Former Wake Forest forward Bobi Klintman has signed a contract to play the 2023-24 season with the Cairns Taipans of the National Basketball League, the team announced.
Klintman, who was born in Malmo, Sweden, withdrew from the 2023 NBA draft ahead of the 5 p.m. EDT deadline on Monday. He was considered a potential first-round pick after a solid freshman campaign but opted to play abroad for one year in the NBL.
He signed with the Taipans as part of the Next Stars program, a plan introduced by the NBL to give top prospects a way to play professionally. Players such LaMelo Ball, Josh Giddey, Ousmane Dieng and RJ Hampton, have also utilized the program.
Cairns, welcome BOBI KLINTMAN!
Another future @NBA talent in the line-up! ⭐️
The Swedish sensation will now enter the 2024 NBA Draft after a year playing for the Taipans! This next star signing is in addition to our 11-man roster 🏀 Details: https://t.co/FPDV13OeDF pic.twitter.com/nwQL15np0M
— Cairns Taipans (@CairnsTaipans) June 12, 2023
The 6-foot-10 Klintman averaged 5.3 points and 4.5 rebounds on 36.8% shooting from 3-point range last season. He became the first Wake Forest freshman since Tim Duncan in 1994 to record a double-double in the ACC Tournament (17 points, 11 rebounds).
The decision to play in the NBL was likely made to further develop and improve his draft stock for next year when he could be a lottery pick. The league boasts several former NBA players, which should help prepare Klintman for the next level.
The Taipans have had several notable players in the past, including Torrey Craig, Tony Mitchell and Scottie Wilbekin. The group is coached by Australian Adam Forde and has also signed Taran Armstrong, Bul Kuol, Tahjere McCall and Sam Waardenburg for next season.
They will tip off the 2023-24 season on Sept. 30.
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