Nikola Topic is one of the more intriguing prospects in the 2024 NBA Draft class. Much like the popular Nikola’s before him, Topic is Serbian and spent the last year in the Adriatic League and EuroLeague. 

The 18-year-old point guard has been playing professionally for three seasons and brings a lot of experience with the game, but also some unknowns about his ability to translate to the next level.

Nikola Topic has been a name that has fluctuated amongst the draft boards, especially with concerns as he recovers from a partially torn ACL. But if he’s healthy, he’s a prospect who shows a lot of positives.

Height: 6’6 (6’5 wingspan)

Weight: 203 lbs

Age: 18.8

Position: Point Guard

Strengths

Crafty Finishing – Topic may very well be the best prospect at attacking the basket in this draft class. He is extremely adept at finding his spots and finishing when he gets there. He can attack fluidly with either hand. Topic shot 68% at the rim last year.

Natural Born Playmaker – What makes him such a threat at the rim is his incredible versatility in the pick & roll. As effortless as his ability is to use his footwork to get to the rim, he’s just as dangerous initiating the offense. He’s a very read-and-react style passer, and a quick and efficient decision maker.

High IQ – Nikola Topic has the intangibles offensively of a player that’s older than 18. He is confident when driving, isn’t hesitant when making the right read, and has some of the best footwork at the guard position in this draft class. The fact he put up 14.5 points and 5.5 assists per game against professionals at 17 shows high promise of what he could do with proper playing time.

Weaknesses

Shooting – Topic’s biggest weakness at the moment is his three point shooting. He shot 30% from three last season, and a lot of those were in catch-and-shoot scenarios. Topic’s shooting mechanics is what looks to be his bigger issue, but with NBA-level shot doctors, he could reach a respectable mark from three. Especially considering his high free throw percentage at 89%.

Bit of a “One-Trick Pony” – Something a bit more troubling about Topic’s game is that it’s very reliant on having the ball in his hands right now. He’s not much of a threat offensively playing off-ball, other than being a swing man. He’s not really a versatile scorer either. He excels at getting to the rim but will often force a layup attempt rather than taking what the defense gives him. The in-between game will need improvement for him to be a key rotational piece.

NBA Comparison: Markelle Fultz/Goran Dragic

With Topic’s size and offensive skill set, I could see him entering the NBA in a role similar to Markelle Fultz. As a distributor capable of bullying his way to the rim against smaller defenders. However, with his age and weaknesses that are feasibly fixable, he could get to an all-star level like Goran Dragic. Especially with his high IQ and footwork, which could expand his game to another level.

***

Click here for more basketball content!

Follow Fantom Sports on X!

Watch Fantom Sports on Youtube!