Oklahoma City Thunder rookie Nikola Topic could make his long-anticipated return to the court in Las Vegas next month.
The 19-year-old point guard, who was selected No. 12 overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, missed the entire 2024-25 season after undergoing ACL surgery on his left knee last July. According to The Oklahoman’s Jordan Davis, Topic is progressing well and could suit up for the Thunder during NBA Summer League.
Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault praised the Serbian guard’s maturity during his rehab process, calling him “unbelievably consistent” and “professional.” Topic has remained in the U.S. throughout the recovery period, adjusting to life in the NBA while rehabbing from a major injury.
“He’s still return-to-performance,” Daigneault told reporters. “I don’t think he’s the player right now that he will be in training camp.”
Despite his absence, Topic has remained active within the team. His character and approach have made a positive impression on the Thunder locker room.
“He’s an old soul,” Daigneault said. “He’s way beyond his years.”
Oklahoma City was aware of the injury before drafting Topic. News of his partially torn ACL had already surfaced weeks prior to the draft, so the organization was not caught off guard when surgery became necessary.
Before his injury, Topic played for Crvena Zvezda in the EuroLeague.
The Thunder are expected to give Topic an opportunity to compete for backup minutes next season behind MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
His rookie deal includes a guaranteed $5.2 million salary for the 2025-26 season, followed by team options worth $5.4 million and $7.5 million in subsequent years.
If he returns during Summer League, it would mark Topic’s first on-court appearance since his surgery and his unofficial NBA debut.
