Oklahoma City Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell offered high praise for teammate Nikola Topic during Summer League action, describing the rookie as “a great guard and a high-IQ guard” in an interview with SportsKeeda’s Mark Medina.
Mitchell, who joined the Thunder after being traded by the Knicks on the 2024 draft night, spoke about the growing chemistry between himself and Topic as they adjusted to playing together in Las Vegas.
“I really enjoy playing with him,” Mitchell said. “We’re understanding how we can play with each other. We’re understanding how I can be off the ball and how he can be on the ball as well as how I can be on the ball and how he can be off the ball. We’re being able to have that connection on that court.”
Topic, selected 12th overall by Oklahoma City in the 2024 NBA Draft, appeared in three Summer League games, averaging 11 points and 7.3 assists per game. Despite shooting just 36.1 percent from the field, the Serbian guard showed flashes of his court vision and passing ability.
Mitchell, who signed standard contract with the Thunder in February, impressed with his efficiency during the same stretch. He averaged 20 points per game on 51.4 percent shooting while adding six rebounds and over four assists per contest.
The Belgian guard already has an NBA championship on his résumé after playing a reserve role for the Thunder during their 2025 playoff run. Topic, meanwhile, claimed a ring as well despite missing the entire season following ACL surgery.
Oklahoma City continues to evaluate its young backcourt talent as the franchise builds around Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren. Mitchell and Topic could emerge as key contributors if their development continues.
