Bobi Klintman, Mantas Rubštavičius, Alex Toohey, Trentyn Flowers
Brian goes in depth and breaks down some of the NBL's Next Stars Prospects. Here we will break down Bobi Klintman, Mantas Rubštavičius, Alex Toohey and Trentyn Flowers
I have been working on these scouting reports for several months now, and I’m pleased to finally start releasing them. They will for the most part be coming out in bunches, and I’m hoping to get these out once to twice a week, but there will be a lot of scouting reports in these articles coming out. These scouting reports both apply to both real life and fantasy/dynasty basketball. Below you will see a custom made scouting report on each player, which has a brief summary of who they are and what you are looking at.
I will be releasing these prospects out, as their seasons end. The NBL playoffs have been under way, and so we are going to start with the NBL guys who have finished.
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Bobi Klintman/Cairns/SF/PF
(Courtesy of Dan Woods/NBL)
Bobi Klintman is a Swedish Wing that started out at Wake Forest where he caught the attention of NBA scouts. Even though he didn’t play a lot, and wasn’t hugely productive in that time, he flashed as a wing that could handle the ball. He decided to not go back to college and go to the NBL and join their Next Stars Program, where he has played for the Cairns Taipans.
For those wondering, the order of what’s underneath the name
Team/Position/Height/Wingspan/Weight/School Year or Year Born/Age on Draft Day
My Personal Opinion:
It’s tough for me to get completely sold on Bobi at this point. The tools are there and he’s flashed. He’s had a more impressive season than his freshman year at Wake Forest, undoubtedly. The fact that he’s been pretty inconsistent and then has flashes, shows to me how raw he actually is. Klintman’s game is still theoretical, and as a 20 year old, I’m a lot more hesitant. However, given the fact he’s a wing, and if he hits, he will be a very expensive player, I understand the appeal. I would feel fine if a NBA team took a swing in the first round and I would get why, but on my personal big board, he’s been a lot more in the early second round area. I like the fact he’s willing to take 3’s and I’m encouraged by the fact that there aren’t many huge red flags with him, minus some of the impact advanced numbers, but with most NBL guys, they don’t look good considering how they are going against men in a very physical league.
Fantasy:
Initially Bobi Klintman won’t be a super friendly fantasy player initially. Given his low usage and inconsistent play, it will be hard to rely upon him. However, he doesn’t really hurt you in any areas, but he also won’t help you in a lot of areas either. In dynasty, patience is probably going to be needed. He’s shown progress as a player for sure, so there could be some progress there, but it is hard to shake those few pre-season games from our minds. Klintman got a chance to play against the Raptors and Wizards in the Pre-season when Cairns came into town, and Klintman got cooked.
If Bobi fails in the league, Why?
While he has good size, and players with his size tend to get more opportunities than most, if he were to fail, we could start with failing to defend players, and giving up a lot of fouls and turnovers in the process. If a team is drafting him, it's not for what he is now, but what he could be if he develops more ability with the ball in his hands, and if a team drafts him without that in mind, they might be disappointed. He also might not ever develop.
Link to the the Tankathon Comparison
Big Performance Highlights:
October 5th vs. South Eastern Melbourne Phoenix
15 Pts, 11 Reb, 1 Ast, 2 Stl, 3 Blk, 3 To, 5-13 FG, 3-7 3PT, 2-4 FT
Bobi got 30 minutes in this game and played at a high level, having his career high in rebounds in this game, and even playing well as a defensive playmaker. He had a lot more shot attempts in this game than he normally does, but a good flash here. Cairns even won this game and Klintman was a +3.
December 26th vs. Perth Wildcats
24 Pts, 7 Reb, 1 Ast, 3 Stl, 1 Blk, 3 To, 6-8 FG, 3-4 3PT, 9-10 FT
Klintman was a +17 in a 3 point loss for Cairns. Klintman was able to get to the line a lot this game, and really took advantage of the fact that there were scouts watching Alex Sarr. This was all done in 24 minutes too.
Mantas Rubštavičius/New Zealand
(Mantas Rubštavičius | Facebook photo)
Mantas Rubštavičius (Man-tas Rub-sta-vi-chus) is a Lithuanian wing that decided to go to the NBL this season. He had previously been playing at Lietkabelis and Zalgiris Kaunas from 2018 to 2023. He shot the ball well and got some intrigue. This season at New Zealand, he’s been a lot better and gotten a lot more to showcase what he has been able to do.
