There’s a unique quality to basketball players and how they adapt to the culture of the sport. It can be seen as a swagger born of confidence and the muscle-deep exhaustion from intense workouts. For players like Detroit Pistons rookie Bobi Klintman, coming from abroad brings a whole new perspective to the game.
“In America, basketball is almost like a religion,” Klintman notes. “You grow up playing and knowing people who play. It’s a part of life here.”
For Klintman, growing up in Sweden meant football was the primary sport, with basketball playing a minor role. It wasn’t until his teenage years that he dove into basketball, facing a less intense environment compared to American high school and AAU systems.
Attending RIG Mark Academy in Sweden provided Klintman with a platform to showcase his skills, eventually propelling him to the top-tier league in the country. Nevertheless, the transition to American basketball at Sunrise Christian Academy was a significant leap, but one that Klintman embraced wholeheartedly.
From Wake Forest to the Australian NBL with Cairns Taipans, Klintman’s journey has been a testament to his adaptability and relentless work ethic. Now, as he steps into the NBA with the Detroit Pistons, his roots and ambitions continue to drive him towards greatness.
Through it all, Klintman stays true to his roots and his dreams, striving for excellence in every step of his journey.
Photos via Getty Images. Portraits by Eli Selva. Edits by Alexander Zheng.
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