Nikola Topic confirms surgery on torn ACL; compares situation to Chet Holmgren

The Oklahoma City Thunder introduced their 2024-25 rookies Nikola Topic, Dillon Jones and Ajay Mitchell. The trio had a chance to be in OKC for the first time being drafted by the organization.

The biggest name among the three players is Topic. The 18-year-old was seen as a potential top lottery pick before he partially tore his ACL in May.

This plummeted his draft stock. It afforded OKC the chance to select him at the No. 12 spot. Topic will be out all next season as he recovers from the knee injury. He also confirmed he will undergo surgery to repair his torn ALC.

This isn’t new territory for the Thunder. Chet Holmgren missed his first year recovering from a Lisfranc injury. He made up for lost time last season and was a dominant force for OKC as a rim protector.

While Topic hasn’t had the chance to meet Holmgren yet, the Thunder believe they have the blueprint to help the 6-foot-6 guard undergo his lengthy recovery process.

“I’m really grateful that they have experience with Chet who didn’t play his first year, so we assume that will be the case with me,” Topic said. “I’m really, really grateful for the opportunity, and I’ll try my best to do my best and to be the best version of myself.”

It’s a risky gamble that the Thunder can take. If Topic fully recovers and develops into an outside shooter, he can be a high-end playmaker starter.

It’ll be at least a year before the Thunder learn if Topic was worth the No. 12 selection. The potential was too enticing to pass up on. OKC now must stay patient with the 18-year-old.