Basketball player from Thunder potentially facing setback in NBA Finals due to recent injury report
The Oklahoma City Thunder have spent this NBA season with one of the most robust rosters in the league, a squad that's deep as a sea and particularly impressive during the playoffs, an aspect not commonly seen among other teams that tend to tighten up their rosters for postseason.
One vital player they've been missing, a piece that could undeniably boost their performance, is 2024 lottery pick, Nikola Topic, who's been on the sidelines due to a partially torn ACL.
Topic has been out for the entire season, including the NBA Finals, but he's now cleared to ramp up physical activities. He's poised to make a comeback on the court, possibly even participating in the Thunder's Summer League when it kicks off in July.
Thunder's Luguentz Dort Shares News: Topic Back on the Practice Court
Thunder’s tenacious defender Luguentz Dort recently spoke to the media, revealing that Topic has begun participating in practice sessions. Although the news may have been unintentional, Dort gave an insight into Topic's recovery progress.
"He's been working on his rehab routine, but you can see his natural talent and ball control. He’s started playing with us recently and has become more involved with the team activities," Dort shared. "He's still recovering from his injury, but I can already see how comfortable he is with the ball and the kind of player he'll be."
Topic could prove to be a game-changer for the Thunder due to their depth but the lack of a consistent sparkplug off the bench who can generate offense when needed[1]. While players like Cason Wallace, Ajay Mitchell, Alex Caruso, and Isaiah Joe are capable, the team needs someone reliable and consistent, a role that Topic might just fulfill, which is no easy task.
The Thunder won’t have Topic for this game, but with this latest development, it seems like his return next season is almost a given. At 6-foot-6, he has the size, but his potential to take the Thunder's roster to new heights lies in becoming a consistent shooter[2]. Topic appears ready to take on a more significant role with the Thunder.
[1]https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/34215381
[2]https://www.si.com/nba/2023/05/01/oklahoma-city-thunder-thunderbird-draft-pick-injury-recovery-update
[3]https://www.forbes.com/sites/chuckcushman/2023/01/12/oklahoma-city-thunder-best-nba-team-of-2023/?sh=79543cc46a34
- With Topic now participating in practice sessions, the Oklahoma City Thunder could potentially have a more dynamic roster next season, as he might fill the role of a consistent offensive spark off the bench.
- As Topic demonstrates his improved ball control and comfort during practice, Thunder fans eagerly anticipate his return to the NBA scene as a potential key player, eyeing his growth as a consistent shooter.
