TITLE: Western Conference Roundup: Topic Eyes Thunder Rotation, Rockets Tinker With Starters, Podziemski Talks Growth, Suns Test Dunn at Power Forward
SLUG: western-conference-roundup-topic-rockets-podziemski-suns
CONTENT:
OKLAHOMA CITY — Guard Nikola Topic, the 2024 lottery pick who missed last season with a torn ACL, is turning heads at Thunder training camp as he competes for a spot in Mark Daigneault’s regular rotation.
Center Chet Holmgren said the 20-year-old Serb “sees plays ahead of him and gets the ball out of his hands early,” while forward Jaylin Williams praised Topic’s passing and feel for the game. All 12 players who logged at least 16 minutes per game during Oklahoma City’s 2024-25 title run remain on the roster, leaving limited room for new faces. Topic is expected to receive extended minutes during the club’s preseason schedule, which begins Sunday in South Carolina. Daigneault noted several top veterans did not make the trip for the first half of the back-to-back.
Rockets to Mix and Match Lineups
HOUSTON — Head coach Ime Udoka plans to experiment with different starting groups throughout the preseason, the Houston Chronicle reported. Forward Tari Eason and center Steven Adams will sit out Wednesday’s matchup with Utah after appearing Monday against Atlanta. Both veterans are being managed carefully after returning from significant injuries last season.
Podziemski Reflects on Sophomore Season
SAN FRANCISCO — Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski told Sportskeeda he spent the summer sharpening playmaking and defensive reads and believes integrating newcomers such as Al Horford will be “seamless.” The 2024 first-rounder assessed his second NBA campaign and outlined goals for 2025-26 during the interview.
Suns Give Dunn a Look at Power Forward
PHOENIX — Second-year wing Ryan Dunn opened at power forward in the Suns’ preseason win over the Lakers on Friday, The Arizona Republic noted in a list of takeaways from the exhibition.
The preseason slate continues this week as Western Conference clubs evaluate rotations and monitor returning players’ workloads.
Source: Hoops Rumors
