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Nikola Topic has completed his chemotherapy and is ready to return to the field.
OhKlahoma City Thunder guard Topic Nikola continues to progress after his cancer diagnosis.
The subject’s agent, Misko Raznatovic, confirmed that the Thunder guard successfully completed chemotherapy for testicular cancer. “The chemotherapy ended successfully and he is now returning to the training process, although he was also active during the therapy,” Raznatovic said. Arena Sport TV. “It’s hard to pin down a timeline, but I sincerely hope he gets minutes this year, not only in the G League but also in the NBA ground as well, if everything goes as it is now.
The Thunder selected the subject with the 12th pick in 2024 NBA Draft. Topic has his sights set on making his NBA debut and it could happen this season.
Nikola Topic Cancer Diagnosis
In October 2025, Topic underwent a procedure to obtain a biopsy. When the results came back, they showed he had cancer. Thunder general manager Sam Presti said Topic did not want the information made public until he begins chemotherapy treatments.
“Our only expectations of him are to focus on that” Presti said when they announced Diagnosis of the subject. “That’s his biggest priority. He’ll come back and play basketball as soon as he can, but obviously we’re not putting any delays or expectations on that. He has all of our support, encouragement and love.”
The subject has recently faced numerous setbacks. He did not play during the 2024-25 season due to surgery for a torn ACL. Although he has faced some tough times during his career, Topic is determined to come back 100% and help his team in any way he can.
Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault was happy to see Topic in such good spirits when the diagnosis was made. “He is doing very well given the circumstances, which is not surprising,” Daigneault said. “Sam (Presti) mentioned it today, but there is no one at 20 more equipped than him with the maturity, discipline and tenacity to handle a situation like this.”
Nikola Topic prepares for a comeback
Prior to the 2024 NBA Draft, Topic was a sought-after prospect. In 2023, he was named the MVP of the FIBA U 18 European Championship. He is also a two-time ABA League champion, Serbian League champion and Serbian Cub winner.
Topic has had success overseas and that’s one of the main reasons the Thunder selected him in the first round. He has been playing professional basketball since he was 16 years old and has gained a lot of experience.
Before being diagnosed with cancer, Topic played in Summer League. He played in six games and averaged 10.8 points, 5.8 assists and 3.2 rebounds. Topic had a game where he had 18 points and six assists against the Brooklyn fillets.
While there is no timetable for his return, Topic is doing everything possible to ensure he will be ready to take the field. The fact that he continues to be motivated and have a positive mindset despite everything he has been through says a lot about the type of person he is. When he makes his NBA debut, it will be a moment he will never forget.
Kevin Moore Kevin Moore is a contributing NBA writer at Heavy. His previous work has appeared in the York Daily Record, MLBBro.com, MLB.com and The Detroit News. Moore is an avid Detroit sports fan and his favorite sports memories are the Detroit Pistons’ victory in the 2004 NBA Finals and his interview with NBA Hall of Famer Chris Webber. Learn more about Kevin Moore
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