As the Oklahoma City Thunder made history, so did Nikola Topic.
The first-ever championship title brought back to Bricktown brought an influx of feelings for the team’s organization and fans, as it took a long time to know how close the 2011-12 Thunder came to winning the Larry O’Brien Trophy. But with an MVP in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander powered by the best supporting cast in the NBA, this rendition of the Thunder got the job done and will forever be etched in Oklahoma City history.
Topic, Oklahoma City’s 12th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, will also be a part of that story even though he never appeared in a single game throughout the Thunder’s championship campaign. He is the first player in NBA history to win a title without ever appearing in a single game, as he was sidelined the entire season due to a torn ACL, which general manager Sam Presti was aware of before his eventual draft selection.
Not needing him on the court for last season’s title run, Oklahoma City can now take a look at what was a potential top-five pick before his untimely injury to Topic. Over the course of a full year of rehabilitation, he should be primed and ready to compete in early July as one of the top talents in the NBA Summer League.
Despite a surplus of guards, all with unique and valuable skills, the Thunder need a guy like Topic. At times last season and in the playoffs, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s responsibility as a ball handler, on top of everything he carries on his shoulders, bogged him down at times, and Jalen Williams as the primary ball handler made some mistakes despite his exceptional one-on-one, downhill threat and three-way scoring ability.
The responsibilities of these two are already enormous, as are those of this team. As a methodical 6-foot-6, 200-pound point guard, Topic has the opportunity to bring real value to this team as he will see the field in several different lineups on Oklahoma City’s roster.
In the Summer League in particular, Topic will appear to be the Thunder’s main option alongside new signings Thomas Sarber and Brooks Barnhizer, as well as perhaps Ousmane Dieng, who would be playing in his fourth Summer League if Presti decides to go that route.
The topic will be a focal point throughout the month of July and will be incorporated into the reigning champions Thunder’s roster next season at various points to determine and establish their potential place on this roster.
