Overcoming Injury: Nikola Topić’s Journey to the NBA Draft

Nikola Topić, a promising 6-6 point guard, was once projected as a top-5 pick in the NBA draft before suffering a partially torn ACL in his left knee. Although it remains unclear how the injury will affect his draft position, given his young age and bright future in the league, he still has a chance of being selected within the lottery.

The injury came after Topić had already been sidelined for three months with a knee injury and had only recently returned to play for Red Star Belgrade before re-injuring his knee in April. Despite this setback, he showcased impressive stats during his 12 games with Serbia’s Mega MIS this season, averaging 18.4 points, 7.1 assists, 3.6 rebounds, and one steal per game while shooting 52.3% from the field, 85.5% from the free-throw line, and 25.9% from beyond the arc.

Following a medical examination at the NBA draft combine in Treviso, Italy, Topić is set to travel to the U.S. for further evaluation by NBA team doctors who will provide recommendations on his next steps which may include undergoing surgery to address the ACL tear.