He’s not Nikola Jokic and he’s not Nikola Jovic. But Serbia’s latest basketball import is shaping up to be one of the best all-around guards in the draft, and Nikola Topic should make a name for himself in the United States in the near future.
At under-19, Topic not only held his own against the adult men of the Adriatic League, but was also named MVP of the 2023 FIBA ​​U18 European Championship, where he averaged 15.3 points, 5, 1 assists and 2.0 interceptions for the victorious Serbs.
Topic’s masterful passing and goal-scoring productivity helped him leave the team he was on loan to, KK Mega Basket, to return to Red Star Belgrade.
Topic suffered a non-contact left knee injury in Game 1 of the ABA League Finals in May – the same knee he injured in January, causing him to miss four months – and it turned out to be a partial ACL tearwhich will limit its availability during its first year.
Aside from his recent injuries, Topic is a lottery pick as his high floor is complemented by even higher upside potential.
The subject scores points like few people his age can. Has several moves he can use on his drives and finishes with either hand.
He has good length for a leader. He thinks he’ll help an NBA team from day one, but at his age, he has so much time to grow.
Topic won’t be considered an outside shooting threat until his jump shot improves. Like many players his age, he needs to spend time in the weight room.
Related: 10 Bold Predictions for the 2024 NBA Draft
Top Three NBA Draft Picks for Nikola Topic
- San Antonio Spurs (8th overall): Topic may not be able to fill the Spurs’ point guard need in 2024-25, but the team may find his size and feel for the game too good to let pass.
- Utah Jazz (10th overall): It’s hard to say whether the Jazz are going all-in on a rebuild or not; if there’s a team selected in the top 10 that would be willing to take a longer-term lottery ticket like Topic, it’s Utah.
- Charlotte Hornets (6th overall): Topic is the kind of guard who can share the backcourt with LaMelo Ball…or take over if the Hornets ever decide to part ways with the oft-injured point guard.
Topic Nikola Tale of the gang
NBA Draft Combine Metrics
- Height: 6-5 3/4
- Weight: 203.0
- Wingspan: 6-5 1/2
- Range: 8-6
Adam Zielonka covers the NBA draft for Field Level Media
