As the 2024 NBA Draft approaches, Serbia warns of Nikola Topic’s potential downfall. Oklahoma City Thunder is gaining ground due to a recent ACL injury, making him a likely pick for the Thunder according to ESPN’s Jonathan Givony.
In numbers
- Topic is an 18-year-old guard who is dealing with injuries after tearing his ACL, which could sideline him for the entire 2024-25 season.
- Potential landing spots for Topic include teams like San Antonio (No. 8), Utah (No. 10), Oklahoma City (No. 12) and Portland (No. 14).
- Teams in the top 15 will have access to Topic’s medical evaluations in accordance with the new CBA rules.
Yes, but
Despite his talent, Topic’s game requires significant improvement, particularly in scoring and game flow, making his success at the NBA level uncertain even if he remains healthy.
State of play
- Topic was once considered a top prospect, but his recent injury has raised doubts, leading to a potential drop in his draft position.
- Oklahoma City’s approach indicates they may not need immediate contributions from their draft pick, focusing on internal growth and roster improvement.
And after
With the uncertainties surrounding Topic’s injury and game development, the outcome of draft night for him and the Thunder remains uncertain, pending further evaluations and decisions.
Conclusion
The possibility of Nikola Topic going down to the Oklahoma City Thunder due to injury presents a strategic opportunity for the team to potentially secure a talented player with long-term potential despite the immediate challenges and uncertainties.
