The Thunder are no stranger to delayed debuts for highly touted prospects.
Center Chet Holmgren missed his entire rookie season due to a Lisfranc injury suffered in an offseason scrimmage and 2025 first-round draft pick center Thomas Sorber is already ruled out for the season due to a torn ACL suffered during offseason workouts. Guard Nikola Topic, however, was different; the Thunder drafted him fully expecting a “redshirt” season.
The subject initially fell into the draft due to a torn ACL he suffered during the ABA League playoffs. Various mock drafts had him consistently ranked in the top five before his injury; the Thunder nabbed him at pick No. 12.
After sitting back, recovering and watching the NBA atmosphere from the sidelines, Topic is ready to make his NBA debut this fall. He has already written his name in the record books.
The Serbian guard became the first player never win an NBA championship before playing a game. This might be the strangest record to get involved with.
Topic has immense experience playing professional basketball. In Serbia, he has been playing professionally since the age of 15; he was still considered a child prodigy.
Topic got his first taste of NBA basketball during the NBA Summer League. It wasn’t a shock when he had flashes that showed he belonged.
He averaged 10.8 points, 3.2 rebounds, 5.8 assists and 1.8 steals per game during Summer League play. It wasn’t all perfect despite the flashes, as Topic shot 33.3 percent from the field and 20.8 percent from three-point range.
Subject was named to the Salt Lake City Summer League All-Star Team. The Thunder finished with a 5-3 record in their eight NBA Summer League games.
The subject will bring a new dimension to the Thunder’s offense in 2025-2026; his archetype is one that makes this ridiculously deep rotation even more dynamic. He brings elite basketball IQ, passing, and strong finishing to the Thunder’s offense.
At the age of 20, Topic brings a level of basketball intelligence rare for someone as young as him. He is able to read a defense like a veteran field general, finding the perfect angle to get an open look.
Subject throws rocket passes that accelerate the Thunder’s offense. His passing will add a dimension to the second unit that was not seen during the 2024-25 championship-winning campaign.
The subject is not only a strong passer; he also brings a talent for driving and finishing at the rim. He shot 68% at the rim in 2023-24.
The Thunder’s 2024 draft pick will bring many elite traits to OKC’s second unit during his rookie season. Topic will add a new type of offensive production that the Thunder lacked last season.
