The Detroit Pistons didn’t trade out of the No. 5 pick in this year’s NBA draft as most experts expected and some fans hoped for. However, they orchestrated a deal to acquire the draft rights to Swedish-born forward Bobi Klintman from the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Several hours before Thursday’s second round, the Pistons agreed to trade their No. 53 overall pick to the Timberwolves in exchange for this year’s No. 37 overall pick and guard Wendell Moore Jr.
The Timberwolves selected Klintman for the Pistons at No. 37, while the Pistons selected UConn’s Cam Spencer at No. 53 for the Timberwolves. The trade is expected to be finalized after the league moratorium ends on July 6.
Klintman is a 6-foot-9 “do-it-all” forward. He’s a solid defender, has good handles, excels at distributing the ball, and, most importantly, he can stretch the floor.
Here’s a look at how experts graded the Pistons’ selection at No. 37:
Grade: B
“Minnesota traded this pick to Detroit and selected Klintman, representing a big swing and, more importantly, a level of self-awareness. After selecting Ron Holland in Round 1 to add to its stable of shaky shooters, Klintman has a reliable shot and a big frame capable of playing on the wing as a role player.”
Grade: B
“Klintman spent his freshman year at Wake Forest before electing to play one season in Australia’s National Basketball League. He shows promise as a perimeter threat and floor spacer, but he hasn’t put it all together yet in his two seasons leading up to the draft. The Pistons are taking a chance on him as a long-term prospect.”
Grade: C+
“The Pistons moved up in the second round, acquiring this pick and former Duke forward Wendell Moore Jr. from the Timberwolves for pick No. 53, per Charania. Detroit desperately needs perimeter shooting and Klintman is a 6-8 forward who is not shy to fire away from 3.”
Grade: B+
“This pick initially belonged to Minnesota, with the Pistons sending the 53rd overall pick in the opposite direction (Memphis would ultimately land the selection). Klintman’s season in Australia appeared to pay dividends, as the handle and ability to attack defenses in transition improved compared to his one season at Wake Forest. There’s still work to be done regarding his ability to finish in traffic, but he’ll have time to work through those issues in Detroit. Given the point in the draft where they landed Klintman and the lack of quality bigs behind Isaiah Stewart and Jalen Duren, this was a good move for the Pistons.”
Grade: C
“Detroit swings on a raw, high-potential wing in Bobi Klintman in the top 40. They’ll bet on Fred Vinson to help Klintman learn to space the floor consistently while his movement skills and athleticism help him add value. He’s far away from helping on the defensive end and the feel is limited, making this a somewhat questionable pick for a Pistons team with plenty of prospects they must develop.”