Oklahoma City Thunder general manager Sam Presti announced that rookie guard Nikola Topic has been diagnosed with testicular cancer.
“I want to provide an update on the health of Nikola Topic,” Presti began. “I think as everyone knows. He had a testicular procedure very early in training camp. That procedure was necessary and performed at MD Anderson in Houston to determine if Nikola was dealing with a case of testicular cancer. The procedure was necessary to perform a biopsy, and the biopsy results were returned. He has a case of testicular cancer. He has a tremendous group of oncologists at both OU and MD Anderson and they are extremely positive about his prospects facing this situation… the treatment option for him, right? Today, chemotherapy is recommended by oncologists. Top did not want to make this information public until he started the actual treatments, which he did recently.
Sam Presti provides an injury update for Nikola Topic who was diagnosed with testicular cancer. Topic’s treatment plan is chemotherapy, which he has started. pic.twitter.com/mShPDo4JnI
-Rylan Stiles (@Rylan_Stiles) October 30, 2025
Presti added that Topic trained and practiced at the facility while he underwent treatment, and that he would return to playing basketball “once he is able to.” As expected, the Thunder’s top priority is ensuring the 20-year-old returns to full health.
Topic was the No. 12 selection in the 2024 NBA Draft, but did not play last season for the Thunder. Topic was expected to contribute to the rotation this season in his first active year in the NBA.
That may be the case later this season, but for now the focus will be on Topic’s health as he undergoes treatment for his cancer.
