Nikola Topic returns from ACL rehab to add a rare playmaking punch for Oklahoma City. His vision and size could ease ball handling for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams, helping the Thunder balance youth with a championship window. The ramp will be gradual, with minutes and role expanding as health and chemistry develop.

For fantasy managers, expect a measured lift in assists and secondary creation rather than an immediate shot volume spike. Early-season usage will hinge on health and integration, with a potential late-round win if Topic hits the ground running and earns clear minutes behind OKC's core.

OKC Thunder primed for a title run as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren lock in extensions, keeping the core intact for 2025-26. Enter Cason Wallace with a three-pronged mission: sharpen his outside shot, grow as a secondary playmaker, and secure a lucrative contract extension. The plan hinges on Wallace elevating spacing, sharing ball-handling duties, and proving he can anchor bench units as OKC pursues another deep playoff push.

Thomas Sorber, Oklahoma City Thunder's No. 15 pick, will miss his rookie season after tearing an ACL in a workout. He sat out Summer League due to a prior foot injury from Georgetown, where he averaged 14.5 PPG and 8.5 RPG. The Thunder will lean on frontcourt veterans and growth candidates behind Holmgren and Topic as Sorber's development hits a setback.