Nikola Topic has been a largely enigmatic figure since he was selected 12th overall by the OKC Thunder just two years ago. After missing his first season with a torn ACL, he was forced to sit out the first chunk of this season after being diagnosed with testicular cancer.
The numerous roadblocks to begin Topic's career, combined with his limited minutes since his return, have raised some questions about who the Thunder selected with their 2024 lottery pick.
However, just recently, any concerns about the youngster's potential on the hardwood moving forward were emphatically put to rest by none other than three-time MVP and fellow Serbian Nikola Jokic.
"I played with him, of course, a little bit with the national team [last summer]. He's a really good guy," Jokic said. "Really talented. He's the future of Serbian basketball. He's fighting for something that is probably more important, most important, and he won it. I'm hoping I'm going to see him tomorrow."
Nikola Jokic's words of affirmation are just what Thunder fans needed
With Topic being M.I.A. on the hardwood for most of his NBA career thus far, Thunder fans have been left to guess what kind of player he will be for their team.
Him being an unproven European talent coming off a torn ACL alone doesn't necessarily scream "safe bet" to live up to his draft capital.
Especially given the fact that Topic has averaged a modest 3.2 points through five games played, fans have been left with more questions about the young Serbian this season than answers.
Jokic's words, however, serve as a reminder of the high upside talent OKC spent its lottery pick on. The point guard entered the 2024 draft touting elite ball-handling skills while drawing comparisons to Goran Dragic and even teammate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
It's one thing to garner respect from other players around the league. It's another to earn a vote of confidence like this from a legitimate superstar with as historically decorated a career as Jokic.
Having spent a significant amount of time on the floor with Topic, it's clear that the Nuggets' big man has seen enough with him to make such a claim.
Despite the former lottery pick's humble start to his NBA career, it's important to maintain perspective on what he's been through.
A season-ending injury and a bout with cancer in back-to-back years is far from easy to overcome. It would be unreasonable to expect a young athlete to return to the court in full form in his first month of action.
It's also clear that, with Topic's minutes capped at about 10 a game, head coach Mark Daigneault has made sure to wear his kid gloves when handling the situation.
Whether the Thunder point guard carves out a larger role as the campaign wears on is anybody's guess. Chances are, the Thunder have a predetermined plan for the rest of his season.
That being said, Oklahoma City definitely has something to look forward to in the future as Topic continues to adapt to the NBA level.