The No. 12 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, Topic missed his entire rookie season while recovering from a torn ACL. He was cleared for basketball activities toward the end of the 2024-25 campaign but never saw game action. He made his Thunder debut during Summer League, showcasing intriguing offensive upside while struggling with efficiency. The reigning champs are running it back in 2025-26, led by the regular-season and Finals MVP. Topic will compete for the primary backup spot behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander with Ajay Mitchell, Cason Wallace, Isaiah Joe, Aaron Wiggins and Alex Caruso. Topic has a higher upside than any of the returning reserves, but with Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren leading the way, Oklahoma City doesn't need another star soaking up usage. Topic will have to earn more minutes by playing efficiently in limited action, which may take time. Without a guaranteed role on a contending team, selecting Topic comes with obvious risk, but his unique skill set gives him immense fantasy potential, so managers have to keep close tabs on him. Topic is expected to miss the first month of the regular season after undergoing testicular surgery.