Nikola Topic’s rookie season with the OKC Thunder must have been unfortunate, as fate had other plans. Yet, his resilience shines through, with his basketball roots deeply planted in his family’s legacy. Coming from a basketball-influenced family, he has seen ups and downs from a very young age.

So, to know more about his family, we need to get deeper into his background and what inspired him.

Where is Nikola Topic from? Exploring the ethnic background of the OKC Thunder star

Nikola Topic was born on August 10, 2005, in Novi Sad, Serbia. Automatically, he comes from Serbian nationality. Growing up in a city with a rich basketball tradition, he was clear that basketball was his calling. But it wasn’t just the city, it all started from home. His father, Milenko Topic, is easily one of the most famous basketball coaches hailing from Serbia. So, you know who played a key role in shaping Nikola’s career.

Milenko played professionally for Serbia and had a long career in the YUBA League. As a power forward, he played for notable teams like Crvena Zvezda, Budućnost, and Hemofarm. However, his game wasn’t just limited to home, as it spread to Italy and Greece. After retiring from playing, he transitioned into coaching, contributing further to Serbia’s basketball culture.

Milenko once served as a scout for the Orlando Magic, working behind the scenes to find the next generation of stars. His scouting position has provided his son with an interesting perspective on basketball. Nikola has shared how much he enjoys hearing about his father’s experiences and how he embraced his new role.

In an interview, Nikola explained how much he appreciates the opportunity to connect with his father in this way. He recalled how his father was always a source of guidance, both on and off the court. “He didn’t really like coaching,” Nikola said, laughing. “This scouting job, he’s having a lot of fun traveling and watching players.”

The family played a huge role in his basketball journey. Unfortunately, he has shared no information about his mother or other family members. Yet, it’s believed his family hails from Serbia, which makes his ethnicity fully Serbian. Now talking about his religion, it’s not known, so it’s safe not to assume anything.

Rolling back to Nikola Topic’s journey with basketball, it all began with playing for KK Defense, a local team, where he honed his skills. He was just 15 years old, and in June 2023, the hoopster leaped the prestigious Crvena Zvezda youth system. As one could assume, the transition wasn’t easy, but it was a crucial step in his development.

Zvezda, one of Europe’s top basketball clubs, provided him with the perfect environment to sharpen his game. It was clear Nikola was not just another prospect; he was a future star in the making.

The hooper’s connection to his roots and his father’s influence tells his future in the NBA remains bright. As he continues to evolve as a player, he will undoubtedly carry his family’s legacy with him, no matter where his basketball career takes him. But, before you leave, you also need to know if he has ever played for Serbia.

Did Topic play for the Serbian national team?

Yes, Nikola Topic has played for the Serbian National team. His journey on the international stage began at a young age. In August 2021, he played for Serbia’s U-16 national team at the FIBA U16 European Challengers in Novi Sad. Although he played just one game, he made a statement with his performance. He had a blast as he recorded 17 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists in a dominant win over the Czech Republic. This game marked his first taste of international competition. But that was just the beginning of the later greatness to come.

In 2023, the player debuted for the senior Serbian national team. On August 16, he played in a friendly match against Puerto Rico. It was his first appearance on the global stage for his country. Representing Serbia, with its rich basketball tradition, is no small feat.

Moreover, Nikola Topic’s performance against Puerto Rico showed his potential. His talent, poise, and understanding of the game were evident. It wasn’t just about playing for the national team. It was about embracing the weight of representing his country.

The way the junior player broke into such a prestigious program says a lot about his potential. From his debut in 2023 to now making it to the NBA as he continues to grow and develop, Nikola Topic’s presence on the national team will only expand. Will he become a central figure for Serbia in the coming years?