(Update: Mantas is 6’8 with a 6’7 wingspan)
My Personal Opinion:
This guy can shoot and that alone will get him looks in the NBA. I’m encouraged by the fact he’s been able to play as well as he has but I also recognize he’ll be 22 come draft time. I’d be willing to give a look in the 50’s for him and if he’s willing to stay overseas for a bit, I’d probably pull the trigger. His defense is his swing skill, and I don’t know if he’ll ever be even a neutral defender. However, if he becomes a gunner from 3, then he’s got a real shot.
Fantasy:
Fantasy wise, there’s not a lot there that shows a lot of fantasy potential. The shooting and efficiency is the main calling card, and maybe if he improves his playmaking, then there’s something. If he does hit, and he becomes a gunner, he’ll have the impact that Isaiah Joe has had this season, though probably to a lower level than him. If he shows that he can play make, then the top 100 isn’t out of the question.
If Mantas fails in the league, Why?
Mantas becomes a liability on defense and gets played off the court by the other team. It’s also possible that going up to the NBA is an adjustment period and he doesn’t shoot it well initially. Given his age, he will need to shoot almost as soon as he gets there.
Link to Tankathon Comparison
Big Performance Highlights
December 15th vs. Cairns Taipans
21 Pts, 8 Reb, 3 Ast, 1 Stl, 1 To, 5-8 FG, 3-5 3PT, 9-9 FT
This was his best all around game of the season, and it’s impressive he did this on only 8 Field Goal attempts. You’d wish it was more, but he was really efficient. It’s also worth noting that he had 6 fouls in this game. He was a +21 in this game though it was a blowout.
January 28th vs. Illawarra Hawks
17 Pts, 1 Reb, 1 Ast, 4 Stl, 2 To, 6-8 FG, 3-4 3PT, 2-3 FT
Mantas had another efficient game and he played really well in this game. He was a +18, which led the team in a 4 point loss for New Zealand. And checking in with the foul watch, he had 5 of them here.
Alex Toohey/Sydney
(Courtesy of the NBL Next Stars Page)
Alex Toohey is an Australian born prospect that plays as a wing. He played at the NBA Global Academy in Australia, and originally committed to Gonzaga, but changed his mind and went to the NBL in their Next Stars Program. He had a pretty solid season. This move to the NBL helped him get more attention by NBA scouts and, he played as a starter this season for the Sydney Kings, who were the reigning champions, but fell short.
Personal Opinion:
I think Toohey has a real chance to be an NBA player. I really like how he wasn’t really even a negative when he was on the court. The efficiency needs to improve and that’s what is riding on his success. I had him as a first round pick early in the cycle and still really like him long term. I think the best thing for him would be to go back for another year, and if he can show he can shoot, there’s a real chance he could end up being a first round pick, if not top 20. If he were to come out this year, I’d be a lot more hesitant, as he’d probably just be offered a lot of draft and stash deals in the second round.
Fantasy:
Toohey doesn’t have a very good fantasy game which makes his appeal even tougher in dynasty leagues. He doesn’t exactly hurt you in a lot of areas, but there aren’t a lot of positives either. If he were to hit and start, he probably would be a top 100-150 player. If he comes out this year, I’d really try and get him in your UDFA, or if you really like what you see out of him, try and get him with a late draft pick in the 50’s.
If Alex fails in the league, Why?
The shot never comes around and he’s tough to play on an NBA court. While his defense is alright, it's not good enough to warrant just having him on the court. If he comes over too early and he’s not ready.
Big Performances Highlights
December 22nd vs. New Zealand Breakers
15 Pts, 7 Reb, 2 Blk, 4-8 FG, 1-4 3PT, 6-7 FT
Toohey was able to get to the line quite a bit in this game, and post a solid rebound game. He played 27 minutes and was a -10 in an 8 point loss, so whatever, but Toohey flashed here a bit of what he could provide if he is hot. It could be even better if he hit another couple 3’s.
February 17th vs. South East Melbourne Phoenix
16 Pts, 6 Reb, 1 Ast, 1 Blk, 7-11 FG, 1-3 3PT, 1-2 FT
This game was a really big blowout, so it’s hard to take a ton out of this game, but I am interested in the 6 rebounds here. He was a +32 in a 55 point win, but he only played 22 minutes. Only one person played over 24 minutes for Sydney.
