Oklahoma City Thunder Guard Nikola Topic Begins Chemotherapy
UPDATE: Oklahoma City Thunder guard Nikola Topic has officially begun chemotherapy following a confirmed diagnosis of testicular cancer. The announcement was made by Thunder general manager Sam Presti on October 30, 2023, revealing the serious health challenge faced by the young player.
This urgent news comes as Topic, aged 20, continues to show resilience amid his health battle. Presti stated, “He didn’t want to make this information public until he had begun the actual treatments, which he has.” The team has expressed unwavering support for Topic during this difficult time.
What We Know About the Diagnosis and Treatment
Topic was selected with the 12th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. However, he has yet to make his NBA debut due to a series of injuries, including a torn ACL that sidelined him for the entire 2024-2025 season. Earlier this month, he underwent a “testicular procedure” that raised concerns about his health, which later led to the cancer diagnosis.
Presti confirmed that the procedure was critical in determining Topic’s health status. Following a biopsy, doctors confirmed the diagnosis of testicular cancer. There is currently no timeline for Topic’s return to the court, but Presti noted that the medical team is “extremely positive” about his long-term outlook.
“Our only expectations for him are to focus on this. This is his most important priority,” Presti emphasized. “He’ll be back playing basketball when he’s able to, but we’re not putting any time length or expectations on that.”
Topic is receiving treatment from a specialized team of oncologists at OU and MD Anderson. Presti highlighted the importance of mental strength in overcoming such challenges, stating, “He has a tremendous group of oncologists… and they are extremely positive about his outlook in dealing with this situation.”
This news echoes the experiences of other NBA players, such as former Denver Nuggets star Nene, who also faced testicular cancer during his career and successfully returned to play after treatment.
In a previous interview over the summer, Topic reflected on the challenges of missing his rookie season due to injury, expressing a desire to find positives in the situation. “It was hard, you know? I didn’t play a basketball game for a very long time, and that was really hard,” he shared, emphasizing his determination to overcome adversity.
As the Thunder community rallies around Topic, his journey serves as a reminder of the resilience of athletes facing life-threatening challenges. Fans and fellow players alike are expressing their support through social media, amplifying the message of hope and strength in the face of uncertainty.
As the situation develops, all eyes will be on Topic as he focuses on his health. The Thunder organization is committed to prioritizing his recovery, and fans are hopeful for his eventual return to the court.
Stay tuned for more updates on Nikola Topic’s journey and the Thunder’s season developments.
