It is too early to predict what Topic’s role will be upon his return. For now, he will focus on rehabilitating his injury. The Thunder have a great record in this scenario when Holmgren and Nick Collison were redshirted in their freshman year due to injuries. OKC looked at his surgically repaired knee before adding him.
The Thunder are likely hoping Topic can be a long-term starter. Depending on how he looks during the 2025 offseason in summer league and training camp, there’s a chance he could be a starter in the first game. He can also be a backup guard who leads the second unit as the primary playmaker.
There’s no doubt that passing is elite for Topic. This is something OKC lacks since neither Gilgeous-Alexander nor Williams are elite facilitators. Topic will be a great pick-and-roll partner with Holmgren, who wasn’t a lob threat last season due to a lack of playmakers. Topic should solve that problem.
As great a passer as he is, Topic has serious questions in other areas. He needs to answer these questions well or risk going out of the league.
One of the most important areas for Topic to work on will be its self-creation capabilities. He’s not a great athlete and a little slow. This could get worse with his torn ACL, as there is a risk that the injury has reduced some of his speed and athleticism. Only time will tell how his body reacts after this serious injury.
Shooting also needs to improve. The shooting numbers were ugly during his career overseas. He must pose an outside threat or risk being at a disadvantage in the half court. Shooting coach Chip Engelland will likely spend a lot of time with Topic working on his shooting.
He also needs to add weight. At 201 pounds, he’s too skinny to survive in the league. Luckily, he’s young enough to add some serious muscle to his figure. This will be a top priority and something he can really work on this season.
If he completes and makes a shot – which could be the case since he shot 85% from the free throw line, a good indicator of potential – he will fit perfectly into the do-it-all offensive archetype of the Thunder. they target.
