Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder Coach Mark Daigneault mentioned Thursday that rookie Nikola Topić is on monitor for rehabilitation after present process offseason surgical procedure to restore a torn left ACL on July 24.
Topic suffered a non-contact damage with Crimson Star final season, on Could 13 towards Partizan within the first match of the ABA League last. He was initially recognized with {a partially} torn knee in June throughout a pre-representation camp for worldwide prospects in Treviso, Italy.
Thunder normal supervisor Sam Presti mentioned final week that Topić was in good spirits and had the suitable mindset to strategy his restoration. Daigneault echoed this assertion.
He labored very onerous. He is been right here for some time. We’re lastly on the level the place he is on the bottom a little bit bit. He was very dedicated and adopted a relentless hard-working perspective. These are tough rehabilitations. It is a very long time, from surgical procedure to enjoying on the sector. He is bought, clearly, a methods to go, and so there’s a number of darkish days with this and you actually must decide to a course of that does not provide you with instant suggestions. He did a wonderful job for a younger man. That is one of many issues that is spectacular about him.
Topić was the twelfth decide within the NBA draft after averaging 15.1 factors, 5.9 assists and three.2 rebounds on 50.5% taking pictures from the sector final season. He was the ABA League’s prime prospect, becoming a member of Nikola Jokić, Goga Bitadze and Nikola Jović amongst previous winners.
The 6-foot-6 guard started enjoying professionally in Serbia on the age of 16. He’s extremely regarded for the dimensions he brings to the subsequent degree and his offensive capacity. He tasks to ultimately grow to be a starting-caliber guard with the Thunder as soon as he’s cleared to play.
Topić, who will miss all the season, expressed his gratitude to the staff for signing him following his damage. He’ll now have the sources to rehabilitate inside the Thunder group, which helped Chet Holmgren recuperate from a Lisfranc damage two years in the past.
This text was initially revealed on Rookie Wire: Thunder information: Nikola Topić is “on monitor” in rehabilitation for knee damage
