Nikola Topić’s Journey to the NBA
Nikola Topić, the 12th overall pick by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2024 NBA Draft, faces yet another setback in his journey to make his NBA debut.
Injury Setbacks
After missing his entire rookie season due to a torn ACL, Topić recently underwent a surgical procedure related to a testicular issue, as confirmed by the Thunder on Monday. His recovery will require a reevaluation in four to six weeks, which means he will not participate in the early part of the upcoming season.
Although the specifics surrounding this recent surgery remain undisclosed, this complication continues a challenging start to Topić’s professional career.
Pre-Draft Performance
Prior to his injury, he had been lauded as a potential top-five pick in the draft due to his impressive performances in the Adriatic League, where he averaged 15.1 points and 5.9 assists per game, guiding Crvena zvezda to a championship in the 2023-24 season. He also led Serbia to victory in the FIBA U18 European Championship, earning MVP honors.
Recent Developments
Most recently, Topić appeared in the Thunder’s preseason win against the Charlotte Hornets, contributing 10 points and seven assists, showcasing his potential as a key player for the Thunder this season.
Looking Ahead
The Thunder will kick off their regular season against the Houston Rockets on October 21, hoping to ride the momentum of their recent championship victory since moving to Oklahoma. If Topić’s recovery goes as planned and he is cleared to play, he could make his debut in early November.
In summary, as Topić navigates through this unforeseen challenge, the Thunder remain optimistic about his future contributions to the team.
The Oklahoma City Thunder are gearing up for an exciting season ahead, bolstered by their recent championship and the eventual return of their promising rookie once he fully recovers from his procedures.
