Guard Nikola Topic has already had one of the most interesting starts to his career ever, becoming the first player in league history to win a championship ring without taking the floor.
Taken 12th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, Topic was previously considered one of the top talents in the class. He then suffered a torn ACL during the pre-draft process, causing his stock to drop slightly. The ever-patient Thunder were more than happy to snag him in the late lottery, giving him a full season of rehab before fast-tracking him ahead of the 2025 Summer League.
The Serbian guard then shined in Las Vegas, adding a game-high 7.3 assists per game in his three games, along with double-digit scoring and 1.7 steals.
There were plenty of mistakes scattered throughout his summer games in the form of missed shots, turnovers and defensive errors, but he looked stellar considering it was a return to action. He commanded the rock, adding elite tables and games, and showed improvement in lesser areas.
Now, Topic will look to land a rotation that led to an NBA title, a daunting task for the pivotal rookie.
The Thunder definitely need a playmaker off the bench. When MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is no longer on the court, the offense can be prone to stagnation, without a ball handler who can easily break down the first line of defense. Co-star Jalen Williams adds that in fits and starts, but Topic’s fellow 2024 recruit Ajay Mitchell was legitimately counted on some early last season, and will be his direct competition for the job moving forward.
Mitchell has a similarly composed game, but with fewer elite passes and more punch. But his affinity for hustling, defending and dive-bombing the paint will certainly buy him some time.
It won’t necessarily have to be either situation for the two young guards: head coach Mark Daigneault is known for going deep into his bench and offering unconventional lineups. But if Topic isn’t ready for the NBA rotation yet, Mitchell will certainly dominate those minutes next season.
However, it only seems like a matter of time before Topic is officially part of the lineup. It was evident in his ABA tape, but especially in Summer League, that he possesses an immense feel for the game that generally cannot be denied at any level of basketball.
It won’t be long before Topic makes his official NBA debut, this time hoping to help Oklahoma City on the court rather than off it.
