By Johnny Askounis/ [email protected]
After his second career NBA appearance, 20-year-old Nikola Topic reflected on an arduous journey to the hardwood. The young guard overcame an ACL tear who kept him away for Oklahoma City Thunderof the 2024-25 championship, only to face a subsequent diagnosis of testicular cancer last October.
“I have to thank the entire organization, from the players and coaching staff to the medical team. They have been incredibly supportive throughout the entire process. And, of course, the fans too,” he remarked during a postgame interview at the Paycom Center on Friday, after helping the Thunder to a victory against the Brooklyn Nets.
“I’ll remember it for the rest of my life, and I’ll kind of try to say thank you on the field,” he added.
His return has been a steady progression. After chemotherapy And a brief conditioning stint with the Oklahoma City Blue of the G LeagueThe subject showed immediate improvement. After recording two points, an assist and a rebound in 12 minutes during his debut against the Milwaukee Buckshe had nine points, three rebounds and two assists against the Nets.
“After the first game in the G League, the second game was better. The first game here was good. The second game was better. But I think it will only get better,” he confidently answered a question about his definitive NBA debut, nearly two years after being selected with the 12th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, presented by State Farm.
“Of course, I will remember it for the rest of my life. It was great,” he then received a standing ovation after checking in for his first appearance last Thursday.
The subject also discussed the physical consequences of chemotherapy while trying to maintain his basketball activities. “It was a bit of a strange situation. You learn a lot about your body, how your body reacts to different things,” he explained. “It was pretty encouraging to see. I’m pretty grateful to be talking to you right now.
Under the direction of head coach Mark Daigneault, Topic’s contributions helped the defending champions extend their lead over the Nets and improve to a record of 43-14 for the 2025-26 regular season. Always a team player, the Novi Sad native attributed the collective effort to his own performance.
“I thought we played especially well on defense. We rebounded and made those two transition attacks, which we’re really good at, and we made some really good shots and moved the ball. It was pretty easy.” he described. “When we move the ball, touch the paint, when we rebound and run, it’s pretty easy to play with those guys.”
Topic also commented on the biggest difference between the NBA and his previous career assignments.
“I would say the physical aspect. It’s so different from European basketball and Summer League, which I played,” he mentioned.
THE Thunder continue their home game at the Paycom Center this Sunday against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
