The Oklahoma City Thunder community and the broader NBA world are rallying behind rookie guard Nikola Topic, who has commenced chemotherapy after a recent diagnosis of testicular cancer. This significant health update, confirmed by Thunder general manager Sam Presti on Thursday, October 30, 2025, underscores a challenging new chapter for the promising 20-year-old Serbian athlete. Despite the serious nature of the diagnosis, medical professionals are expressing “extremely positive” sentiments regarding Topic’s long-term prognosis, offering a strong beacon of hope for his full recovery.
A Difficult Diagnosis and Immediate Action
The journey to this diagnosis began in early October. Topic underwent a procedure at the renowned MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. This initial step involved a biopsy, crucial for determining the nature of a testicular issue. The results confirmed the presence of testicular cancer, setting in motion an immediate treatment plan. General Manager Sam Presti shared that Topic, in a display of personal resilience and privacy, requested that his diagnosis not be publicly disclosed until he had already started his chemotherapy treatments. The Thunder organization honored this request, providing him with space during the initial stages of this personal battle.
Unwavering Support from the Oklahoma City Thunder
The Oklahoma City Thunder has unequivocally prioritized Nikola Topic’s health above all else. Sam Presti articulated the team’s profound commitment, stating, “Our only expectations for him are to focus on this. This is his most important priority.” This sentiment reflects a comprehensive support system designed to allow Topic to concentrate entirely on his recovery without any pressure or external timelines regarding basketball. Presti explicitly conveyed the franchise’s dedication, asserting, “He has our total support, encouragement and love.” This patient-first approach highlights the human aspect of professional sports, demonstrating that Topic’s well-being is paramount.
Navigating Treatment and Maintaining a Positive Outlook
Currently, Nikola Topic is undergoing chemotherapy as recommended by his oncologists, a “tremendous group” from both the University of Oklahoma and MD Anderson. Despite the rigors of treatment, an encouraging detail emerged: Topic has been able to continue working out at the team’s facility. This active engagement, even during chemotherapy, speaks volumes about his determination and resilience. Medical experts view testicular cancer as one of the most curable forms of cancer among males. This positive outlook provides a hopeful perspective on Topic’s recovery journey and his future.
A Career Marked by Early Setbacks
Topic, the No. 12 overall pick in the 2024 NBA draft, has faced a series of unfortunate delays in his nascent NBA career. His highly anticipated official debut with the Thunder has been repeatedly postponed. He missed the entire 2024-25 season recovering from a torn ACL, an unrelated prior injury. This previous setback meant he had yet to play an official NBA game before this latest health challenge. Earlier this month, Topic even played 31 minutes in a preseason opener before being sidelined for the testicular procedure that ultimately led to his cancer diagnosis. These consecutive health issues undoubtedly test the mental fortitude of any young athlete, especially one eager to prove himself on the biggest stage.
Drawing Hope from Past Precedents: The Nene Hilario Story
The NBA community has witnessed similar battles before, offering a powerful precedent of hope and successful recovery. Veteran NBA center Nene Hilario was diagnosed with testicular cancer during the 2007-08 season. After undergoing chemotherapy, Nene missed 76 days of that season. Remarkably, he returned to play for another decade in the league, carving out a long and successful career. This inspiring story serves as a tangible example that a diagnosis of testicular cancer, while serious, does not necessarily mean the end of an athlete’s career. The hope is that Nikola Topic will follow a similar path, achieving a full recovery and a triumphant return to professional basketball.
Long-Term Commitment and a Bright Future
The Oklahoma City Thunder has underscored its unwavering belief in Nikola Topic’s future, despite his current health challenges. Demonstrating this profound commitment, the organization exercised its 2026-27 option on Topic prior to the start of the current season. This strategic move secures his $5.43 million salary for the next season, sending a clear message that Topic remains a vital part of their long-term plans. This financial commitment offers stability and reassurance during a period of intense personal adversity. The team acknowledges there is no timetable for his return, emphasizing that he will be back on the court “when he’s able to,” completely free from organizational pressure. For Topic, whose family boasts a significant basketball heritage, with his father Milenko Topic being an Olympic silver medalist, the focus remains squarely on successful treatment and regaining his health.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the long-term prognosis for Nikola Topic’s testicular cancer?
Medical doctors involved in Nikola Topic’s treatment are “extremely positive” about his long-term health prognosis. Testicular cancer is widely considered one of the most curable forms of cancer among males, with high success rates when detected and treated early. General Manager Sam Presti has conveyed this optimistic outlook, emphasizing that the medical team, including oncologists from the University of Oklahoma and MD Anderson Cancer Center, is confident in Topic’s recovery chances. His ability to continue working out during chemotherapy also suggests a level of resilience and a manageable treatment process.
Where is Nikola Topic currently receiving treatment for his cancer?
Nikola Topic underwent a crucial biopsy procedure at the renowned MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. Following this, he has commenced chemotherapy treatment. His care is being managed by a collaborative “tremendous group of oncologists” at both the University of Oklahoma (OU) and MD Anderson. This dual expertise ensures he receives comprehensive, high-quality medical attention during this critical period. The Thunder organization is fully supporting his access to these top-tier medical facilities and specialists.
How will Nikola Topic’s cancer treatment impact his NBA debut and career timeline?
Nikola Topic’s cancer treatment will undoubtedly impact his NBA debut, with the Thunder making it clear there is no specified timeline for his return to the court. His health is the paramount priority, and the organization has stated he will return “when he’s able to,” without any pressure or expectations. This follows a season where he already missed play due to a torn ACL. While the immediate focus is on his full recovery from cancer, precedents like NBA veteran Nene Hilario, who successfully returned after a similar diagnosis, offer hope for a long and productive career once Topic is healthy again. The Thunder’s decision to exercise his 2026-27 option further demonstrates their long-term commitment to his future.
The Oklahoma City Thunder stands firmly behind Nikola Topic as he navigates this profound challenge. His courageous battle against testicular cancer, supported by an “extremely positive” medical outlook and his team’s unwavering encouragement, represents a powerful story of resilience. While his NBA debut remains on hold, the focus is rightfully on his health and well-being. Topic’s determination, coupled with the precedent of successful returns like Nene Hilario, provides immense hope for his full recovery and a triumphant return to the basketball court in due time. The entire NBA community watches with anticipation, wishing him strength and a swift path back to health.
