Nikola Topic, the 19-year-old rookie guard for the Oklahoma City Thunder, has become the third-youngest player to win an NBA championship before making his official league debut.
Despite missing the entire 2024-25 season due to ACL surgery, Topic earned a title with the Thunder after they defeated the Indiana Pacers 4-3 in the NBA Finals. HoopsHype highlighted his unique achievement, noting he secured a championship without stepping on the court during the regular or postseason.
Selected 12th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, Topic underwent surgery on his left knee shortly after signing with Oklahoma City. The injury was known before the draft, so the Thunder anticipated his season-long absence.
The Serbian point guard has remained involved with the team during rehab, adjusting to life in the NBA while preparing for a potential return. The organization expects him to compete for backup minutes behind MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in the 2025-26 season.
Topic is on track to make his first on-court appearance at the upcoming NBA Summer League in Las Vegas. This would mark Topic’s unofficial NBA debut after months away from competition.
Oklahoma City finished the 2024-25 season with the best record in the Western Conference at 68-14. Their strong regular-season performance carried through the playoffs, where they swept Memphis, edged out Denver, and defeated Minnesota before winning a seven-game final against Indiana.
Topic’s rookie contract includes a guaranteed $5.2 million salary for next season, with team options for two additional years.
