After a long wait, observers were finally able to see Oklahoma City Thunder guard Nikola Topic on an NBA court.
A once-heralded prospect out of Serbia, Topic was considered a potential top-5 pick in the 2024 NBA draft class before suffering a torn ACL during the pre-draft process. Topic’s injury dropped him slightly, but at No. 12 overall, Sam Presti and the Thunder added an intriguing prospect.
Topic’s ACL injury sidelined the 6-foot-6 guard for the entire 2024-25 season, but the 19-year-old was still able to be with the team as Oklahoma City won its first title.
Now, after sitting on the bench to watch the Thunder win a championship, Topic will finally be on the court, helping the team fight for another title.
More than a year after Topic adapted to live action, watchers got their first glimpse of the Novi Sad, Serbia product during Summer League. In his first action against NBA competition, Topic averaged 10.8 points, 5.8 assists and 3.2 rebounds per game, shooting 33.3 percent from the field and 20.8 percent from 3-point range in six games.
Although Topic’s completion percentage wasn’t stellar, the young guard looked confident and comfortable on the court, making plenty of highlight-reel plays in his outings. As reported before the NBA Draft, Topic’s best skill is his passing.
Not only was Topic able to find open teammates all over the court, but the soon-to-be 20-year-old commanded the court well and set up the rest of the team for easy buckets. The Serbian guard was also able to get to the rim and then find open cutters or shooters.
Topic struggled to finish at the hoop, but with more reps, the 2025 NBA champion’s touch should return. Still, Topic had no trouble finding his footing, which should be a positive sign for the Thunder.
Additionally, Topic looked solid on defense, stealing several passes and staying in front of his game to contest shots. While the talented passer isn’t an explosive athlete, Topic is smart enough to hold his own on defense, even if he’s not as fiery as Cason Wallace or Lu Dort.
In transition, Topic’s passing should be a weapon for the Thunder, who have used fast break points to fuel lopsided scoring during the 2024-25 regular season and playoffs.
Despite his strengths, Topic will still have to battle Wallace, Ajay Mitchell, Aaron Wiggins, Isaiah Joe and others for minutes off the bench. Fortunately for the Serbian rookie, Topic has a unique skill set as a passer that sets him apart from the aforementioned guards and wingers.
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