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3h ago

Thunder’s Nikola Topic Diagnosed With Testicular Cancer, Begins Chemotherapy

With no return timetable, the team is emphasizing treatment over basketball.

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 confirmed the diagnosis after a testicular procedure and biopsy performed earlier this month at MD Anderson in Houston.
  • Topic has started chemotherapy under oncologists from MD Anderson and OU Health, with doctors describing his long‑term outlook as extremely positive.
  • The guard asked that the news be withheld until treatment began, and the organization honored his request for privacy.
  • Presti said there is no timetable for a return to play, and the Thunder’s only expectation is that Topic focus on his medical care.
  • The 20-year-old, drafted 12th in 2024, missed last season with a torn ACL and briefly appeared in preseason before this diagnosis and treatment plan.