Thunder guard Nikola Topić is set to miss extended time after being diagnosed with testicular cancer.
Oklahoma City general manager Sam Presti announced that the second-year guard, who is just 20 years old, had a biopsy done, and is undergoing treatment. The team announced earlier this month that Topić underwent a testicular procedure.
“That procedure was necessary and done at MD Anderson in Houston to determine if Nikola was dealing with a case of testicular cancer. The procedure was necessary in order to do a biopsy, and the results of the biopsy have returned, and he is dealing with a case of testicular cancer now,” Presti said.
Topić was selected in the first round (No. 12 overall) of the 2024 NBA Draft ahead of current rotation-level contributors such as Jared McCain, Kel’el Ware, and Dalton Knecht.
The Thunder reported that Topić is in great hands with his medical team, and the issue doesn’t appear to be life-threatening.
“He has a tremendous group of oncologists both at OU [Health] [and] MD Anderson,” Presti continued. “They are extremely positive about his outlook in dealing with this situation. It’s important to note that testicular cancer is the most curable form of cancer among males, but the treatment option for him right now, recommended by the oncologist, is chemotherapy.”
Topić has not played a minute in the NBA despite being in the league for more than a year, although he did get some Summer League action.
The Thunder draft pick tore the ACL in his left knee just after the 2024 NBA Draft while playing overseas in the Adriatic League finals for Crvena Zvezda.
Topić averaged 10.8 points, 5.8 assists, and 3.2 rebounds in six Summer League appearances.
Oklahoma City had no reason to rush him back from injury as they were ripe with talent last season en route to an NBA championship win in seven games over the Indiana Pacers.
It is unclear when Topić will be able to return to basketball with the team.
“He’ll be back playing basketball, you know, when he’s able to, but we’re not putting any type of expectation,” Presti added.
Oklahoma City is again among the favorites to win the NBA Finals as they look to defend their championship and are atop the league’s standings at 5-0 to begin the year.
