Thunder’s Nikola Topic: Goes 12th overall to Thunder [Video]

Topic (knee) was selected by the Thunder with the No. 12 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.

While the Thunder, who own the Rockets’ pick, had a chance to add an instant-impact player, they instead opted to add a future piece in Topic. The 18-year-old is one of the more intriguing guards in the draft, possessing excellent scoring and playmaking ability at 6-foot-6. However, he’s battling a partially torn ACL in his left knee, and Sam Presti indicated it’s unlikely Topic suits up for OKC in 2024-25, Joe Mussatto of The Oklahoman reports. Even if he’s cleared before the season ends, the Thunder view Topic as a developmental player, so he’s unlikely to make much of an impact in Year 1 for one of the best rosters in the Western Conference.