When the Oklahoma City Thunder used the No. 12 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft on Serbian guard Nikola Topić, many fans and experts scratched their heads. He hadn’t played in the U.S., wasn’t part of the college hoops cycle, and news had already broken about a serious knee injury.
But for those in the know, Topić’s upside was no secret. Now, after a redshirt rookie year, the 6’6” playmaker is finally suiting up, and Saturday’s Summer League debut against the Memphis Grizzlies gave fans their first real glimpse of the Serbian sensation.
Nikola Topić Was a Risky but Promising 2024 Draft Pick
Topić came into the 2024 NBA Draft with sky-high international buzz. A product of Serbia’s basketball pipeline, Topić first made waves with Crvena Zvezda in the ABA League back in 2022.
His real breakout, though, came during his loan spell with Mega MIS, where he averaged 18.6 points, 6.9 assists, and shot 65% from inside the arc. That performance made him one of the top international names in the 2024 class. Still, his path hasn’t been without setbacks.
After being transferred midseason to Crvena Zvezda, Topić suffered a knee injury in January 2024 and then reinjured the same knee in April during the Adriatic League playoffs. Just weeks before the 2024 draft, he was diagnosed with a partially torn ACL in his left knee.
The injury significantly impacted his draft stock. A CBS 2024 NBA Mock predicted him going No. 2, but Topić slipped to the No. 12 pick. The Thunder, betting on his long-term value, drafted him anyway, knowing he wouldn’t play at all in the 2024–25 NBA season.
Topić didn’t log a single minute in the 2024-25 regular season. Yet he became the first player in NBA history to win a title without ever stepping on the court, as the Thunder went on a stunning Finals run, beating the Indiana Pacers in Game 7.
Thunder GM Sam Presti Says Redshirt Season May Have Been a Blessing for Topić
Thunder GM Sam Presti isn’t worried about the missed time. In fact, he believes sitting out might be the best thing for Topić’s NBA future.
“We’ve seen this before, where somebody has a year where they can just focus on getting their feet underneath them as an NBA player, working on their body, learning the league,” Presti said in a June 30 media session. “I think he’s made great strides during this period of time.”
That’s what made his Summer League debut on Saturday night so important. Playing 26 minutes, Topić scored 14 points, handed out four assists, and grabbed two steals on 6-of-11 shooting, including 2-of-4 from 3-point range.
Nikola Topic’s SL debut vs Memphis.
14 PTS (6-11 FG, 2-4 3P), 4 AST (7 TO) + 2 STL. https://t.co/W1NyiTAqY3 pic.twitter.com/A1KgnM2Ybz
— Mohamed (@mcfNBA) July 6, 2025
But the rust showed, too. He committed seven turnovers, which serves as a reminder that adjusting to NBA pace and pressure takes time, even for elite international talents.
That said, Topić stands out as one of the most creative playmakers in his class. He thrives in pick-and-roll sets, has excellent size at point guard, and consistently finds cutters and rollers. Though not explosively athletic, his court vision and touch around the rim are elite. He’s also a versatile guard capable of sliding to the two or three.
Still, his outside shooting is streaky (29% from deep at Mega MIS) and will need refinement. But with an 85% free-throw clip, there’s room for optimism.
Now fully cleared, Topić is poised to continue building rhythm in the Summer League. For the Thunder, the redshirt gamble might finally pay off big.