Potential No. 1 pick enters NBA Draft

Nikola Topic has decided to put his name into the NBA Draft, agent Misko Raznatovic announced.

In a year without a clear No. 1 pick, the 18-year-old Serbian star could be in contention for the first selection. He’s ranked fifth in ESPN’s latest list of the top 100 prospects and would fill a need for a team looking for a skilled ball handler. 

The 6-foot-7 Topic’s creativity and his ability to break down defenses aren’t in question, but there are concerns about his three-point shooting and intensity on defense, according to Jonathan Givony of ESPN.

Topic was off to a strong start with Crvena Zvedza in Belgrade before suffering a knee injury that has kept him out of action since Jan. 4. 

He was still named the ABA League’s Top Prospect and was voted onto the all-league team after averaging 17.9 points and 6.8 assists during the time he was able to play.

Topic received MVP honors while capturing a gold medal with Serbia at the 2023 FIBA U18 European Championship, according to Eurohoops.