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Nikola Topic of the Oklahoma City Thunder has been diagnosed with testicular cancer.
Less than two months after announcing his cancer diagnosis, Topic Nikola of the Oklahoma City Thunder has made incredible progress on the field. The subject was at the shootaround before Thursday’s match against the Los Angeles Clippers at the Paycom Center.
Thunder beat the reporter Clemente Almanza shared a short video of Topic dribbling and taking shots during the Thunder’s pregame warmups. He moved well and even drove to the basket against a defender and made a tough layup.
Almanza added that it was the first time he had seen the young Serb on the pitch since his diagnosis in late October. Topic is undergoing chemotherapy and has apparently shaved his head to anticipate expected hair loss from the treatment.
This is an incredible step for Topic, who has yet to make his NBA debut. He missed all of last season with a torn ACL in his left knee. He’s been through a lot at such a young age, but he continues to show heart and hard work.
Mark Daigneault salutes the resilience of the subject
Before last week’s NBA Cup semifinal between the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurscoach Mark Daigneault was requested by journalists on the progress of Nikola Topic. Daigneault had a lot of positive things to say about Topic, from his treatment to how he’s handling it all at just 20 years old.
“He’s doing the job where he can physically so that when he comes out, he’s in the best position possible physically. But he’s done a great job. He’s exactly where he should be. He’s doing great. The guys have been great to him. He’s been great to the guys. It’s a very humbling situation to watch because he’s handled it wonderfully,” Daigneault said, via Sports Illustrated.
The coach also described Topic as an “amazing person” and an “amazing character” who doesn’t want his cancer diagnosis to concern him. He remains focused on his recovery and returning to the team to help them defend their NBA championship.
Jalen Williams added that he has a lot of respect for Topic because he went through his ACL recovery smoothly and is now handling his cancer treatments in the best way possible. Williams and the rest of the team are doing everything they can to show their support for their young teammate.
No Cooldown for Subject Nikola
According to ESPN’s Tim MacMahonNikola Topic underwent surgery in early October following his preseason debut. He was then diagnosed with testicular cancer, as announced by the general manager of the Oklahoma City Thunder. Sam Presti. He began chemotherapy before the Thunder made his condition public.
“Our only expectations of him are to focus on that. That’s his biggest priority. He’ll come back and play basketball when he’s able to, but we’re not putting any delay or expectations on that, obviously. He has all of our support and encouragement and love,” Presti said.
The Thunder have not released an update on Topic’s recovery timeline. His doctors are said to be “extremely positive” about his overall outlook.
Juan Paulo David Juan Paolo David is a sports journalist who covers basketball for Heavy. He has a decade of experience writing about the NBA and WWE. He is currently based in the Philippines. Learn more about Juan Paolo David
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