Oklahoma City Thunder general manager Sam Presti announced Thursday morning that rookie guard Nikola Topić has begun chemotherapy treatment for testicular cancer.
Topić, who was selected 12th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, is still waiting to make his NBA debut after undergoing a testicular procedure at the start of training camp. According to Presti, the operation was necessary for doctors to perform a biopsy, which later confirmed the presence of testicular cancer.
Since then, Topić has been working closely with doctors at both MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston and OU Medical in Oklahoma City, who have expressed optimism about his positive outlook and recovery path.
According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 1 in 250 males will experience testicular cancer in their lifetime, with the condition most often affecting men between ages 15 and 35. Fortunately, it remains one of the most treatable and curable forms of cancer, especially when detected early, as is the hope in the case with Topić.
After consulting with medical specialists, Topić and his care team determined that chemotherapy was the appropriate next step, and he has recently begun treatment. The Thunder organization and Topić’s representatives chose not to publicize the information until treatment had officially started, allowing him the privacy and time to process the diagnosis.
Despite his absence from the court, Topić has continued to stay around the team and work out at the Thunder facility when possible, maintaining his conditioning and staying connected with teammates and staff. His approach mirrors the professionalism and focus that stood out during Summer League, where he displayed the playmaking vision and poise that made him one of Europe’s most intriguing young guards before arriving in Oklahoma City.
For now, basketball is secondary. The organization’s full focus is on Topić’s health and well-being, and Presti made it clear that there are no expectations or timelines regarding his return to play.
“Our only expectation of him are to focus on this. This is the most important priority,” Presti said.
“He’ll be back playing basketball when he’s able to. But we’re not putting any type of expectations on that. He has our total support, encouragement, and love.”
Topić’s journey is now about recovery and strength, both physical and emotional. For the Thunder, it’s about supporting a young player through a difficult chapter and reminding him that he’s part of a family that extends far beyond basketball.
While his debut will have to wait, Oklahoma City remains confident that Topić’s determination and resilience. Traits that helped him reach the NBA in the first place which will carry him through this fight and eventually back to the court, stronger than ever.
