Oklahoma City has no shortage of playmakers after its first-ever title run.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander could do it for you, but by adding Jalen Williams into the mix too, you’re set. But there’s something Oklahoma City can still add to what was the best team last season.
Take Josh Giddey, a young and impressive point guard who didn’t quite fit the mold the Thunder needed at the time when he was traded during last year’s offseason. But his valuable skills were sought after by Oklahoma City, and although trading him for Alex Caruso of the Chicago Bulls seemed like the best trade value for Giddey, the loss of Giddey’s skills left a small gap.
Despite his shooting inconsistencies and loss of confidence diminishing his game, Giddey was needed as a ball handler, someone who can set up the game for others – a pass-first type of guy. And while he could score at a high rate at times, passing and putting his teammates in scoring position was his strength.
Losing that wasn’t enough to tip the scales, as we saw, but we now have a new signing (technically) who can fill those shoes. And that’s Nikola Topic, the 20-year-old Serbian point guard who stands 6-foot-6 and 200 pounds. Impressive measurables as a leader, like Giddey.
But Topic has his own approach to how he plays.
He’s intuitive, a big ball handler who sets up to score the same way he does for others. Elite court vision, understands how to play at the pace of the game. Topic has the opportunity to carve out a role on this team as that kind of guy – and even though Gilgeous-Alexander and Williams are superhuman, Topic could potentially be able to supplant some of their usual playmaking responsibilities.
The subject’s position will be defined for him in the passing department, involving the others. Although he had strong performances in the NBA Summer League, showcasing his passing skills and IQ, he seemed a bit rushed at times. That’s to be expected: He’s recovering from a partially torn ACL that sidelined him for what would have been his rookie season.
He has plenty of room to grow and he has the best surrounding players to help him adapt and acclimate to the fast-paced demands of the league.
But as he gets to that point, he could become a valuable piece for this team in due time, and that could eventually be something Oklahoma City needs.
