THE OKC Thunder selected Serbian-born Nikola Topic with the 12th overall pick in the 2024 NBA draft, a pick that, while upsetting to some given their desperate need for a big man, can only bolster a backline now weakened by the Josh Giddey’s recent departure.
However you look at the strategy behind the move, it apparently hasn’t dampened the 18-year-old’s enthusiasm for meeting Oklahoma City fans in the near future, as he shared a message to the franchise’s loyal supporters. via the team’s social media account expressing his excitement about going to Loud City.
Nikola is checking in ???? pic.twitter.com/QZUPTyuaaP
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) June 27, 2024
Since arriving in Oklahoma City in 2008, the Thunder faithful have been considered the best fans in the entire association. Most recently, they has received many praises from former point guard Raymond Felton, who went so far as to say, “OKC has some of the best fans I’ve ever played for in my entire life.”
To put that into perspective, the man spent three seasons at the college level playing for the UNC Tar Heels and throughout his 14-year NBA career, he played for several notable franchises such as the New York Knicks and Dallas Mavericks before finishing his career with the Thunder.
Still strong and faithful ???? ????
Thunder fans welcome their team home at 1am ????#ThunderRise pic.twitter.com/9s7WXcrAxY
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) May 19, 2024
Even after their Game 6 elimination against the Dallas Mavericks in last season’s Western Conference semifinals, Thunder fans waited until 1 a.m. CDT for the team to arrive at the airport, where their plane landed.
With their experience and reputation, it’s no surprise that Topic is eager to introduce himself to fans, and with his particular skill set, they should be excited to meet him as well.
