Oklahoma City Thunder Guard Nikola Topic Diagnosed with Testicular Cancer Undergoing Chemotherapy

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Nikola Topic, the 20-year-old No. 12 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, has been diagnosed with testicular cancer and has begun chemotherapy treatment. Despite missing the entire 2024-2025 season due to a torn ACL and not yet debuting in the NBA, Topic was part of the Thunder's 2025 NBA Championship team. Thunder General Manager Sam Presti announced that doctors are extremely positive about Topic's long-term outlook, emphasizing that testicular cancer is highly curable and that Topic's current focus is on his health rather than basketball. Topic requested that his diagnosis remain private until after beginning treatment, and he has been able to work out during chemotherapy without a set timeline for his return to play. The Thunder organization and fans are offering their full support and encouragement during his treatment, prioritizing his recovery above all else. The medical teams at both Oklahoma University and MD Anderson Cancer Center are optimistic about his ability to make a full recovery and eventually return to professional basketball.