Topic Makes Thunder Debut After Cancer Battle
Nikola Topic made his debut for the Oklahoma City Thunder after successfully battling testicular cancer. The young prospect played 12 minutes in his first NBA game since his diagnosis and chemotherapy treatment, marking an inspirational return to professional basketball.
- The Oklahoma City Thunder selected Topić with the 12th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. - Prior to his cancer diagnosis, Topić had already missed his entire rookie season (2024-25) while recovering from a torn ACL. - Before his health setbacks, the 6-foot-6 Serbian point guard was widely regarded as one of the best playmakers in his draft class, drawing comparisons to Tyrese Haliburton and LaMelo Ball. - Team general manager Sam Presti announced the testicular cancer diagnosis in October 2025, stating that doctors were "extremely positive" about his long-term outlook. - Topić signed a 4-year rookie contract worth approximately $23 million, and the Thunder exercised their third-year option on him in October 2025, before he ever played an NBA game. - He first returned to the court for the Oklahoma City Blue, the Thunder's G League affiliate, just four months after his diagnosis was made public. - In two games with the Blue before his NBA call-up, Topić averaged 14.5 points and 5.5 assists in about 18 minutes per game.
