An emotional Nikola Topic describes his path from a serious knee injury and testicular cancer to the NBA
By Johnny Askounis/ [email protected]
Following his second career NBA appearance, 20-year-old Nikola Topic reflected on an arduous journey back to the hardwood. The young guard overcame a torn ACL that sidelined him during the Oklahoma City Thunder’s 2024-25 championship run, only to face a subsequent diagnosis of testicular cancer last October.
“I have to thank the organization as a whole, from the players and coaching staff to the medical team. They were incredibly supportive throughout the entire process. And, of course, the fans as well,” he remarked during a postgame interview at Paycom Center on Friday, after helping the Thunder secure a victory over the Brooklyn Nets.
“I’ll remember that for the rest of my life, and I’ll try to kind of say thank you on the court,” he added.
His return has been a steady progression. Following chemotherapy and a brief conditioning stint with the G League’s Oklahoma City Blue, Topic showed immediate improvement. After recording two points, one assist, and one rebound in 12 minutes during his debut against the Milwaukee Bucks, he tallied nine points, three rebounds, and two assists against the Nets.
“After the first game in the G League, the second game was better. The first game here was OK. The second one was better. But I think it will only get better,” he responded confidently to a question about finally debuting in the NBA, nearly two years after being selected with the 12th overall pick of the 2024 NBA Draft, presented by State Farm.
“For sure, I will remember that for the rest of my life. It was awesome,” he added on receiving a standing ovation after checking in for his first appearance last Thursday.
Topic also touched upon the physical toll of undergoing chemotherapy while attempting to maintain his basketball activities. “It was kind of a weird situation. You kind of learn a lot about your body, how your body reacts to different things,” he explained. “It was pretty encouraging to see. I’m pretty grateful that I’m speaking to you guys right now.
Under head coach Mark Daigneault, Topic’s contributions helped the defending champions extend their lead and improve to a 43-14 record for the 2025-26 Regular. Ever the team player, the Novi Sad native credited the collective effort over his own performance.
“I thought we played defense particularly good. We rebounded and got those two transition offenses, which we’re really great at, and we got really good shots, moved the ball. It was pretty easy,” he described. “When we move the ball, touch the paint, when we rebound and run, it’s pretty easy to play with these guys.”
Topic also compared playing in the NBA to his previous career assignments.
“I would say physicality. It’s so different than the European basketball and Summer League, which I played,” he mentioned.
The Thunder continue their home stand at Paycom Center this Sunday against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
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