Nikola Topić Returns to Court After Battling Testicular Cancer
The Oklahoma City Thunder guard made his debut with the OKC Blue after completing chemotherapy.
Nikola Topić, the No. 12 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, returned to the basketball court Monday, playing for the Oklahoma City Blue, the Thunder’s G League affiliate. This marked his first game action since being diagnosed with testicular cancer in late October.
Nikola Topić returns to court with OKC Blue for first time since cancer diagnosis
The Oklahoma City Thunder announced in October that Topić had been diagnosed with cancer after a procedure at MD Anderson Cancer Center. He had not played since then.
Updated: 8:44 PM CST Feb 9, 2026
Topić received a standing ovation as he checked into the game against the Sioux Falls Skyforce with approximately six minutes remaining in the first quarter. He had previously undergone a procedure and began chemotherapy treatment at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, as well as receiving care from oncologists at the University of Oklahoma.
A Challenging Road to Recovery
The 20-year-vintage Serbian guard was diagnosed with cancer after a procedure in early October, as announced by Thunder General Manager Sam Presti. Presti noted that doctors were “extremely positive” about Topić’s long-term outlook. Testicular cancer is known to be one of the most curable forms of cancer among males.
Balancing Treatment and Training
Despite undergoing chemotherapy, Topić continued to work out, demonstrating a level of professionalism and maturity praised by the Thunder organization. His agent, Miško Ražnatović, confirmed that chemotherapy was successfully completed on December 31, and Topić immediately returned to training.
Looking Ahead
While no firm timetable has been set for Topić’s return to the NBA, Ražnatović expressed hope that he would see playing time both in the G League and on the NBA floor this season. Topić has yet to play a regular season game for the Thunder, having missed his first season due to a torn ACL.
The Importance of Early Detection
This case highlights the importance of early detection in testicular cancer. The prognosis is generally very good when the disease is caught early.
Nikola Topić returned to the basketball court months after he was diagnosed with testicular cancer, sidelining him as he underwent chemotherapy.
| RELATED VIDEO ABOVE | Thunder guard Nikola Topic diagnosed with testicular cancer, has begun chemo
Did you grasp? Testicular cancer is most common in men between the ages of 15 and 35.
Topić was the No. 12 overall pick in the 2024 NBA draft and had showcased premier passing ability and feel for the game prior to his knee injury.
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