Oklahoma City Thunder guard Nikola Topić made his NBA debut in Thursday’s 110-93 loss against the Milwaukee Bucks. Topić received a standing ovation when he entered the game, after being out since October after receiving chemotherapy treatment after being diagnosed with testicular cancer.
He finished the game with two points, 1 rebound and 1 assist in 12 minutes.
The 20-year-old was assigned to the OKC Blue on Sunday and played in two G League games, averaging 14.5 points and 5.5 assists through two games with the OKC Blue.
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The 6-foot-6 Serbian guard has yet to make his NBA debut since being drafted with the 12th overall pick in the 2024 draft. Topić missed his rookie season and essentially had a redshirt rookie season after partially tearing his ACL before the draft. He played in the Summer League and preseason before his diagnosis this year.
Topić received minutes with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitchell, all missing the Bucks game. Gilgeous-Alexander and Mitchell have missed time with abdominal injuries, while Williams is dealing with a hamstring injury. Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein will also rest in the team’s last game before the All-Star break.
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The defending champions sit atop the West standings at 42-14.