After months of anticipation, fans finally saw Oklahoma City Thunder guard Nikola Topic in action during the Summer League. Once regarded as a likely top-five pick in the 2024 <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/basketball/nba/”>NBA Draft, Topic’s standing shifted after a torn ACL during the predraft process. Despite this setback, the Thunder selected the Serbian guard with the 12th overall pick, aiming to integrate his unique talents into their roster.
Recovery and Role Following ACL Injury
The 6-foot-6 Serbian guard spent the entire 2024–25 season recovering from the ACL tear, missing official NBA play but remaining involved with the team as Oklahoma City captured its first championship. Now approaching his 20th birthday, Topic is preparing to contribute actively on the court as the Thunder pursue another title.
Summer League Performance Highlights Passing and Court Vision
During six Summer League games, Topic averaged 10.8 points, 5.8 assists, and 3.2 rebounds per game. While his shooting percentages were modest—33.3% from the field and 20.8% from beyond the arc—he demonstrated poise and confidence. Observers noted his court awareness and passing as standout attributes, consistently setting teammates up for scoring opportunities and orchestrating the offense effectively.
Strengths and Areas for Growth Observed on Court
Topic impressed with his ability to penetrate defenses and facilitate plays, though finishing at the rim remained a challenge. With additional practice and experience, his finishing touches are expected to improve. Defensively, Topic showed intelligence by disrupting passing lanes and maintaining good positioning, even if he lacks the explosiveness of some teammates like Cason Wallace or Lu Dort. His defensive understanding allows him to contribute meaningfully without relying solely on athleticism.
Potential Impact on Thunder’s Fast-Paced Style
The Thunder’s previous season heavily relied on fastbreak points, and Topic’s passing skills promise to enhance their transition offense. His ability to distribute the ball quickly in open-court situations complements the team’s up-tempo approach, which was a key factor in the Thunder’s championship run.
Competition for Playing Time Among Thunder Guards
Despite his promising skill set, Topic must compete with guards such as Cason Wallace, Ajay Mitchell, Aaron Wiggins, and Isaiah Joe for rotation minutes off the bench. However, Topic’s advanced passing ability sets him apart from others, offering a distinct advantage that could secure his role within the team’s rotation.
Looking Ahead: Topic’s Role in Oklahoma City’s Pursuit of a Second Title
Nikola Topic’s Summer League performance provides an encouraging preview of his potential contributions to the Oklahoma City Thunder’s championship campaign. As a skilled passer and strategic floor commander, he is positioned to be a valuable asset in the team’s ongoing quest for success. His growth this season will be critical to how effectively the Thunder can maintain their competitive edge.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What injury does Nikola Topic have?
A. Nikola Topic, a 2024 draft pick for the Thunder, missed the whole season due to a torn ACL but just got a significant update on his comeback before the NBA Finals.
Q. What is Nikola Topic injury?
A. It’s been roughly 11 months since Oklahoma City Thunder’s new player, Nikola Topic, had an operation to fix a torn ACL in his left knee.