Nikola Topic, who is in the running for the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft due to his size, elite rim pressure and playmaking ability, has opted to leave KK Mega Basket for join KK Crvena zvezda out of the EuroLeague. .
This season, Topic put up incredible numbers for KK Mega Basket at just 18 years old, averaging 18.5 points, 6.5 assists and 3.9 rebounds in a total of 16 games played. He was playing in the ABA League which has solid competition, but nowhere near the EuroLeague level of competition.
Topic claims that one of the main reasons he chose to change teams mid-season was because he wanted to play against tougher players and in one of the best leagues in the world.
This move could be a bit risky, as we could see his production and numbers drop, which could hurt his stock. But he said he was ready to take that risk. From the outside, it clearly looks like Topic is mentally ready and confident in this decision, which is a very positive sign.
Topic will be joining a team he has been a lifelong fan of, which is a major goal for many young basketball players. Topic wears jersey No. 44 and he claims it’s because of EuroLeague legend Milos Teodosic, who had a very short stint in the NBA and is considered one of the best point guards in the world. This could be a phenomenal mentor for the potential young point guard.
From a strictly development standpoint, this is probably the best decision for Topic to make, and it will be interesting to see how it plays out.
The 6-foot-6 point guard is one of the rarest productive young players we’ve seen in recent memory, as he’s produced at a high level in a professional league with other names like Victor Wembanyama, Alperen Sengun and Luka Doncic.
Topic will have half of 2024 to prove why he is the number one contender in one of the most competitive leagues in the world. He’s obviously going to go through some growing pains, and this could be a decision we’re looking at a decade from now, for better or worse.
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