Nikola Topic plays for the Thunder following recovery from testicular cancer.
OKLAHOMA CITY — Nikola Topic made his NBA debut on Thursday evening for the Thunder following treatment for testicular cancer.
The Serbian guard was selected as the 12th overall pick in the 2024 NBA draft. He did not participate in the previous season due to a knee injury sustained prior to the draft. He had not played this season after receiving a cancer diagnosis during the preseason. After a procedure in October, he underwent chemotherapy and gradually got back into playing condition.
He entered the matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks late in the first quarter and was met with a warm ovation. He recorded his first points with a jumper from just inside the free throw line early in the second quarter.
Topic contributed seven points and seven assists in 16 minutes for the Thunder’s G League affiliate, the Oklahoma City Blue, during a 137-135 overtime win against the Sioux Falls Skyforce on Monday night.
