Nikola Topic, expected to be one of the first goalkeepers selected in the 2024 season NBA Draft in June, suffered a without contact injured his knee on Monday while playing the first match of the AdmiralBet ABA League final with Serbian club KK Crvena zvezda, according to EuroHoops.
As he attacked the lane with his left hand on offense, Topic made a pass in the corner before collapsing to the ground on the baseline. He immediately turned face down on the ground and felt considerable pain. After lying face down on the field for a few minutes, Topic was helped to his feet and to the locker room by team medical staff, as seen in the photo. seeo Serbian journalist Marko Ljubomirovic posted on Twitter.
Topic, which ranks sixth on ClutchPoints 2024 NBA Draft Big Board 1.0was recently expected to go fourth overall to the San Antonio Spurs in ClutchPoints 2024 NBA Draft 1.0which was released on Monday.
The 18-year-old full-back suffered a left knee ligament injury in January which kept him sidelined for almost four months. There was no fear at the time that Topic would be at risk of further injury upon his return to play.
This is a major injury concern for Topic. Being injured is one thing, but leaving the field without really putting weight on your leg because of this knee injury is alarming. It is not yet clear how this will affect their pre-draft schedule and final selection in the 2024 NBA Draft. The European club did not provide further details on the status of their guard.
There’s a lot to like about Topic as a draft prospect. Topic is a rangy 6-foot-7 guard who is the most complete and NBA-ready guard in this year’s draft class in terms of his offensive skillset. When the ball is in Topic’s hands, good things tend to happen. Topic is capable of making any pass, and teams have not hesitated to call him the best facilitator at the top of this draft class.
Alongside French winger Zaccharie Risacher, who is also expected to be a top pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, Topic was forced to miss this week’s NBA Draft Combine due to his international club’s season not being completed . Due to his knee injury Monday, Topic may now be forced to sit out all pre-draft practices and competitions. It will be interesting to see what impact this has on his immediate draft stock.
Once considered a candidate to go first overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, Topic may be forced to sit out with a knee injury.
