Only three Swedes have previously been drafted to the NBA. Before this season, two Swedes were selected in the second round, something that has never happened before.
Bobi Klintman was drafted as 37th by Minnesota, but was then traded to Detroit.
Pelle Larsson was then drafted as 44th by Houston, but he was also traded, to Miami.
"Just keep fighting"
Before the season premiere (Wednesday night), the Swedes have been through tough preseason training. Pelle Larsson believes himself that he has positively affected his chances of playing time.
You've got to feel it a bit, and try to show the coach what you can do. I've tried to show that I can stand up to other good players, sink shots and just keep fighting, says Larsson at a digital press conference before the premiere.
What do you hope to achieve by making it to the NBA?
To show the kids that it's possible. It's something I've heard an incredible number of times, that it's unrealistic and that it's not possible, that only two people have made it to the NBA before. You have to create your own why. It's not impossible at all, I and Bobi have also taken incredibly different paths here, you have to create your own way, says Larsson.
"Would do wonders for Swedish basketball"
The Swedes are coming to two very different types of organizations, according to SVT's basketball expert Nick Rajacic.
Miami Heat has very clear guidelines and a good coach. It's actually the only organization in the NBA that doesn't care about always letting the stars play, but delivers on training and matches, then you'll get to play. That's what I love about Miami, and that's what I love for Pelle too, he says and continues:
Detroit, on the other hand, has changed its entire organization several times in a few years, they have new coaches, new team and are a very messy and disorganized organization. It's two totally different situations for the guys, says Rajacic.
Whether the two Swedes will get any playing time is uncertain. But Rajacic still believes there are good chances.
I expect both Pelle and Bobi to get a good chance in a few matches to come in and show what they can do. Then we'll see if they take the chance. But it would do wonders for Swedish basketball if they do.
+ Bobi Klintman's Detroit meets Indiana on Thursday night in the first round of the NBA.
+ Pelle Larsson's Miami meets Orlando, also on Thursday night in the first round of the NBA.
+ Jonas Jerebko, drafted to Detroit as 39th (2009). Played ten seasons in the NBA with four different teams (Detroit, Boston, Utah and Golden State). Made it to the final series in his last season, but lost.
+ Jeffery Taylor, drafted to Charlotte as 31st (2012). Played three seasons in the NBA with Charlotte.
+ Marcus Eriksson, drafted to Atlanta as 50th (2015). Eriksson has never played an NBA match, however.
