Hey, if that’s what gets us closer to one another, I am in!
CP: If a team asks why they should select you in the draft, what would your response be?
BK: That’s simple: I do whatever it takes to win. I want to win a championship, obviously, and I feel like my versatile play can help lead a team to those lofty goals. Whatever the coach needs me to do, I am going to do it to the best of my abilities, regardless of whether I am in the game or not. Winning is all that matters in the NBA, and I want every team to know that they’re getting a very versatile player who is ready to do absolutely anything to win immediately as soon as I am drafted.
CP: I know you don’t know where you will end up yet in terms of the team that drafts you, but what should fans of the team that selects you in this year’s draft be excited about?
BK: I think I will make a lot of new friends in terms of my new team’s fans based on my shooting abilities. My athleticism will get them going, and I am the type of player that feeds off of energy. I love when the fans bring it each and every night, as that helps me really lock into the game as well. I smile a lot, and I just try to bring good vibes to my team and teammates. I just can’t wait for draft night, man.
I’ve imagined this moment of walking across the stage to shake Adam Silver’s hand. That’s been a dream of mine ever since my basketball journey started. I used to always watch the draft with my brother. We were always sitting in our rooms, thinking, “That’s going to be us one day.” Now, we get to actually be at the draft and live the dream we always had. I can’t wait for this new opportunity and the challenge of entering the NBA that lies ahead.
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