Thunder Rookie Nikola Topic Begins Chemotherapy for Testicular Cancer
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Oklahoma City Thunder guard Nikola Topic has started chemotherapy after being diagnosed with testicular cancer, general manager Sam Presti told reporters on Thursday.
Presti said physicians are “extremely positive” about the long-term prognosis for the 20-year-old Serbian, who was selected No. 12 overall in the 2024 NBA draft. Topic missed the entire 2024-25 season while recovering from a torn ACL.
According to Presti, Topic underwent a biopsy at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston in early October. After receiving the results, the guard asked the team to keep the diagnosis private until chemotherapy was underway.
Despite beginning treatment, Topic has continued light workouts. The Thunder did not provide a timetable for his NBA debut.
“Our only expectations for him are to focus on this,” Presti said. “He’ll be back playing basketball when he’s able to, but we’re not putting any time length or expectations on that, obviously. He has our total support, encouragement and love.”
Source: ESPN
