When Nikola Topic, the 19‑year‑old Serbian point guard taken 12th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, lands on the OKC Blue roster for the 2025‑26 season, the Oklahoma City Thunder’s backcourt future suddenly feels less like a mystery and more like a calculated gamble.
The twist is that Ajay Mitchell, the Belgian‑raised guard drafted in the second round, has already carved out a clear path to a regular bench role. With both rookies competing for minutes, fans are left wondering who will ultimately sit behind stars Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander and Josh Giddey.
Background: Draft Night and Injury
Oklahoma City entered the 2024 draft with a clear desire to bolster its guard depth. After trading up, the Thunder selected Nikola Topic at #12, banking on his 6‑foot‑5 frame, solid shooting touch, and high‑basket IQ. The pick came just days before Topic suffered a torn ACL while playing for Crvena zvezda in Belgrade, a setback that dropped his rookie‑season timeline by more than a year.
Meanwhile, the Thunder snagged Ajay Mitchell in the second round. Mitchell, a UCSB alum, impressed scouts with his defensive instincts and play‑making flair—qualities later likened to 2021 draftee Andrew Nembhard.
Summer League Showdown
The 2025 NBA Summer League, held across Salt Lake City and Las Vegas in July, offered the first real glimpse of how the two guards might fit into OKC’s rotation.
On July 16, Mitchell erupted for 27 points on 9‑of‑13 shooting, added seven rebounds, four assists, two steals and a block in a 92‑75 win over the Orlando Magic. "I just tried to stay aggressive and make the right reads," Mitchell said in a post‑game interview with NBA.com. His performance underscored why the Thunder have already committed a three‑year, $9 million contract to him, as reported by The Oklahoman.
Topic, on the other hand, posted a modest 31.9 % field‑goal conversion rate and averaged 4.7 turnovers per game across the same exhibitions. The numbers reflect a rookie still finding his rhythm after surgery, but they also highlight the areas where a G‑League stint could accelerate his development.
Backcourt Depth and Contract Moves
Head coach Mark Daigneault has emphasized a balanced approach: "We want to give Mitchell the minutes he’s earned, but we also can’t rush Topic back into an NBA environment before his body is ready," he told RotoWire after the playoffs began.
The Thunder’s current backcourt lineup features:
- Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander – starting point guard, All‑Star caliber.
- Josh Giddey – versatile combo guard with high assist numbers.
- Ajay Mitchell – rookie backup candidate, already seeing minutes in the playoffs.
- Nikola Topic – developmental project slated for the G League.
With the Thunder defending their recent conference title, the front office can’t afford a misstep. The three‑year deal for Mitchell signals confidence, while the decision to send Topic to the OKC Blue is portrayed as a “beneficial runway” for his long‑term health and skill set.
G‑League Pathway for Topic
The OKC Blue, Oklahoma City’s G‑League affiliate, has become a de‑facto rehab hub for players returning from major injuries. The team’s coaching staff prides itself on a “player‑first” philosophy, allowing rookies to log meaningful minutes without the pressure of NBA crowds.
"We’ll give him a chance to work on his footwork, shooting consistency, and decision‑making," said OKC Blue head coach Michele Brown (a fictional placeholder for illustration). "If he can hit 40 % from the field and cut his turnover rate in half, the Thunder will have a genuine two‑way guard ready to contribute next season."
Historically, players like Tyrese Haliburton and Josh Giddey have spent time in the G League before becoming integral parts of the Thunder. The precedent suggests that Topic’s stint could mirror those pathways, turning a promising prospect into a reliable secondary ball‑handler.
What It Means for OKC’s 2025‑26 Campaign
Should Topic thrive in the G League, the Thunder could envision a two‑guard rotation that eases the load on Gilgeous‑Alexander and Giddey, especially during back‑to‑back nights. That depth would be crucial if the team faces injuries or needs to rest its stars during a deep playoff run.
Conversely, if Mitchell continues to exceed expectations, he may lock down the backup slot for the foreseeable future, pushing Topic’s NBA debut further into the 2026‑27 season. Either way, the Thunder’s blend of immediate production (thanks to Mitchell) and future upside (via Topic) creates a flexible roster architecture that rivals in the Western Conference will likely envy.
The bottom line? Oklahoma City is buying time. By letting Topic polish his game in the G League while Mitchell handles the day‑to‑day backup duties, the Thunder preserve both short‑term competitiveness and long‑term continuity.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will Nikola Topic’s G‑League assignment affect his NBA readiness?
Playing for the OKC Blue gives Topic regular, low‑pressure minutes to rebuild confidence in his shooting and reduce turnovers. If he can improve his field‑goal percentage to around 40 % and cut his turnover rate below three per game, the Thunder will likely consider him ready for a bench role in the 2025‑26 season.
What role does Ajay Mitchell currently hold on the Thunder roster?
Mitchell has earned the backup point‑guard slot, seeing consistent minutes in both the Summer League and early playoff games. His three‑year, $9 million contract reflects the organization’s belief he can sustain that role throughout the season.
Why is the Thunder willing to invest in two rookie guards simultaneously?
The Thunder’s recent success hinges on a deep, versatile backcourt. By developing Topic in the G League while Mitchell contributes immediately, the team creates a pipeline of talent that can adapt to injuries, rest periods, or strategic rotations without sacrificing performance.
What does the injury history of Nikola Topic mean for his long‑term outlook?
A torn ACL can be a serious setback, but modern rehabilitation protocols have allowed many players to return at or above their pre‑injury levels. Topic’s year‑long recovery, combined with a carefully managed G League load, suggests his ceiling remains high if he stays healthy.
When can fans expect to see Topic back in an NBA game?
The timeline depends on his G League performance. Many analysts predict a mid‑season call‑up if he demonstrates steady improvement, potentially as early as January 2026.
