During Thursday’s shootout, Sam Presti went to reporters to provide an update on the topic of Rookie Guard Nikola. The No. 12 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft underwent a testicular procedure after the team’s first preseason game, which Presti informed the media was a necessary biopsy. The test revealed that Topic had completed and started chemotherapy treatments.
Before that night’s game against the Washington Wizards, Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault spoke about how Topic is doing and how the team is handling this news.
“He’s doing very well, given the circumstances, which isn’t surprising. Sam mentioned that today during the penalty shootout. At 20 years old, he’s more equipped than he is in terms of maturity, discipline and tenacity to handle a situation like this. And then, our locker room. I don’t want to speak for any locker room. I don’t think there’s any locker room that I believe in that is more equipped to encourage and support someone in something like this than our locker room,” Daigneault said. “So we support him. He knows that he is there, that he has been there, but that he will continue to be there. Everyone will do their best. But we have a lot of confidence in the person, in the prognosis and in the environment.”
The Oklahoma City Thunder locker room is built around Sam Presti’s motto: recruit people first, players second. They have a unique group who will be able to lift and support their teammate in a difficult period.
“What we do with the team, and especially in a situation like this, is a very private matter that becomes public because we are in the NBA. I will keep all of that private. But what I will say is the instinct of our players, the authenticity of our players and the character of our players, that’s what they rely on in all unusual situations. If that’s not familiar to anyone,” detailed the Thunder head coach. “That’s why I’m so confident in the environment around Nikola as he goes through this. Our locker room is incredible in every situation, and they will get it done, just like he will get it done.”
This sentiment was shared by Isaiah Hartenstein and Isaiah Joe after Thursday’s game against the Washington Wizards.
“I think for us the main thing is just supporting us. He’s been with us for two years and has been a big part of our team. Even when he’s injured it was still nice to see him. I think for us as a team it’s just about rallying around him. I think that’s what makes our team special,” Hartenstein said. “Sam brings those people that no matter what anyone is going through, we’re going to be there for each other. That’s the most important thing. We’re just going to continue to support him and go from there.”
This is a difficult time for Topic, his loved ones, his friends, his family and his teammates. The Thunder understand their role in helping their rookie rise.
“Hart said it. Just be there for him, check on him. He’s human. He’s going through something. As long as we can support him and get through it. Help warm his heart through it all and let him know he’s not alone in this,” Joe said while sharing the stage with Hartenstein.
Having this strong support system in place for Topic is a good thing for him in this process.
