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8h ago

Thunder Guard Nikola Topić Begins Chemotherapy After Testicular Cancer Diagnosis

Team officials say oncologists are highly optimistic about the 20-year-old guard’s prognosis following a biopsy at MD Anderson.

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SALT LAKE CITY, UT - JULY 8 : NIkola Topic #44 of the Oklahoma City Thunder sets to shoot agaisnt the Utah Jazz during the first half of their NBA Summer League game at the Jon M. Huntsman Center on July 8, 2025 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images)
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Overview

  • General manager Sam Presti disclosed the diagnosis Thursday, confirming it followed a training-camp biopsy in Houston.
  • There is no timetable for a return to basketball, with the organization emphasizing that his sole priority is recovery during chemotherapy.
  • Topić asked that the news be kept private until treatment began, and he has continued light training with the team during care.
  • Doctors at MD Anderson and OU Health are described as extremely positive about his outlook, noting testicular cancer is among the most curable in men.
  • The No. 12 pick in the 2024 draft missed last season with a torn ACL, and Oklahoma City has signaled long-term commitment by exercising his 2026–27 option.