By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
With the Oklahoma City Thunder preparing for the 2026–27 NBA Regular Season, executive vice president and general manager Sam Presti held his annual preseason press conference on Thursday to outline the roster’s current outlook.
At the forefront of the discussion was Nikola Topic. The 21-year-old Serbian point guard enters training camp as a limited participant following a long sequence of medical setbacks. After sitting out a full year with a torn ACL, he overcame a testicular cancer diagnosis and recently underwent offseason back surgery.
“He’s had a difficult road. There’s no other way to look at it. He’s been unbelievable how he’s handled those things at his age,” stated Presti, praising how the 1.98-meter playmaker has managed these hurdles.
The Crvena Zvezda youth product and Most Valuable Player of the FIBA U18 European Championship 2023 logged his first 19 NBA appearances with the Thunder last season. However, his return to the court will be handled with extreme patience. Presti confirmed Topic will face restrictions to start camp as the team navigates his recovery from an extended layoff.
Other European players figure prominently in Oklahoma City’s plans. Presti expects a major leap from Belgian guard Ajay Mitchell, who focused heavily on his physique this summer to build strength and durability. Meanwhile, newly drafted Spanish center Aday Mara provides immediate frontcourt flexibility alongside German big Isaiah Hartenstein. Their presence gives head coach Mark Daigneault the option to slide Chet Holmgren between the power forward and center positions.
Following preseason media day on Monday, the Thunder will play five exhibition games over the next few weeks. They officially open the Regular Season on October 20 against the San Antonio Spurs and French superstar Victor Wembanyama at the Frost Bank Center.
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