By Johnny Askounis/ [email protected]
Nikola Topic was the 12th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft presented by State Farm. However, he was forced to the sidelines for the entire 2024-25 season, after undergoing surgery to repair a torn ACL due to injury in late May 2024, at the bottom of his time with Red Star of Zvezda Meridienbet.
“It would probably be even better if I played, but it was an incredible experience. » he said Monday at preseason media day, talking about being stuck on the injured list throughout the NFL championship. Oklahoma City Thunder.
Medically authorized, the 20-year-old Serbian point guard returned to action in NBA 2K26 Summer League.
“I did a lot of good things” The topic painted a picture of a complicated offseason resurgence, “Just playing the game that I love was pretty amazing. It was weird at first. It was like, ‘What do I do now?’ Am I sleeping? Am I eating? When do I do things? Do I take a nap?” But later everything got better and I think it will only get better.
The next step towards his official debut with the reigning NBA champions is training camp.
“Just being able to play with these guys, who are awesome, and just being a part of the team now, it’s amazing.” he added during the pre-season media day on Monday.
Superstars like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander were helpful in his early career.
“Everyone has something to say and advice to give. » Topic congratulated his teammates, “I’m excited to get to know them, try to improve them and just try to help my team get as many wins as possible.”
