Nikola Topic details chemotherapy treatment for testicular cancer
Sitting in front of the group of reporters after the Oklahoma City Thunder’s 105-86 victory over the Brooklyn Nets, Nikola Topic felt a sense of gratitude for a task that most NBA players consider a chore.
This was the first time Topic spoke publicly since he was diagnosed with testicular cancer in October 2025. After two years filled with obstacles, the 20-year-old finally made his NBA debut nearly two years after being picked No. 12 in the 2024 NBA Draft.
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After missing all of last season with a torn ACL, Topic prepared for the 2025 Summer League and this year’s preseason opener before undergoing emergency surgery on his testicles to determine if he had cancer. This turned out to be the case.
Thunder general manager Sam Presti announced Topic’s diagnosis. Despite the frightening situation, he stressed that his medical team was fully confident that he would make a full recovery and that testicular cancer was one of the most curable forms in men.
Three rounds of chemotherapy later, Topic completed his cancer treatment in January 2026. Over the next six weeks, he was spotted in pregame warmups and at OKC’s practice facility. He was eventually assigned to the OKC Blue of the G League to play two consecutive home games in February 2026.
The topic first came up during OKC’s 110-93 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks just before the 2026 NBA All-Star break arrived. It was one of the most epic moments in the NBA this season. The sport naturally invites tribalism, but its return has been universally welcomed.
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I think most people can understand how scary cancer can be. Whether through their own personal experience or that of a loved one. For Topic to go from diagnosis to his NBA debut within four months is a true superhero thing that inspires everyone.
He’s not bad as an NBA player either. In just his second game, Topic explained why the Thunder took him in the lottery. He finished with nine points, three rebounds and two assists in OKC’s 105-86 win over the Brooklyn Nets. He helped close things out with a raucous fourth quarter.
It remains to be seen how Topic’s role fluctuates until the end. The Thunder are really taking things one day at a time. But the 20-year-old showed enough flashes as a downhill scorer and playmaker to impressively raise eyebrows.
Speaking to the media, Topic detailed his cancer treatment. He explained his first-hand experience of chemotherapy. It is one of the most common ways to combat the growth of cancer cells in the body.
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“It was a bit of a weird situation. You learn a lot about your body. Everyone reacts to different things,” Topic said. “That was pretty good. Pretty encouraging to see. I’m pretty grateful to be talking to you guys right now.”
Being alongside the Thunder helped Topic keep his spirits up. Having his highly anticipated NBA debut in mind has helped him navigate a grueling cancer treatment process that is physically, mentally and emotionally taxing.
“I was trying to stay as prepared as possible. I was training as much as I could. I was doing that because I felt a lot better,” Topic said. “A lot of studies show that if you practice during these treatments, you will get better. So it definitely made me better.”
Great to see Topic finally on the NBA floor. I can’t help but feel thrilled for the 20-year-old. I think we can all agree that turning the page on this final chapter of one’s life is worthy of celebration in itself.
This article originally appeared on OKC Thunder Wire: Nikola Topic Details Chemotherapy Treatment for Testicular Cancer
