The Oklahoma City Thunder have selected Serbia’s Nikola Topic with the No. 12 pick of the 2024 NBA draft.
Topic started last season with the ABA’s Mega MIS. He quickly established himself as one of the best international prospects. The 18-year-old put up monster numbers as a primary ball-handler.
He averaged 18.4 points on 52.3% shooting, 7.1 assists and 3.6 rebounds. He shot 25.9% from 3 on 4.5 attempts. He shot 85.5% from the free-throw line.
At 6-foot-6, 201 pounds, Topic has elite size for a guard but will need to add muscle to his wiry frame. Considering his youth, that shouldn’t be an issue as he matures.
He suffered a knee injury in January that cost him four months. His return in April was shortlived as he suffered a partially torn ACL on the same knee
With the Thunder, he will likely undergo a redshirt year next season as he rehabs his injury. Once he returns, he’s seen as a long-term project who could be a high-end backcourt starter if he reaches his ceiling.
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