OKC’s Topic competes in G League, marking first appearance following cancer diagnosis.

OKLAHOMA CITY — Oklahoma City Thunder prospect Nikola Topic has made his debut in the NBA G League following recovery from a significant knee injury and treatment for cancer.

In 16 minutes of play for the Oklahoma City Blue, Topic recorded seven points and seven assists during their 137-135 overtime win against the Sioux Falls Skyforce on Monday night.

Thunder coach Mark Daigneault commended Topic in Los Angeles prior to the defending NBA champion Oklahoma City’s matchup with the Lakers.

“We’re all just collectively thrilled that he’s back playing basketball,” Daigneault stated. “I know he’s missed it a great deal, and this is just so good for him mentally to get his feet back underneath him.”

The G League game marked another significant milestone for Topic, who has had limited basketball activity since the Thunder selected him as the 12th overall pick in the 2024 draft.

Oklahoma City opted for the Serbian guard despite him having torn a ligament in his knee two months prior, which kept him out for his entire first season in North America.

Topic participated in summer league games for Oklahoma City last year and made an appearance in the Thunder’s preseason, but was later diagnosed with testicular cancer. He underwent chemotherapy before returning to playing condition.

“Great accomplishment,” Daigneault remarked. “Just can’t say enough about him as a person, his mental toughness, maturity, resilience. … He hasn’t played much basketball over the last two years, and he comes off a one-year rehabilitation and immediately faces a surprising diagnosis and undergoes chemotherapy, three rounds of it. So for him to work himself back onto the court is just an unbelievable accomplishment, and we’re incredibly happy for him.”