Photo by William Purnell/Getty Images
Nicola Topic steps onto the NBA court after beating cancer.
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Oklahoma City Thunder’s 20-year-old Serbian guard Nikola Topic finally made his emotional NBA debut on February 12, 2026, after a long and difficult journey. Topic was drafted 12th overall in 2024, but missed his entire freshman year with a serious knee injury.
While returning to health, he received a devastating diagnosis of testicular cancer during the 2025 preseason. His return to the Paycom Center field was a moment that transcended sports, representing a victory of the human spirit over immense adversity. After completing three rounds of chemotherapy and a brief stint in the G League to get his rhythm back, Topic was finally activated for a regular season game against the Milwaukee Bucks.
Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault expressed great pride in Topic’s resilience, noting that the young man has faced more challenges in two years than most athletes face in a lifetime. While the game was a huge milestone for the franchise, it was an even bigger personal victory for Topic and his family.
Thunder rookie Nikola Topic receives standing ovation in NBA debut after battle with cancer
The atmosphere inside the arena was electric as Nikola Topic approached the scorer’s table to check in for the first time at the end of the first quarter. When the announcer called his name, the entire crowd stood, delivering a deafening ovation that lasted for several moments.
Topic looked composed as he walked the floor, showing the same calm style of play that made him a lottery pick. Despite the pressure of the moment and the noise of the crowd, he immediately focused on the game and showed that his basketball IQ remained sharp throughout his recovery.
Coach Daigneault mentioned after the game that the night was supposed to be a feel-good experience for Topic, with very little expectation on his actual stats. The goal was simply to get him back into a professional environment and allow him to feel the support of the local public.
Subject scores first career points with inspiring comeback
The highlight of the night came early in the second quarter when Nikola Topic scored his first official NBA points. He knocked down a fluid jumper near the free throw line, a shot that brought the crowd to its feet again.
Topic finished his limited 12-minute debut with two points, a rebound and an assist. Although the box office score was modest, victory was on its way to a comeback. Earlier in the week, he had already shown flashes of his potential in the G League, where he averaged over 14 points and 5 assists in two games.
Looking ahead, the Thunder plan to slowly increase Topic’s minutes as he returns to full health after the All-Star break. For now, the focus remains on his health and continued development. After facing a life-threatening illness and major surgery, Topic’s journey from hospital to court remains one of the most inspiring stories in league history.
Published: February 13, 2026 10:53 a.m.