By Johnny Askounis/ [email protected]
Determined to overcome the latest setback and finally make his official NBA debut, Nikola Topic completed chemotherapy for testicular cancer.
The 20-year-old Serbian point guard was already working on the pitch in preparation for his return to action, winning more praise from Oklahoma City Thunder teammates and head coach Mark Daigneault.
The latest update was delivered by his agent, Misko Raznatovic.
Nikola Topić has completed chemotherapy for testicular cancer, his agent Miško Ražnatović has confirmed. 🙏🏻
The Serbian guard is still looking to make his NBA debut after missing all of last season with an ACL injury 🔜 pic.twitter.com/Gxjbf0JwjR
– Eurohoops (@Eurohoopsnet) January 9, 2026
After being drafted with the 12th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft presented by State Farm, Topic missed the entire 2024-25 championship run while recovering from knee surgery, an injury carried over from his previous professional run in Europe. After a string of strong performances across two Summer League tournaments, he rose to the top of the ensuing preseason schedule, looking more than ready to play a significant role on the team. Thunder during the 2025-26 regular season, he was diagnosed with testicular cancer and started chemotherapy.
The Novi Sad native remains out indefinitely, but he’s surely determined to get back on track and fight his way to his first official NBA appearance as soon as possible.
With 31-7, the defending champions are at the top of the NBA standings, 2.5 games ahead of the Eastern Conference leaders, Detroit Pistonsand 4.5 games behind the second seed in the Western Conference, San Antonio Spurs.
Short business trip to Memphis 🛫 pic.twitter.com/UsRacXQTo4
-OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) January 9, 2026
Daigneault’s team resumes the 82-game regular season schedule on Friday, visiting the Memphis Grizzlies in FedExForum. Besides Topic, Germany’s Isaiah Hartenstein (right soleus strain) is also out, but France’s Ousmane Dieng has been medically cleared after missing seven games with a right calf strain. His fellow European, Belgian Ajay Mitchell, is also available.
