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Report: Potential Top 10 pick Nikola Topic diagnosed with ACL tear

James Fletcher IIIby:James Fletcher III•06/05/24•

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Players scrimmage during the 2023 NBA Draft Combine at Wintrust Arena - David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
The NBA Draft Combine (photo credit - David Banks-USA TODAY Sports)

As the NBA Draft approaches, potential Top 10 pick Nikola Topic received bad news during the European Combine held in Italy. A medical examination revealed a partial tear in his left knee, his agent confirmed to ESPN’s Jonathan Givony.

Topic previously suffered a left knee injury in January, causing him to miss four months with Red Star Belgrade before reinjuring the same knee after just three games. That injury ended his European season and set him on the road to the NBA Draft while recovering.

At 6-foot-7, Topic is viewed as a high-level point guard who could hear his name called early on June 26, when the first round of the NBA Draft begins. His agent, Misko Raznatovic, told ESPN that he does not believe the injury will impact draft stock, citing youth and feedback on the MRI.

“The doctors who checked the stability of the knee confirmed that is in excellent shape,” Raznatovic told ESPN.

Topic currently ranks No. 7 on On3’s 2024 NBA Draft Big Board, and was projected to be drafted No. 4 overall to the San Antonio Spurs in the most recent mock draft. An updated list of the top prospects is scheduled to be released on Thursday.

Nikola Topic scouting report

Nikola Topic started the year strong as a balanced playmaker who showed upside as a shooter based on his 87.1% from the free throw line. However, an injury derailed his season as he reached a higher level of competition. The 6-foot-6 guard fits the mold of a playmaker with size which has become coveted around the NBA. He must take the next step as a scorer to reach his potential, but could immediately help initiate offense.

The market for Topic has also been a topic of conversation over the past month, with a second knee injury setting him back from showcasing his skills at the end of his European season.

Other point guards who will help dictate the market for Nikola Topic include Kentucky’s Reed Sheppard and Rob Dillingham, along with UConn’s Stephon Castle. The next tier at the position includes Providence’s Devin Carter, USC’s Isaiah Collier, Duke’s Jared McCain and Pitt’s Carlton Carrington.