NBA Draft rumors: Magic trying to trade up, Dereck Lively rising, Pacers like Klintman

NBA Draft rumors: Pacers love Wake Forest sleeper Bobi Klintman

Per Scotto, the buzz coming out of the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago is that the Indiana Pacers are high on Wake Forest’s Bobi Klintman. The 20-year-old played sparsely as a freshman with the Demon Deacons, averaging only 20.5 minutes per game, but his tools and theoretical upside have catapulted him into the first round mix.

Klintman checks a lot of boxes on paper. At 6-foot-10, he has tremendous positional size, a fluid 3-point stroke, and the ability to handle and create for others in spurts. NBA teams are constantly on the lookout for the next big, skilled wing who can affect the game in multiple areas. Klintman came along at just the right time.

The Pacers specifically need more size and versatility in the frontcourt. Klintman is probably a 4 defensively due to his limited lateral mobility. Klintman would be on the receiving end of passes from Tyrese Haliburton offensively while boosting Indiana’s languid pace with his ability to grab and go off the rebound.

There are valid concerns about Klintman’s ability to generate advantages and score consistently in the halfcourt, but tall wings who can shoot, pass, and defend generally have a path to success in the NBA. Klintman has the most to prove on the defensive end, but frankly, his small role at Wake Forest makes him something of an unknown. Teams love to project upside onto prospects with limited tape and eye-popping physical traits. And with three first-round picks (plus an early second-round pick), the Pacers can afford to make calculated gambles.

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