On Wednesday afternoon, the OKC Thunder announced that rookie Nikola Topic underwent surgery to repair his partially torn ACL.
Topic sustained the injury earlier this year while playing for Red Star Belgrade in the Serbian SuperLiga. Although the surgery is a positive development, fans shouldn’t expect to see him play anytime soon. According to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto, Topic “is expected to miss the 2024-25 season as part of his rehabilitation process.”
Despite the injury, the Thunder drafted Topic with their 12th overall pick in June’s NBA Draft, recognizing his potential. Known for his strategic approach, GM Sam Presti was aware that the Serbian point guard might be sidelined for his rookie season, as he mentioned during his post-draft media session.
Nikola Topić 🤩🔴⚪️#kkcz #WeAreTheTeam pic.twitter.com/RB92VBYJaY
— KK Crvena zvezda Meridianbet (@kkcrvenazvezda) December 30, 2023
Before his injury, Topic was considered a potential top overall pick due to his skills as a lead guard and his impressive 6-foot-7 build. He averaged 17.9 points and 6.8 assists during his stint with Crvena Zvezda in Belgrade, earning a spot on the all-league team.
The Thunder have experience with redshirting top prospects, as they did with Chet Holmgren, who missed the 2022-23 season due to a foot injury but has since made a strong return. Despite the setback, Topic, who turns 19 on August 10, will still be younger than many incoming rookies in the 2025-26 season, highlighting his promising future.
