Thunder rookie Topić begins cancer treatment
Nikola Topić (Oklahoma City Thunder)
October 2025
Oklahoma City guard Nikola Topić has been diagnosed with testicular cancer and begun chemotherapy, GM Sam Presti announced. Doctors are optimistic about his long-term outlook. The 2024 first-rounder missed last season with a torn ACL but impressed in Summer League and preseason; he preferred to start treatment before disclosure publicly. Topić will follow oncology protocols while maintaining light conditioning as tolerated. The Thunder’s performance staff will coordinate phased return-to-play only after remission clearance. Teammates and staff will support privacy and schedule flexibility. Medical progress, not basketball timelines, dictates next steps; community resources and peer networks can aid mental resilience too.