TITLE: Camp Notes: Nikola Topic Makes Early Push in Oklahoma City; Magic Sign Johnell Davis; Dennis Smith Jr. Shines in Mavericks Camp
SLUG: camp-notes-nikola-topic-magic-johnell-davis-dennis-smith-jr-mavericks
CONTENT:
OKLAHOMA CITY — Rookie guard Nikola Topic, the No. 12 pick in the 2024 draft who missed last season with a torn ACL, is already drawing praise as the Thunder open training camp.
Center Chet Holmgren highlighted Topic’s court vision, noting the 6-foot-6 Serbian “sees the play ahead” and moves without the ball to find open space. Forward Jaylin Williams added that Topic is “a great passer” who processes the floor quickly.
All 12 players who averaged at least 16 minutes for Oklahoma City in 2023-24 are back, and only Kenrich Williams (knee) is currently sidelined. Head coach Mark Daigneault left several core players home for Sunday’s preseason opener in South Carolina, creating extra opportunities for Topic to compete for a regular-season role.
Magic
The Orlando Magic have signed guard Johnell Davis to an Exhibit 10 contract and waived forward Justin Minaya, who held the same deal.
Davis went undrafted in 2025 after four seasons at Florida Atlantic and one at Arkansas, where he averaged 12.0 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.4 assists. The 6-foot-4 guard appeared in three Summer League games for Orlando, earning the invitation to camp.
If Davis is waived before the regular season and spends at least 60 days with the G League’s Osceola Magic, he could receive a bonus of up to $85,300—the same setup now available to Minaya.
Mavericks
In Dallas, guard Dennis Smith Jr. is making an early case for a roster spot. Head coach Jason Kidd called the veteran a “standout” and praised his energy during the opening days of camp.
Smith, 26, joined the Mavericks on a non-guaranteed contract and will have to outperform several competitors to stay with the club when rosters are trimmed later this month.
Source: Hoops Wire
