With the No. 12 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, the Oklahoma City Thunder opted to take Serbian guard Nikola Topic.
The Oklahoma City Thunder entered the 2024 NBA Draft with just one selection at No. 12 overall. As the early part of the lottery unfolded, several surprises shook up initial expectations on where players might land.
That only continued when the Thunder was on the clock, taking a prospect who has tremendous upside, but is in a very unique situation. Oklahoma City opted to take Serbian guard Nikola Topic at No. 12, who won’t make his NBA debut for quite some time.
A 6-foot-7 guard, who is widely considered the best passer in this class, Topic was projected to be taken in the top five of the 2024 NBA Draft just a few months ago. Playing professionally in Serbia for Crvena Zvezda, the 18-year-old was rising up draft boards, flashing the ability to enhance the offense and knock down perimeter shots while also being a primary facilitator.
Back in January, Topic suffered a left knee injury which sidelined him for several months.
