Summer League standout could unlock more for the champions

Yes, it's just Summer League, but it's hard to deny what Oklahoma City Thunder guard Nikola Topic is revealing. 

Two games into the Salt Lake City Summer League, the 19-year-old has sparked visions of what might be once he's on the floor with the likes of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren. 

In his Summer League debut Saturday against the Memphis Grizzlies, Topic dropped 14 points to go along with four assists and two steals. He followed that up with 11 points, five dimes and three steals on Monday against the Philadelphia 76ers. 

It's less about the numbers, though, and more about the skills. While Summer League games tend to get sloppy at times, Topic hasn't looked out of sorts. He's been steady yet decisive with his decision-making, showing a refined floor game complete with creative playmaking. 

Topic has a mature understanding of pace and how to manipulate defenses with subtle movements. He's also shown the ability to finish through contact with his 6-foot-6 frame. The biggest revelation has been his defensive instincts, another element that should seamlessly integrate with the regular Thunder roster. 

Speaking of, Topic was on the roster during their championship run. He was the 12th pick in the 2024 draft but sat out the season with a partially torn ACL. It was another shrewd move by general manager Sam Presti. The Thunder didn't need Topic's services this past season, but in an ever-changing NBA, he could be the addition needed to repeat.

What Topic offers is another capable ball-handler, lessening the playmaking burden on Gilgeous-Alexander and Williams. The Thunder's roster is full of players who contribute in multiple ways. Topic would just be the latest. 

Topic's vision and deft passing could unlock even more for the frontcourt, though. It's not hard to imagine Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein doing pick-and-roll damage with Topic. 

Yes, summer flash doesn't automatically equate to regular-season success. But it can be a trailer of what could be. Keep in mind that Topic is still a rookie when it comes to actual NBA minutes. Before Saturday, he hadn't even played a real game in 14 months. So, the early signs in Utah are promising. 

If Topic's game isn't just a summer phase, the Thunder could make even more noise.