Nikola Topić Bio
Nikola Topić (Serbian Cyrillic: Никола Топић, Serbian pronunciation: nikola topitɕ, born 10 August 2005) is a Serbian professional basketball player for the Oklahoma City Thunder of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Standing at 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m), he plays at the point guard position. Topić has quickly made a name for himself in the basketball world, showcasing his talent and determination on the court since his debut in 2022.
Early Life and Background
Nikola Topić was born in Novi Sad, Serbia and Montenegro. He grew up in a family with a strong basketball background; his father, Milenko Topić, was a notable Serbian basketball coach and player. This familial connection to the sport provided Nikola with early exposure to basketball, shaping his passion and skills from a young age. He began his basketball journey with KK Defense, a local club in Novi Sad, where he developed his foundational skills before moving to a more competitive environment.
Path to Basketball
In June 2020, Nikola Topić joined the youth system of Crvena zvezda, one of Serbia’s most prestigious basketball clubs. His time in the youth system allowed him to hone his skills and gain valuable experience. Topić made his professional debut for Crvena zvezda on 28 March 2022, at just 16 years old, in an ABA League match against Krka. He scored four points and recorded five assists, becoming the youngest player in the club’s history to score in the ABA League. This early success marked the beginning of his promising career.
Nikola Topić Career
Early Career (2022–2024)
After his debut, Topić continued to develop his game with Crvena zvezda. He was loaned to the Serbian team Slodes at the start of the 2022–23 season, where he gained more playing time and experience. Following his loan, he returned to Crvena zvezda, where he averaged 3.4 points over seven games in the ABA League. In January 2023, he was loaned to OKK Beograd for the remainder of the season, where he excelled, averaging 17.8 points per game. His performance earned him recognition, and he signed his first professional contract with Crvena zvezda on 17 July 2023.
Breakthrough (2024–Present)
In the 2023–24 season, Topić was loaned to Mega, where he had a standout performance, averaging 18.6 points, 6.9 assists, and 3.7 rebounds over 13 games. His impressive play led to him winning the ABA League Top Prospect award on 10 April 2024. On 26 June 2024, he was selected as the twelfth overall pick by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2024 NBA draft. He signed with the team on 6 July 2024, marking a significant milestone in his career. Despite suffering a knee injury that would sideline him for the entire 2024–25 season, Topić won his first NBA championship in 2025, becoming the third-youngest player to achieve this feat.
Notable Works and Milestones
Nikola Topić’s career is marked by several notable achievements, including being an NBA champion in 2025, winning the ABA League championship in 2022 and 2024, and earning the FIBA U18 European Championship MVP in 2023. His rapid rise in the basketball world has made him a player to watch in the coming years.
Nikola Topić Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Nikola Topić has received several nominations and awards, highlighting his talent and potential as a professional basketball player.
Nikola Topić Awards Won
Nikola Topić has achieved notable awards, including being named the FIBA U18 European Championship MVP in 2023 and winning the ABA League Top Prospect award in 2024. His accomplishments at such a young age indicate a bright future ahead.
Nikola Topić Family
Nikola Topić is the son of Milenko Topić, a former professional basketball player and coach. Milenko had a successful career in the YUBA League and represented the Yugoslavian national team, winning multiple medals in international competitions.
Personal Life
In October 2025, Nikola Topić was diagnosed with testicular cancer. Despite this challenge, he has remained focused on his recovery and has been able to continue working out while undergoing chemotherapy. His resilience and determination are commendable as he navigates this difficult period in his life.