In the 2024 NBA draft, the Thunder selected Nikola Topić with their first pick. They chose to select him knowing he would be out his entire rookie year due to a knee injury he suffered overseas. In addition, they had confidence in selecting him with the recent history of Chet Holmgren, who also missed his entire rookie season. When the Thunder traded away Josh Giddey to the Bulls, they needed another playmaker on the roster. This was a big reason why they drafted Topic, knowing that he would be the second unit’s playmaker when he returned from injury. However, with how this season has gone with surprise performances from other players. Topić’s role could be diminishing for next year.
Is Nikola Topić’s Role on The Thunder Diminishing for Next Year?
Everyone in The Thunder’s 10-Man Rotation is Returning
The Thunder usually plays around 10-12 guys per game during the regular season. Then, they drop it to 9-10 for the postseason. They have been playing fewer guys this year with all the injuries they have suffered. Regardless, the Thunder’s top 10 players—except for Alex Caruso—are under contract for next year. In addition, the Thunder are expected to sign Caruso to an extension when he becomes extension-eligible. That leaves Topić fighting for the 11th or 12th spot for playing time, which will be limited minutes. This was not what the Thunder had hoped for when they drafted him 12th overall.
In addition, the Thunder are going to have more draft picks for 2025 and new rookies on the team who are also fighting for rotational minutes. Nikola Topić was eyed to be the backup to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and potentially playing alongside him just like Giddey did. However, going into next year, he is going to have to fight more than was previously thought for rotational minutes. Players he will be competing with for minutes will be Ajay Mitchell, Jaylin Williams, Kenrich Williams, and any new rookies they draft.
Surprise Play in Ajay Mitchell
Mitchell, who was drafted in the second round this year by the Thunder, has been impressive to open up the year. He is currently on a two-way contract. Mitchell has taken advantage of the playing time he has gotten with all the injuries on the Thunder. He is averaging 5.6 points per game along with 1.5 rebounds and 1.7 assists. It is only a matter of time before the Thunder give him an extension or elevate him to a standard contract.
Mitchell has essentially taken on the role that Topić was drafted for. He has become the team’s playmaker on the second unit and whenever Shai is off the court. If Mitchell can keep playing this well for the rest of the year and finish the year strong. It is going to be hard for the Thunder next year to replace him with Topić, especially with any sort of improvements Mitchell adds in the offseason.
Where Does Nikola Topić Fit Next Year?
With Mitchell taking Topić’s role, and the Thunder keeping all of their key rotational players, where does Topić fit on this team for next year? As of now, there is no clear answer to where he fits, a different line of thinking from when they drafted him. If Topić wants to have consistent rotational minutes for next year, he is going to have to earn them in the offseason and preseason with his play.
There are other reasons that it may be hard for Topic to carve out a consistent role on this team. The first one is outside shooting. Topić isn’t the best at shooting outside shots. He is just like Giddey but with more upside in that department. The second one is defense. Everyone on this Thunder roster who is getting consistent minutes are average or above-average defenders. Topić has a lot of work to become a better defender as that and shooting were his biggest areas of weakness. If he doesn’t show signs of improvement in those areas it will be hard for him to find minutes on this team who takes having those skills seriously.
The Last Word on Nikola Topić’s Role
Nikola Topić potentially having his role diminish for next year could be the start of a bigger problem. With how talented the Thunder are and how many future draft picks they have. The Thunder have many difficult questions to answer in the future. Topić’s role for next year is the first. This is something Mark Daigneault and Sam Presti are going to have to navigate for the next 5+ years. Ultimately, Topić is going to have a tough hill to climb if he wants to have consistent rotational minutes on the Thunder next year.
