Nikola Topic is expected to be the Oklahoma City Thunder’s biggest offseason “addition,” and he’s been shown the ropes by a player who’s been in the exact same situation.
As the reigning champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder did not need to make any drastic moves this offseason.
Aside from drafting Thomas Sorber and trading away Dillon Jones, the Thunder will run things back with an identical roster to last year, although 2024 lottery pick Nikola Topic is expected to make his debut after missing his entire rookie season with a torn ACL.
Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty ImagesChet Holmgren has taken Nikola Topic under his wing
Topic was picked 12th overall by the Thunder in 2024, and the team knew that he would miss the entire season with a torn ACL suffered while playing in the Adriatic League.
As a prospect, Topic was touted for his ability to get to the rim and find his teammates, and was heralded as one of the best rookie point guards, although his injury hurt his draft stock.
He spent last season on the bench watching the Thunder win, although Chet Holmgren seems to have made it clear that he will have a role next season.
“(Holmgren) just told me to be patient, that my time would come and that I have to take it,” Topic told The Oklahoman. “But everybody else, we talked on a daily basis. They gave advice, obviously. It really helps a lot that you have young teammates who can understand you. That’s really amazing.”
Topic averaged 10.8 points and 5.8 assists in six Summer League games, and while he will remain behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Alex Caruso on the depth chart, he should be a welcome addition.
Photo by Justin Ford/Getty ImagesChet Holmgren had the same rookie experience as Nikola Topic
Perhaps no one is in a better position to offer Topic advice than Chet Holmgren. He was also a highly-touted prospect, picked second overall in 2022, although he missed his entire first season with a foot injury.
The following season, he would finish second in Rookie of the Year voting to Victor Wembanyama. Topic came from a fairly weak draft class and is expected to play a small role, although, according to BetMGM, he has the 11th-best odds to win ROTY.
After missing his rookie season, Holmgren played in all 82 games for the Thunder, being compared with Scottie Pippen and showing that the wait was worth it. Topic won’t have as large a role in OKC next season, but the Thunder effectively added a high-level role player for free this summer.