Nikola Topic received a standing ovation as he made his long-awaited NBA debut for the Oklahoma City Thunder after recovering from both a torn ACL and testicular cancer.
The 12th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft stepped onto the floor at Paycom Center following a year defined by injury and illness rather than development.
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Topic had first been ruled out by a torn ACL before later undergoing surgery and chemotherapy after a testicular cancer diagnosis.
Photo by William Purnell/Getty Images
Thunder rookie earns standing ovation after cancer and ACL recovery
When Nikola Topic checked into the game against the Milwaukee Bucks, the home crowd rose to its feet in recognition of his journey back to professional basketball.
The ovation marked the end of months spent in rehabilitation and medical treatment instead of on court preparation.
Topic finished with two points, one rebound, and one assist in 12 minutes during the 110-93 defeat, but the statistics were secondary to the occasion.
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Simply appearing in an NBA game represented a milestone after missing his entire first season.
A delayed debut shaped by adversity
Topic’s transition to the league stalled before it began when a torn ACL sidelined him for what would have been his rookie campaign.
As he worked toward recovery, he was then diagnosed with testicular cancer, forcing him to prioritise surgery and chemotherapy over basketball.
The additional setback extended his absence and shifted the focus from development to health.
Oklahoma City supported the young guard throughout the process as he gradually rebuilt his strength and conditioning.
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