Thunder’s Nikola Topić Sidelined 4–6 Weeks After Testicular Procedure
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Oklahoma City guard Nikola Topić will be out for at least four to six weeks after undergoing a testicular procedure on Monday, the team announced.
The setback delays the 12th overall pick in the 2024 draft from making his long-awaited regular-season debut. Topić missed all of last year with an ACL tear and had been aiming to earn rotation minutes in his second NBA campaign.
Topić logged 31 minutes in Sunday’s preseason opener against Charlotte, recording 10 points, seven assists and four rebounds on 4-of-9 shooting. He will be reevaluated in late October or early November, setting his earliest possible return for sometime next month.
Head coach Mark Daigneault still has considerable backcourt depth, including Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Alex Caruso, Cason Wallace, Isaiah Joe, Aaron Wiggins and rookie Ajay Mitchell. As a result, Topić’s absence is not expected to force major adjustments when the Thunder begin their season later this month.
Oklahoma City will also start the year without forward Kenrich Williams, who is recovering from knee surgery, and rookie center Thomas Sorber, sidelined by an ACL tear.
Source: Hoops Rumors