Nikola Topic could be the next big European success in the NBA. The NBA is seeing a steady influx of excellent European players, as evidenced by some of the league’s current stars. Nikola Jokic, Victor Wembanyama and others are making their way into the best hoops league in the world, and that trend is seriously set to continue.
That said, here’s another young prospect from Europe (specifically the basketball-crazed nation of Serbia) who is sure to reach American shores one way or another. Nikola Topic is projected as a high-level draft pick, and here’s a quick look at the young player’s strengths, weaknesses and current stock as of this writing.
Nikola Subject Reconnaissance Report
Measurements
Official measurements of the subject outside the 2024 NBA Draft The combinations are as follows. He is 6 feet 6 inches tall and weighs approximately 200 pounds. Apart from that, the young point guard of Serbian club KK Crvena Zvezda has a big wingspan of 7 feet, which is an excellent length for a point guard.
Strengths
As previously mentioned, Nikola Topic is a tall and agile guard who can present a lot of mismatch issues. Put a smaller defender on him, and he’ll have the size and weight to force his way to the basket. Put a bigger defender on him, and they probably won’t have the foot speed to keep up with him down the field.
Once he exploits the defense’s weaknesses, Topic also has the finishing ability to create his own shot and the IQ to find open teammates. He averaged 16.4 points, 3.6 rebounds and an excellent 6.1 assists. Serbiaof the Adriatic Basketball League, which is more than enough proof of his animation and scoring abilities.
Topic’s passes often find his teammates in stride cutting toward the basket or in rhythm on the perimeter, delivering the ball directly into their goal pockets.
Perhaps the greatest tool in Nikola Topic’s offense is his knack for finishing at the basket in traffic. Many of his strengths include him attacking the heart of the defense and having the craftiness to finish a play on any type of defender. As a right-handed player, he also showed a knack for finishing many of his layups with his left hand.
Topic is also an outside threat who already has NBA-level range on his jump shot (if he hits them, that is, we’ll talk about that later). He can spot and also make jump shots off the dribble if his lane to the basket is cut off.
Overall, Nikola Topic’s greatest strength is its seriousness. His scoring draws a lot of defensive pressure, opening up passing lanes for his teammates. This and his combined size allow him to continue scanning the floor for passing opportunities.
Weaknesses
Perhaps his biggest weakness is that he lacks the ability to influence the game without the ball in his hands (via 247Sports). Certainly, he is a leader and having the ball is his job. But the modern NBA game places a high value on players who could be assets on the court with or without the ball in their hands.
Specifically, he has a lot of work to do on defense, as he doesn’t take advantage of his physical attributes as much in that part of the pitch.
A guard with his length should be able to bother smaller ball handlers with his wingspan, but short guards in the NBA are of a different caliber. They could easily overwhelm him with their sheer athleticism, and his size means he can’t catch them as soon as he bites on their first step.
Finally, the subject’s jumpshot is there, but there is not much sweetness. His shooting form seems a bit stiff and not at all viable if he tries to shoot off the dribble. This could mean he will be much more effective as a spot-up shooter, but modern NBA teams play a lot of motion offense and already have their designated sharpshooters. It just won’t be it will be Topic’s job if he makes it to the league.
Nikola Topic NBA Draft Projection
Nikola Topic’s NBA Draft projection is pretty high. According to Sports Illustrated, he is expected to be at least a lottery pick in the draft, barring a major injury. This is extremely high praise for the young man. In reality, he could be a good fit for any team given his potential, but many believe the Wizards of Washington would be a good match.
