4 Regrets Thunder should have about offseason decision-making

1. Selecting Nikola Topic at 12 overall over other promising studs

The selection of Nikola Topic is one that genuinely could wind up paying off in big ways over the next several years.

Before his ACL tear back in May, many projections had the point guard going as a top-three selection, with some seeing him landing as high as the top pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.

Ultimately, however, he dropped to 12 overall during June's festivities, as the Thunder snatched him up in what many have seen as a true future-minded move by the franchise and a solid long-term replacement option for the likes of the now departed, Josh Giddey.

Of course, OKC won't be able to reap the benefits of Topic's arrival for at least another year, as he's expected to be redshirted for his entire rookie season as he rehabs from his knee injury.

On the one hand, their choice is obviously more geared toward the future, as this team boasts an average age of 23.9 and, in turn, is looking to contend for the foreseeable future. With the fact that the guard is just 19 years old, he certainly fits this timeline.

That said, on the other hand, while the Thunder are looking to be in contention for championships for many years to come, they still have yet to get over the proverbial hump of doing so and, in turn, could use as much help as possible in their efforts of accomplishing such a goal.

Topic, though is seen as a solid long-term prospect, will not be helping at all in their quest for glory in 2024-25.

Again, all could end up working out in a major way should he manage to get back to his pre-injury form a la Chet Holmgren, but, had they instead pursued the likes of, say, Kel'el Ware (selected 15 overall), Dalton Knecht (17), or Tristan da Silva (18) with their lottery pick, not only would they have managed to get impact players for this coming season, but, simultaneously, could have found solutions to the three other regrets mentioned on this list today.