It seems like only yesterday the OKC Thunder took down the Indiana Pacers in Game 7 of the NBA Finals to win their first Larry O'Brien Trophy.
However, in reality, that was a little over three months ago.
Yesterday was actually the official first day of the on-court portion of training camp for Oklahoma City, a time where returning players can get back into a groove while young and new players look to establish themselves as legitimate rotation options.
Already, it seems 2024 lottery-selected guard Nikola Topic has stood out in the eyes of stud big man Chet Holmgren, who, following Tuesday's practice, spoke glowingly about the way in which the 20-year-old operates on the hardwood.
Thunder big praises Nikola Topic for 'the way he sees the game'
Asked by reporters during a media availability session how he believes Topic has looked on the court since returning from his year-long ACL rehab, Holmgren enthusiastically said, "I'm impressed by him."
"I played pick-up a couple of times with him last week and it really stands out the way he sees the game," Holmgren said. "It’s impressive coming from a young guy but that’s what got him noticed in the first place. Just being able to see and read the game.”
The point guard was revered as a legitimate option for the top pick in last year's draft before he went down with his knee injury in May. Had he held out from entering until this past June's festivities, there's a widespread belief among league scouts that he would have been a top-five pick in 2025.
Instead, the Thunder were able to snatch up his services at 12 overall in 2024.
Known for his pure floor general abilities and elite-level passing skills, Topic burst onto the scene during this year's Summer League, where he led the Las Vegas games in assists per game (7.3) while posting averages of 11.0 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.7 steals.
To many, his skill set is one that's viewed as having the potential to be of great use within the Thunder's second unit as their primary ball handler and facilitator.
However, according to Holmgren, the rookie has flashed potential as an off-ball option as well.
Despite not having a consistent jumper in his bag of tricks (shot just 33.3 percent from distance in the Vegas games), the 23-year-old was high on Topic's ability to cut to the basket and "find open space," both of which should serve as major boons as he looks to carve out a role within the regular rotation.
While fans have yet to see the Serbian baller take part in any meaningful in-game action, during these early stages of training camp, it already appears that he's turning heads with his play.
All this hype should make his expected preseason debut on October 5 all the more exciting to tune into.