The Oklahoma City Thunder have made a remarkable mark in the 2024-25 NBA season, achieving impressive feats such as securing the fifth-most wins in a single season with 68 and becoming the youngest team to win back-to-back number one seeds in the conference standings. As they prepare to compete in the Western Conference Finals for the first time in nearly ten years, they find themselves just two victories away from reaching the championship round, and potentially only six wins from securing their first Larry O’Brien Trophy since the franchise was in Seattle in 1979.
Despite these significant achievements, the Thunder’s journey has not been without challenges. The team’s success has come even with player absences throughout the season, raising eyebrows regarding their potential for further growth. The outlook becomes even more promising with the anticipated return of rookie guard Nikola Topic for the 2025-26 season.
Drafted as the 12th overall pick in the last NBA Draft, Topic has yet to take the court this season due to recovery from surgery for a partially torn ACL suffered in late July. Before his injury, he was considered one of the top prospects and could have easily been a number one pick. Fortunately for the Thunder, Topic’s injury allowed him to be available later in the draft, adding him to an already stacked roster.
What makes the addition of Topic particularly exciting is his on-court skill set. Known for his playmaking abilities, he averaged 6.9 assists per game before his injury, which could position him as a vital offensive facilitator for the Thunder. His proficiency in ball-handling is expected to enhance the team’s offensive options, especially in situations where star player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is off the floor.
Moreover, incorporating a talent like Topic into the Thunder’s lineup, which is already considered one of the deepest in the league, may provide them with an unfair advantage as they strive for championship glory. Fans and analysts alike are eagerly anticipating his debut, which could further solidify Oklahoma City’s standing as a formidable contender in future seasons.
The combination of the Thunder’s current success and their promising future paints a hopeful picture for the franchise as they look to build on their achievements and pursue their first championship.