Nikola Topic, a highly anticipated rookie for the Oklahoma City Thunder, has openly praised teammate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for his outstanding performance during the 2024 NBA season. As the Thunder prepared for the NBA Summer League, Topic reflected on the impact Gilgeous-Alexander had, recognizing his emergence as one of the league’s top players and an inspiration for younger teammates.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Historic 2024 Season
The 2024 season marked a historic chapter for the Oklahoma City Thunder, largely driven by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s dominant showing. Gilgeous-Alexander led the NBA in scoring and earned the MVP award, propelling the Thunder to an impressive 68-win record. He secured back-to-back MVP titles in both the Western Conference Finals and the NBA Finals, culminating in the Thunder’s capture of the Larry O’Brien trophy. Further solidifying his stature, Gilgeous-Alexander signed the largest yearly contract in NBA history and made headlines with his debut on the cover of NBA 2K, alongside launching his first signature shoe line.
Learning from an Elite Teammate During Recovery
After being selected as the 12th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, Nikola Topic faced the challenge of recovering from a torn ACL that had kept him out of action for 14 months. This recovery period, however, offered him a front-row perspective on Gilgeous-Alexander’s rigorous dedication and exceptional skills. Watching his teammate train and compete helped Topic appreciate the effort behind such high-level success.
He had a great season. He is an amazing player,
Topic said, showing his admiration.
Just to be able to watch him on the sideline, the bench, being able to work with him and see him workout every day is just really amazing. It’s not accidental that he is that good.
—Nikola Topic, Oklahoma City Thunder rookie
Summer League Debut Marks a New Chapter for Topic
Entering the Summer League, Nikola Topic steps onto the court with the experience of having observed an MVP-caliber star like Gilgeous-Alexander up close. This has shaped his understanding of the NBA’s demands and heightened his readiness to compete. With his potential as a versatile playmaker, Topic aims to contribute valuable depth to the Thunder’s roster, enhancing the team’s overall strategies and resilience.
Growing Influence and Future Potential for the Thunder
Nikola Topic’s journey is just beginning, yet the influence of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s work ethic and performance has already left a strong imprint on him. As the Thunder blend seasoned veterans with promising newcomers like Topic and Brooks Barnhizer, the team is poised for sustained success. Topic’s rising confidence, fueled by observing greatness firsthand, sets the stage for his personal development and the franchise’s future growth.