Nikola Topic is an exciting Serbian playmaker who was once a lock to be drafted in the 2024 top ten. NBA Draft, but an ACL injury jeopardizes his draft position. Topic is a fundamentally solid point guard and stands 6’6, making his potential involvement on an NBA championship team as a starter real. The subject is still raw and needs to be developed, especially as a shooter and defender.
Profile
2023-2024 season stats (stats included are with Mega, he also played a few games for Crvena Zvezda where he played a bench role on the champion team): 12 games, 33.8 minutes, 18.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, 7.1 assists, 1.0 steals, 0.2 blocks, 0.523% FG, 0.259% 3P, 0.855% FT
Team: Mega
Year: Pro, I would have been a freshman
Position: Game leader
Size weight: 6’6| 201 pounds
Born: August 10, 2005
Hometown: Novi Sad, Serbia
High school: Crvena Zvezda youth system
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Photo by ALTAN GOCHER/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images
Strengths
Nikola Topic is a true point guard who is an excellent passer and ball handler due to his IQ, skill set, and size. He plays aggressively, often putting defenders on their heels when he leads the break or charges toward the paint. Topic is a competent and adaptable finisher. The subject has good vertical speed. Overall, Nikola’s best basketball ability lies in his winning instinct. He plays to win by doing big or small things, in big moments. His desire to compete is one of the main reasons why he has already won two championships as a professional.
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Photo by David Grau/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images
Weaknesses
Topic has never been a consistent 3-point shooter. While his good free-throw shooting and overall skill give hope that he can develop his 3-point shot, it’s still not there. Topic is not a particularly good defender, often getting beaten off the dribble by faster guards or overpowered by stronger players. The subject also has a negative wingspan, which may negate some of its perceived size. Topic’s scoring might not translate into a bigger, faster NBA, which would limit his potential. Nikola could also miss most or all of next season with an ACL injury, which could mean he could have recurring knee issues.
Conclusion
Topic probably won’t be an all-star, but it’s reasonable to think he’ll be a good starting point guard in his prime. Topic could be the starting point guard for the Jazz for years to come. If Nikola Topic is available at pick number 10 (the Jazz’s first round pick), he should probably be selected. A topic that probably won’t be discussed much next year could be a good opportunity for the 18-year-old to learn before being thrown into the fire. Additionally, releasing Topic next year could be useful if the Jazz try to tank from the start of the 2024-2025 season.
