Mark Daigneault gives his take on the plans for Nikola Topic moving forward
Mark Daigneault isn’t rushing anything with Nikola Topic, and that appears to be the point. Asked about the organization’s plans for the young guard, the Oklahoma City Thunder head coach framed Topic’s path as a long-term investment rather than a quick fix.
Daigneault emphasized development, fit, and patience, signaling that Topic will be brought along methodically within the Thunder’s established infrastructure. For a franchise that has carefully layered its rebuild around Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren, integrating another ball-handling playmaker is as much about timing as talent.
Topic arrives with the profile of a modern jumbo guard: size, feel for the game, and the ability to organize an offense. For Daigneault, the challenge is less about finding out if Topic can play and more about where and when his strengths best serve the team. That likely means early emphasis on learning the Thunder’s defensive standards, decision-making in structure, and understanding how to complement established stars rather than dominate the ball.
Around the league, teams have become more cautious with young primary creators, especially those coming from overseas or non-traditional pipelines. The Thunder, known for their developmental patience, fit neatly into that trend. Daigneault’s comments align with an approach that values incremental responsibility: G League reps if needed, targeted minutes, and clearly defined roles before expanding the playbook.
The presence of multiple ballhandlers in Oklahoma City could actually benefit Topic. Instead of being thrown into a high-usage role immediately, he can grow as a secondary creator, attack tilted defenses, and refine his shooting and physicality without carrying the full burden of running an NBA offense.
Daigneault’s stance sends a clear message: Topic is part of the Thunder’s future, but the organization will dictate the pace. In a conference where every marginal edge matters, Oklahoma City appears committed to maximizing Topic’s ceiling, even if that means a slower, more deliberate path to consistent NBA minutes.
Daigneault emphasized development, fit, and patience, signaling that Topic will be brought along methodically within the Thunder’s established infrastructure. For a franchise that has carefully layered its rebuild around Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren, integrating another ball-handling playmaker is as much about timing as talent.
Topic arrives with the profile of a modern jumbo guard: size, feel for the game, and the ability to organize an offense. For Daigneault, the challenge is less about finding out if Topic can play and more about where and when his strengths best serve the team. That likely means early emphasis on learning the Thunder’s defensive standards, decision-making in structure, and understanding how to complement established stars rather than dominate the ball.
Around the league, teams have become more cautious with young primary creators, especially those coming from overseas or non-traditional pipelines. The Thunder, known for their developmental patience, fit neatly into that trend. Daigneault’s comments align with an approach that values incremental responsibility: G League reps if needed, targeted minutes, and clearly defined roles before expanding the playbook.
The presence of multiple ballhandlers in Oklahoma City could actually benefit Topic. Instead of being thrown into a high-usage role immediately, he can grow as a secondary creator, attack tilted defenses, and refine his shooting and physicality without carrying the full burden of running an NBA offense.
Daigneault’s stance sends a clear message: Topic is part of the Thunder’s future, but the organization will dictate the pace. In a conference where every marginal edge matters, Oklahoma City appears committed to maximizing Topic’s ceiling, even if that means a slower, more deliberate path to consistent NBA minutes.
