UPDATE: Oklahoma City Thunder guard Nikola Topic has officially begun chemotherapy following a confirmed diagnosis of testicular cancer, as announced by the team’s general manager Sam Presti on October 30, 2023. This urgent health update comes as Topic embarks on a critical treatment journey that may significantly impact his basketball career.
Presti revealed that Topic, only 20 years old, opted to keep his condition private until treatment commenced. “He’s been in here, he’s training, he’s working out through this entire process,” Presti stated, emphasizing the challenges Topic faces during this difficult time. “This is a challenging treatment process to go through.”
Topic was selected as the 12th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, but a torn ACL sidelined him for the entire 2024-25 season. Earlier in October, the Thunder disclosed that he would miss the initial four to six weeks of the new season due to a “testicular procedure.” However, the specifics remained undisclosed until now.
The procedure was essential to determine the presence of cancer, and a subsequent biopsy confirmed the diagnosis. While there is currently no set timeline for Topic’s return to the court, Presti mentioned that doctors are “extremely positive” regarding his long-term outlook. “Our only expectations for him are to focus on this. This is his most important priority,” he added, ensuring Topic has the team’s full support.
“He has a tremendous group of oncologists both at OU, at MD Anderson, and they are extremely positive about his outlook in dealing with this situation,” Presti stated.
Topic’s situation is not unique in the NBA; former Denver Nuggets player Nene faced a similar diagnosis during the 2007-08 season, missing 76 days before successfully returning to play. Presti expressed confidence in Topic’s resilience, calling him “a remarkable guy” who possesses the strength needed to overcome this battle.
In a reflective moment earlier this summer, Topic shared his thoughts on missing his rookie season due to injury, noting the personal growth that came from such challenges. “It was hard, you know? I didn’t play a basketball game for a very long time, and that was really hard,” he recounted. “But, as you go through that process, you learn something about yourself that you didn’t know you had.”
As his treatment begins, the basketball community rallies around Topic, offering support and encouragement during this pivotal time. Fans and teammates alike are hoping for a swift recovery, demonstrating the emotional impact of his journey.
As developments unfold, all eyes will be on Nikola Topic, awaiting updates on his health and eventual return to the NBA. This is a critical moment not just for him personally, but for the Oklahoma City Thunder organization and its supporters.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
