The Oklahoma City Thunder recently learned that Nikola Topic was diagnosed with testicular cancer. Only after beginning chemotherapy did they announce it to the public.
Topic will be sidelined for the indefinite future as he deals with his diagnosis. The medical group that’s working with the 20-year-old is extremely positive about his long-term outlook and expects him to eventually return to the NBA.
Just awful news for Topic. He previously underwent testicular surgery earlier this month. Thunder GM Sam Presti revealed that the procedure was conducted to determine if he had cancer.
The Thunder drafted Topic with the No. 12 pick of the 2024 NBA draft. He missed last season recovering from a torn ACL. He returned to play in the 2025 Summer League and one preseason game before being shut down due to the testicular surgery he had.
Here’s what a couple of his Thunder teammates said about Topic’s testicular cancer diagnosis. Isaiah Hartenstein and Isaiah Joe talked about it after their 127-108 win over the Washington Wizards:
Isaiah Hartenstein
“I think for us, the main thing is just being supportive. He’s been with us for the last two years and has been a great part of our team. Even when he’s hurt, it was always good seeing him around. I think for us, as a team, is just rallying behind him. I think that’s what makes our team special.
“Sam brings in these people that no matter what someone is going through, we’re going to be there for each other. That’s the biggest thing. We’re just going to keep supporting him and go from there.”
Isaiah Joe
“Hart said it. Just being there for him, checking in on him. He’s human. He’s going through something. As long as we can have his back and getting through it. Help warm his heart through it all and let him know he’s not in this thing alone.”