Trentyn Flowers/Adelaide/SG
(Courtesy of the NBL Next Stars Page)
Trentyn Flowers was an interesting high school prospect that was originally committed to playing at the University of Louisville. He decided to change his mind and go to the NBL Next Stars Program and has had an interesting ride to say the least. He started out trying to be a Point Guard, but that did not last very long. After that, the team moved him off the ball where he was used as a 3nD wing player.
Personal Opinion:
I like the idea of Trentyn Flowers and what he could be. He has really good size especially at the guard position. I think it was a mistake to leave for the NBL. He would have had an opportunity to show more at a college, and what this has shown is that he is not ready for high level basketball. I think he’s learned a lot doing it though and he might not come out this year, in fact I would probably advise against it. But if he does, then great. I would be interested in the late second round as a potential draft and stash. Quentin Grimes had a similar situation with him as a big PG, had a bad run at it, reinvented his game and now Quentin Grimes is a very useful player. Flowers needs to look at that route and be willing to commit himself to that. It’s hard when you are getting fazed out of a rotation and not playing the way you had hoped. I like his game and hope for the best, but we will see what happens from here.
Fantasy:
I mean if he were to come out this year, he wouldn’t be any huge add. He’s shown he’s not really able to play in the NBL, and the NBA has even bigger players and more physicality. He’d be a long way from contributing. If you are in a league that has draft and stashes, I’d consider him with a late pick or even as an Undrafted Free Agent as a potential buy low. The fantasy appeal isn’t there at the moment.
If Trentyn fails in the league, Why?
I think this answer is honestly pretty spot on. He’s not ready to come over and play. He can’t shoot it efficiently and can’t get on the court. Could possibly just not be an NBA guy.
Big Performance Highlights
October 14 vs. Illawarra Hawks
23 Pts, 3 Reb, 1 Ast, 1 Stl, 8-10 FG, 5-5 3PT, 2-4 FT
This is the game that fans of his game will point to. He flashed big time here. He won’t shoot 80% from the field all the time, but this is unquestionably good. He was a +16 in a 9 point win for Adelaide
November 17 vs. South East Melbourne Phoenix
13 Pts, 9 Reb, 1 Ast, 1 Stl, 1 Blk, 1 To, 5-8 FG, 4-6 3PT, 2-4 FT
This game was another explosion for Flowers. He shot well, but not crazy like the other game, and was able to add some other peripheral stats with it. He was a +1 in a 3 point win. But another very impressive flash.
December 28th vs. Perth Wildcats
13 Pts, 6 Reb, 1 Ast, 1 Blk, 4 To, 5-11 FG, 0-1 3PT, 3-5 FT
He played 24 minutes in a start in this game, and he did reasonably well given the start against one of the top teams in the league. He was a 0 in a 18 point loss, so I think that is a considerable win for Flowers.
The rest of the games, he wasn’t really that impressive statistically. These 3 games were the only games he got above 10 points and had a decent shooting game. So we have 3 flashes out of 21 games played, and he could have played more if he wasn’t dropped from the rotation.
Final Outlook
So now we’ve seen a preview of Bobi Klintman, Trentyn Flowers, Alex Toohey, and……. Currently I have an early second round grade on Bobi Klintman for the 2024 NBA Draft. That could change, but I think he’s still a ways away from contributing. I’d be fine giving him guaranteed money the first year and then have some team options after that if I were to sign him. The skillset is there, but he’s got to show improvements pretty early on for me to get excited about what he’s doing. Going from Wake Forest to Cairns is a step up for sure, but he showed a lot more of what we already knew about him. In the recent Dizzle Dynasty Mock, Bobi Klintman went 21st overall to the New York Knicks.
I think Mantas Rubštavičius does come out this year and I currently have him in my top 60. Depending on the situation, I’d be willing to take a second rounder on him and if he were to come over this year, I’d be completely fine offering a two-way contract. I wouldn’t give him guaranteed money yet but if he comes in, shoots the ball at a high level, and it isn't a huge negative defensively, I’d be fine giving him a full time NBA deal.
I currently have an undrafted grade on Trentyn Flowers and Alex Toohey if they were to come out this year. However, if the necessary improvements happened next season, I would have them both as draftable pretty easily. A lot depends on how much they improve but I can see Alex Toohey be as high as late lottery for me, and Flowers top 20. I think Toohey is a lot closer to contributing than Flowers and it wouldn’t surprise me to see Trentyn Flowers take more than a year before entering the draft.