Nikola Topic News, Rumors, Updates - Oklahoma City Thunder

Resumes on-court work Topic (knee) was spotted taking part in light shooting drills on the court prior to the Thunder's 105-92 loss to the Celtics last Sunday, Clemente Almanza of USA Today reports.

Impact Almanza notes that the 19-year-old hadn't been involved in warmups in any of the Thunder's first 34 games of the season, so Topic seemingly took the first notable step forward in his recovery from the partially torn ACL he suffered last May. With the expectation that the knee surgery would keep him sidelined for the entire 2024-25 season, Topic's stock in the 2024 NBA Draft plummeted before the Thunder nabbed him with the No. 12 overall pick. Topic remains on track to miss the entire season, but assuming he avoids further setbacks with his knee while ramping up over the next few months, he could be ready to play in the Las Vegas Summer League. The 6-foot-6 guard offers intriguing playmaking upside and could end up being one of the better long-term assets in his draft class, despite effectively taking a redshirt this season.

JANUARY 12 • ROTOWIRE

Unlikely to play for OKC in 2024-25 Thunder general manager Sam Presti said Thursday that he doesn't expect Topic (knee) to play for Oklahoma City during the upcoming season, Joe Mussatto of The Oklahoman reports.

Impact Even a fully healthy Topic would have faced an uphill battle to earn meaningful minutes as a 19-year-old rookie on a deep Thunder roster, so Oklahoma City is content to view the 2024-25 season as a redshirt year for the No. 12 pick in the draft, who suffered a partial ACL tear in his left knee in late April. Per Joel Lorenzi of The Oklahoman, Topic said that he doesn't have a full grasp on a recovery timeline for his injury, which will likely depend on the type of surgery he undergoes on the compromised ACL. He'll first meet with the Thunder training staff before a treatment plan as well as a recovery timeline are established. Listed at 6-foot-6 with a 6-foot-11 wingspan, Topic is a big point guard who's a gifted passer but a shaky perimeter shooter, making his skill set somewhat reminiscent of Josh Giddey, whom the Thunder recently traded to the Bulls. Though he won't be a factor in the Thunder rotation during the upcoming campaign, Topic is expected to be around the team and conduct his rehab in Oklahoma City, much like 2022 No. 2 overall pick Chet Holmgren did in his first professional season while recovering from a foot injury.

JUNE 27, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

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