Thunder guard Nikola Topić calls a play during a preseason game against the Hornets on October 5, 2025 in Charleston, South Carolina. (Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Oklahoma City Thunder rookie Nikola Topić will miss at least four weeks after undergoing testicular surgery on Monday.
The team said the 20-year-old Serbian guard would be re-evaluated within a maximum of six weeks.
Topić was the 12th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft and missed the entire season while recovering from a torn ACL. He played in Summer League this year and started Sunday’s preseason opener against Charlotte, finishing with 10 points and seven assists in 31 minutes in Oklahoma City’s 135-114 victory.
The pre-season was expected to be a vital part of Topić’s integration into the team. He’s the only new member of a roster that remained largely the same after winning the NBA title.
Topić said during media day that he looks forward to helping the Thunder’s star trio of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren.
“I think maybe I help them move the ball up the field or something,” Topić said. “And just make a few passes, free up their defense, like, try to get attention in another way. Try to free them up.”
Veteran guard Alex Caruso said during media day that he expects Topic to be a good addition.
“I think for him it’s just trying to refine his game and speed up the learning curve that comes with being a new player in the NBA,” Caruso said. “And for him, I think he’ll be fine because he’s pretty emotionless, to put it lightly. He’s starting to make jokes now, which is great. He’s starting to feel more comfortable. For him, I think it’s just about letting him know that making mistakes is okay.”
Thunder forward Kenrich Williams underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee last week, and his timetable for return is unclear. Rookie center Thomas Sorber will miss the season with a torn ACL in his right knee.
