On Thursday, news spread like wildfire that OKC Thunder guard Nikola Topic had completed chemotherapy for testicular cancer.
The former first round pick was diagnosed with the disease in October, after initially undergoing a smaller-scale procedure that was expected to keep him out of action for four to six weeks.
Since then, Topic has been working to get back on track. He was even seen on the floor again in mid-December, when he participated in pre-match warm-ups with the Thunder before their game against the Los Angeles Clippers.
Just a few days ago he was spotted do defensive training with rookies Brooks Barnhizer and Chris Youngblood.
Now that he has officially completed his treatment, we can hope that the 20-year-old can go back not only in G-League action but also in NBA action.
Topic is still looking for his first minutes of his NBA career, as this diagnosis follows he missed his entire rookie year last season due to a torn ACL.
The Thunder Guard’s impending return is bigger than basketball
The Thunder would like Topic to return to full health for their playoff run, but Presti and the rest of the organization will likely just be grateful to see him return to the team healthy.
Topic’s situation is not completely unrelated to the NBA. In 2008, Nuggets big man Nene Hilario missed 37 games while completing chemotherapy for the same diagnosis.
Fans will have a surprise to look forward to whenever the topic is fully ready.
Many may have forgotten the level of hype that surrounded the guard ahead of the 2024 NBA Draft, but Thunder fans could be in for a real treat when Topic finally takes the court, anytime.
Just two years ago, Bleacher Report ranked the topic as “primary ball handler” who is able to create plays for himself and his teammates. He’s drawn comparisons to players like Goran Dragic and even now teammate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Whether it’s later this year or early next season, the Thunder will likely be eager to have another playmaker on the court within their already star-studded rotation.
At 31-7, OKC is in no rush to get their Serbian player back into action, as they can afford to let him fully recover from his numerous health complications.
In the meantime, just seeing him back on a basketball court should be extremely encouraging for both the team and the fans.
Even without a specific timetable for his return, his current state of health is more than adequate.
