2024 NBA Mock Draft: Grizzlies add key piece in lottery, Pistons get future star
By Tyler Watts
3. San Antonio Spurs take Nikola Topic
The Spurs desperately need a point guard to complement Victor Wembanyama. San Antonio decided against acquiring one in the offseason and could be waiting for a young talent on the French prodigy’s timeline. The Spurs are loaded with draft capital and have one of the worst records in the league. Expect San Antonio to have at least one high lottery pick to target a lead ball-handler.
Topic played his way into being a top-five pick before suffering a knee injury in early January. The 18-year-old is out for four-to-six weeks and will likely ramp up slowly after his return.
He played so well for KK Mega Bemax that KK Crvena Zvezda recalled his loan. Topic played in two EuroLeague games before his injury and his outstanding passing and playmaking were on full display.
This season, Topic is averaging 16.4 points, 6.1 assists, 3.6 rebounds, and 0.9 steals in 30.8 minutes per game. His defense and foul issues are concerns, along with his inconsistent jumper. Still, finding a 6’6 point guard with his playmaking chops would be exciting for any NBA franchise.
Nikola Topic could be the best player in this class, and the San Antonio Spurs will be ecstatic to draft him if he fully recovers from his injury and looks healthy down the stretch.