Oklahoma City general manager Sam Presti revealed on Thursday that second-year guard Nikola Topic has been dealing with testicular cancer, and that doctors are “extremely positive about his outlook.”
Topic has been out for the start of the season and throughout most of pre-season. The team announced during training camp that he was set to undergo a testicular procedure, but the details of the operation were not immediately made clear.
According to Presti, the procedure was necessary to determine if Topic was dealing with a case of testicular cancer, with the ensuing biopsy later confirming he, in fact, was.
He added that Topic has begun chemotherapy, as recommended by his oncologist. While undergoing treatment, Topic has remained with the team, working out and training, but there is no timetable for his return.
“Our only expectation of him is 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, obviously. He has our total support, encouragement, love.”
Topic was drafted by the Thunder 12th overall in 2024 but has yet to suit up for an NBA regular-season game. He suffered a partially torn ACL in January of 2024 while playing for Red Star Belgrade in Serbia and was expected to suit up for the Thunder in 2025-26 after missing his entire rookie year.
He played in the team’s pre-season opener against the Charlotte Hornets in early October, his first taste of NBA action, and finished with 10 points, four rebounds and seven assists in 31 minutes.
