Nikola Topic returns from cancer treatment, debuts for Thunder
nikola-topic-makes-thunder-debut-after-cancer-treatment
Oklahoma City, Feb. 12, 2026 — Serbian guard Nikola Topic played his first NBA minutes on Thursday night, less than five months after completing treatment for testicular cancer.
The No. 12 overall selection in the 2024 draft checked in late in the first quarter of the Oklahoma City Thunder’s home game against the Milwaukee Bucks and was greeted by a standing ovation. Early in the second period, the 22-year-old sank a jumper from the free-throw line for his first league basket.
Topic missed the entire 2024-25 campaign while recovering from a knee injury sustained before the draft. A preseason exam ahead of the current season uncovered testicular cancer, leading to surgery in October followed by chemotherapy. He returned to full basketball activities after completing treatment.
Monday night, in a tune-up with the Thunder’s G League affiliate, the Oklahoma City Blue, Topic recorded seven points and seven assists in 16 minutes of a 137-135 overtime win against the Sioux Falls Skyforce.
The Thunder did not specify how many minutes the rookie would play going forward, saying only that his workload will be monitored as he regains game rhythm.
Source: ESPN
