Nikola Topic

Statistics: 30.7 PTS, 60.8% 2FG, 38.5% 3FG, 25/29 FT, 7 REB, 6.3 ASS, 2.3 STL, 5.7 TO, 9.7 fouls drawn in 38:17 MIN.

Although his team was unfortunately not particularly successful, Topic was once again convincing offensively, as his average statistics already show.

He showed his versatile skillset in the half court but especially in transition. He mostly knows how to most effectively lead the offensive and bring to points. Either by himself, but also by setting the scene for his teammates. When he finished by himself, it has been in a versatile way from the mid-range, the drive to the basket or the three-pointer. He handled contact very well and absorbs it. He shot lights out via threes (even from NBA distance) as well as from the free throw line. 

His high turnover rate is due to the immense offensive load he must carry, but it is still one of his few weaknesses offensively. These are not the result of bad ballhandling, but mostly of inaccurate passing, which has already made progress during this season. Defensively, he rested a few times and did only the slightest. Although he showed good anticipation in intercepting passes but was beaten quite sometimes in 1v1 and generally unobservant. 

Topic is the most promising point guard talent Serbia has to show right now from the 2005 age group. He simply has everything it takes to reach the European top level. Solid athleticism, game control, shot creation and ball distribution. If he can also provide motivation on the defensive end, nothing stands in the way of a great career.

26.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, 7.2 assists, 2 steals, 24/39 2FG (61%), 9/17 3FG (53%), 32/33 FT (97%)

If you haven’t heard of Nikola Topic before the ANGT Belgrade, you will now. 2005-born guard was sensational in Belgrade and led his team to the final of the tournament. Topic only played 9 minutes in the game against Partizan so if we count that out of the conversation, he averaged 32.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, 8.6 assists and 2.6 steals in 3 games and deservingly got the MVP award.

Topic showcased his offensive skillset both in half court offense and transition. He initiates the offense without wasting any time and moves wisely while driving to the paint, can either finish, draw fouls or find the open man. Explosiveness plays a big part of his game and has a very effective first step on offense, often misleading his matchups with his footwork or even body language. He draws incredible amount of attention on pick and rolls, operates well and feeds his teammates with his court vision and passing abilities. He can finish through contact, doesn’t lose his balance on air. He is also a good cutter and might become an underrated off-ball option on teams that have solid passing bigs on their rosters.

His shot creating is also really promising, shot 53% behind the 3-point line in the tournament and hit some NBA range 3s, didn’t seem bad on catch and shoots as well. One of the most impressive parts of Topic’s game was his consistency at the free throw line. He made 32 of his 33 free throw attempts in the tournament which is insane for a 17 year-old player. He might’ve missed the most important free throw of the tournament and it might’ve cost them the final game but it’s understandable, considering the back to back games and the effort he was putting in on every single offensive position.

Topic did not “shine” on the defensive end in the tournament. His anticipation and deflections on off-ball defense was good but doesn’t have a solid two-way potential overall. Might lack effort on some defensive plays and have trouble against athletic guards and shooters. His athleticism is going to be one of the defining factors of his NBA chances, might need to work on it in the future. Will monitor how he will grow as a vocal leader on the court as well.

I could easily see Nikola Topic become one of the top EuroLeague players and an important part of the Serbian National Team in the future.