Tag: Sam Presti

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.

Thunder’s Sam Presti Wins NBA Executive of the Year

Sam Presti (Oklahoma City Thunder)
May 7, 2025

Sam Presti was named NBA Executive of the Year after building the Thunder into a 68-win powerhouse, earning 10 first-place votes from 30 team executives. It’s his first time receiving the award.
Presti credited the Thunder’s player commitment and long-tenured support staff. His win marks the franchise’s first since 1994, when it was the Seattle SuperSonics. Cleveland’s Koby Altman and Detroit’s Trajan Langdon finished second and third.

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