By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
An early exit for Nikola Topic in Game 1 of the AdmiralBet ABA League Finals.
Topic, 18, seemed to pick up a non-contact left knee injury in Aleksandar Nikolic Hall on Monday. A setback on the same knee in January forced the NBA draft prospect to the injury list for nearly four months.
Unable to stand following an awkward landing late in the third quarter of Game 1 of the best-of-five championship series pitting Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet against archrival Partizan Mozzart Bet, the medical staff rushed to the court. After heading to the locker room, he returned to watch the conclusion of the clash of the Belgrade giants alongside injured teammates, instead of possibly going to a local hospital for additional medical tests.
Lasting seven minutes in the Eternal Derby, Topic had two points and one assist. Over three appearances in the regional league since returning to action, he averaged 5.3 points, 3.3 assists, 2.0 rebounds, and 1.3 steals over 16 minutes per contest. A veteran of five games played in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague, including two appearances in the 2023-24 installment of Europe’s premier club continental competition.
Determined to help Zvezda down the stretch of the season, intending to play in the Playoffs of the regional and domestic leagues, Topic declined an invitation to participate in the annual NBA Draft Combine. Projected among the top selections of the upcoming Draft, a serious injury can push away potential suitors of the Serbian guard.
Photo Credit: ABA-Liga.com