Next Stars step up at Summer League

As the 23rd and 37th overall picks at the NBA Draft, expectations are high for NBL24 Next Stars AJ Johnson and Bobi Klintman.

On Sunday, Australian time, they faced their first NBA test under the bright lights of Las Vegas.

But if their debut appearances were anything to go by, the pair will have no issues acclimatising to the level in the world’s biggest league.

>> View daily stats for current and former NBL players and the Australians in action at Summer League

Former Illawarra Hawk Johnson had 13 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists for the Milwaukee Bucks against Chicago, playing alongside a name well known to NBL fans, Jaylin Galloway. 

Klintman was just as influential for the Detroit Pistons, with 13 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists against Philadelphia. 

It was an impressive start from two exciting young talents. 

“It felt great just to be out there and have my first NBA game … there’s no other feeling like it,” Johnson told NBL Media.

“My experience in Australia playing professional basketball helped me a lot.” 

“I just tried to get out there and play hard and play the right way, and when I play that way, a lot of stuff comes easy for me,” Klintman added.   

“It’s a fast tempo in the NBL, it’s a fast tempo league. Having that experience, I feel helped a lot. I felt pretty poised out there … pretty calm.”

NBL23 Next Star Rayan Rupert also impressed in Sunday Summer League action, with 13 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists for Portland against San Antonio.