Fans of teams not named the Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks are already looking forward to the NBA Draft. While some will argue that this draft class is one of the weakest in recent memory, it can still provide NBA teams with the right talent to help their team win games if they’re thorough enough with their search.
With such a class, fans will have more reasonable expectations out of the top picks this year’s class. While the expectations for the class overall are lower than normal, the top selections are still expected to impact the teams that will draft them.
Nikola Topic is one of the class’ top players as a highly-rated point guard out of Europe. While he’s showcased great potential that would make him a success in today’s NBA, a recent update on his injury history puts his draft stock at great risk.
Nikola Topic sustains partial ACL tear, puts 2024 NBA Draft stock in doubt

The Spun’s Tzvi Machlin reports that the young Crvena zvezda (Red Star Belgrade) guard suffered a partial ACL tear that will surely affect his draft stock. However, doctors are positive that he should be able to play again when the 2024-25 season officially opens:
Topic suffered the injury this past season at Crvena zvezda (Red Star Belgrade), missing several months of action. However, Raznatovic told Givony that the doctors are optimistic that he’ll be fully recovered and fit to play in the 2024-25 season.
“The doctors who checked the stability of the knee confirmed that is in excellent shape,” Raznatovic said.
Topic is highly considered as one of the best prospects in this year’s crop of players. Some even believe that the 18-year-old is the best player in his class. He finished his final season with Red Star Belgrade with 14.5 PPG, 4.0 RPG, and 5.0 APG. Before that, he played for Mega MIS, averaging 18.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 7.1 assists.

While his talent as a guard will still likely have him going at the top of the draft, there will now be questions on whether he actually has what it takes to have a long career without his knees giving out on him. It’s now up to him to prove his doubters wrong when he finally makes the league.
For More Content
Message me at [email protected] for questions and opportunities.