The Oklahoma City Thunder announced Thursday afternoon that 20-year-old guard Nikola Topic has been diagnosed with cancer.
Topic, a Serbian professional basketball player for the Oklahoma City Thunder, has started chemotherapy. There is currently no timetable for Topic’s recovery. Topic, the No. 12 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, is in his second season with the franchise. He has yet to play a single game this season.
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The medical group working with Topic is extremely optimistic about its future. They believe he will be able to make a full recovery and eventually return to professional basketball in the future.
October 5, 2025; North Charleston, South Carolina, United States; Charlotte Hornets guard Tre Mann (23) defends against Oklahoma City Thunder forward Nikola Topic (44) in the third quarter at North Charleston Coliseum. Mandatory credit: Arthur Ellis-ImagnImages© Arthur Ellis-Imagn Images
Topic, who turned 20 in August, played in the preseason, although he has been out recently.
“He had testicle surgery early in training camp,” Thunder executive vice president and general manager Sam Presti said Thursday.
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“This procedure was necessary…to determine if Nikola had testicular cancer. The procedure was necessary to do a biopsy. The results of the biopsy were determined and he had testicular cancer.”
Prayers pour in for thunder guard
Cancer is scary, whatever the prognosis. NBA fans pray for Topic Thursday.
“Prayers for Topic man 🙏🏽,” one fan wrote.
“Nothing but prayers for Nikola Topic. We can all agree we hate cancer. Supporting his recovery isn’t even about basketball,” one fan added.
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“Nikola Topic is being treated for testicular cancer, according to Sam Presti. Pray ❤️,” a fan added.
“Prayers for Topic. I can’t imagine what it’s like to face this fight in what should have been your first NBA season,” one fan added.
“Oh my god… wishing Topic all the best, prayers 🙏,” one fan added.
The Thunder, who won the 2025 NBA Finals by beating the Indiana Pacers, are off to a 5-0 start this season.
Our thoughts are with Topic, his family and friends as he goes through this ordeal.
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This story was originally reported by The yarn on October 30, 2025, where he first appeared in the NBA section. Add The Spun as Favorite source by clicking here.
