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2w ago

Thunder Guard Nikola Topic Diagnosed With Testicular Cancer, Begins Chemotherapy

The team says physicians are highly optimistic about the 20-year-old’s long-term outlook as he prioritizes treatment over any return timeline.

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 said a biopsy following an early-October testicular procedure at MD Anderson confirmed the diagnosis and led to the treatment plan.
  • Doctors at OU Health and MD Anderson described Topic’s prognosis as extremely positive, noting testicular cancer is among the most curable cancers in men.
  • Presti set no timetable for a basketball return, emphasizing the organization’s only expectation is that Topic focus on his health.
  • Topic has continued to train and work out with the Thunder during treatment after asking the team to keep the diagnosis private until chemotherapy began.
  • The 2024 No. 12 pick missed last season with a torn ACL, appeared in a preseason game this month, and has received public support from coach Mark Daigneault and teammates.