2024 NBA Draft Scouting Report - Nikola Topic

Nikola Topic - Red Star

6’6 Primary Initiator

18 Years Old (Turns 19 on August 10th)

From Serbia, Currently Playing for Red Star (previously on loan to Mega)

14.5 PPG - 3.2 RPG - 5.5 APG - 1.0 SPG - 0.1 BPG - 2.3 TOPG (27.8 MPG - 23 GP - Across ALL teams and leagues)

50% on 10.6 FGA - 31% on 3.7 3PA - 88% on 3.2 FTA

My Draft Position - Top 9 Pick

*These are my raw, and condensed, scouting report notes from watching multiple games throughout the season*

ARCHETYPE/POTENTIAL ROLE

True on the ball guard that is your primary initiator of the offense. He will “run the show” for the team that drafts him and get the ball to scorers around him but can also break down the defense with his eye manipulation and as one of the best ball screen operators in the draft class. The questions around his offensive game revolve around potential limitations with his explosiveness, he has shown signs of a “second gear” on drives, and the jump shot. Defensively, he does leave something to be desired on the ball but the hope would be the high feel for the game, and size, translates to this end of the floor to produce a quality “team defender”. 

OFFENSE

• *Has been injured and only played a couple games since the turn of the calendar year*

• Best feel for the game in the class

  • Does a great job passing the ball up the floor

  • PRO TEAMS ARE DOUBLING THIS KID

  • Has a rough first half in terms of doesn’t score, has a couple turnovers and doesn’t really BREAK DOWN the defense….what’s the response in the 2nd half? (I love these opportunities to scout players when they have a bad half or a bad game and we get a chance to see how they respond)

    • Unbelievably impressive response as it turns out

      • 2 made 3s, mid range, some attacking the basket (3rd quarter)

  • He plays at this really almost SLOW and METHODICAL pace but he is getting to the rim early in the game

    • It works for him