The Oklahoma City Thunder made a surprise pick in the 2024 NBA Draft — while many thought the 57-win team would select a more pro-ready option with their 12th pick that was given to them by the Houston Rockets in a previous trade, with outside eyes set on Jared McCain, DaRon Holmes II and other prospects, the Thunder opted for Nikola Topic with their free lottery pick.
Topic was considered a top-five talent in this draft class before suffering two knee injuries this past season — the latest being a partially torn ACL that will keep him out the entire 2024-25 campaign in Oklahoma City.
The Thunder taking a chance on such a talented prospect is a risk worth taking for a team that already has a deep rotation — Topic represents one of the best point guards in this draft class with encouraging signs of developing as a shooter and overall offensive weapon.
On ESPN This WeekThe outlet polled league executives to find out who will end up being the top pick in the 2024 NBA Draft — while Reed Sheppard took home the honor with 11 votes, one went to the Thunder’s lottery selection.
Topic becoming one of the top players in a class that was considered lackluster all cycle wouldn’t be too surprising – but it will depend on how he handles the redshirt season and bounces back from this injury.
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