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Nikola Topic’s situation is far from perfect, as he is expected to be sidelined for the entire 2024-25 season after the Oklahoma City Thunder selected him with the 12th overall pick in June. Following surgery to repair a torn ACL in his left knee, which he sustained last season while playing for Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet, he has been confined to rehabilitation.
As his team gears up for the 2025 NBA Finals presented by YouTube TV, teammate Luguentz Dort has shared encouraging news about the 19-year-old Serbian point guard’s recovery.
“He’s been focused on his rehab, but you can clearly see his talent and increased comfort with the ball. Lately, he has started practicing with us and becoming more involved in our activities,” Dort mentioned during a press briefing on Sunday. “He’s still on the path to recovery, but it’s evident how at ease he is with the ball and the type of player he is developing into.”
Looking ahead to the 2025-26 season, while Topic is on the mend, the Thunder’s European lineup is led by starting center Isaiah Hartenstein. Belgian player Ajay Mitchell and Frenchman Ousmane Dieng are also part of the team, although they have not yet entered the regular rotation under head coach Mark Daigneault.
“Every time, you have to re-establish your worth,” Hartenstein stated regarding their journey to the Finals against the Indiana Pacers. “We are not a team that expects anything to come easy. We aim to take the initiative and pursue our goals. For us, the past doesn’t dictate our future.”
The first game of the best-of-seven series against the Pacers is scheduled to take place at Paycom Center on Thursday.
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