NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Thunder rookie Nikola Topić cut from Serbia national team roster ahead of EuroBasket

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Andy Patton | Last updated Aug 23, 2025 4:40 PM ET

A 20-year-old NBA champion and lottery pick in 2024, Nikola Topić was still unable to crack Serbia's 12-man roster for the 2025 EuroBasket Championship.

Topić was named to Serbia's preliminary roster and participated with the team in training camp and during the seven-game exhibition schedule. He did not get a ton of playing time in the exhibitions, however, really only showing out in Serbia's win over Cyprus where he recorded two points, seven assists, and six rebounds.

While he wasn't picked for this year's event, Topic is considered a future stalwart for Serbia's national team, having already competed twice with the program at the junior level including the 2023 FIBA U18 European Championship.

The 6'6 guard is considered one of the top up-and-coming players in the country, but Serbia opted to go with a more experienced roster in the hopes of taking home a gold medal next month.

Can anyone stop this Serbian roster from going all the way? #EuroBasket pic.twitter.com/pvwPn9t2Wf
— FIBA EuroBasket (@EuroBasket) August 23, 2025

Led by three-time MVP Nikola Jokic, Serbia is the betting favorite to win EuroBasket this year at +140, ahead of Germany (+550), France (+650) and Greece (+1000) according to Draft Kings.

In addition to Jokic, Serbia also features NBA veteran Bogdan Bogdanovic, Miami Heat wing Nikola Jovic, and former Gonzaga All-American Filip Petrusev.

Serbia has not won EuroBasket in 24 years, and while they are the favorite it's hard to discount Greece with Giannis Antetokounmpo, or France with rising NBA stars Alex Sarr and Bilal Coulibaly both with the Washington Wizards.

Topić misses out on a great opportunity to gain valuable playing experience ahead of what will be his rookie season with Oklahoma City. The No. 12 pick in the 2024 NBA draft, Topić missed his first season due to an ACL surgery - meaning he won an NBA championship before ever playing in a game.

He'll be counted on to play behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for OKC as they look to defend their crown, and Topić should thrive in lineups surrounded by shooters where his size and playmaking skills make him a matchup nightmare for opposing teams.

Serbia takes on Estonia on Wednesday, Aug. 27 to begin EuroBasket play.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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