Nikola Topica 6-foot-6 Serbian guard, has declared for the 2024 NBA draft, his agent, Misko Raznatovic, announced Monday on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Topić started the season on loan with Mega Basket in the ABA League in Serbia before returning to Crvena zvezda in December. He played three games there before suffering a knee injury that cost him much of the season.
The 18-year-old was named the ABA League’s top prospect after averaging 16.4 points, 6.1 assists and 3.6 rebounds in 19 games this season. He joins Nikola Jokić, Goga Bitadze and Nikola Jović as previous players to win the award.
Nikola Topic, rising star of the 2024 Aba league, as well as member of the league’s ideal starting five, declared for the 2024 Nba draft! @excelbasketball #BeoBasket
– Misko4Raznatovic (@MiskoRaznatovic) April 15, 2024
Topić should be a lottery pick after being dazzling this season before his injury. He brings great size to the next level and is probably further along than other prospects, given his professional experience in Serbia, which started when he was 16.
He has also represented Serbia at the junior level, most recently at the 2023 FIBA U18 European Championship. He averaged 15.3 points, 5.1 assists, 3.7 rebounds and two steals with 47.4 Shooting % from the field in seven games to lead his team to the gold medal.
Topić is progressing in his recovery from his knee injury and was recently spotted shooting and doing other activities on the court with the team. He might be limited in his workouts during the pre-draft process, but it appears he will be ready for the start of next season.
The 2024 NBA draft will take place on June 26 and 27 in New York.
