NBA champion Nikola Topic has been diagnosed with testicular cancer, Oklahoma City Thunder General Manager Sam Presti announced Thursday.
The 20-year-old point guard from Serbia is already undergoing chemotherapy — just months after helping the Thunder capture the NBA championship. Despite the diagnosis, Topic has continued working out and training, and doctors are said to be “extremely positive” about his recovery.
“At the very beginning of training camp, Nikola underwent a testicular procedure to determine whether he had testicular cancer,” Presti explained. “The biopsy confirmed it. He’s now receiving treatment, and his team of oncologists are extremely optimistic about his outlook.”
Presti said Topic wanted to wait to share the news publicly until after starting treatment. “He’s been in here training and working out through this entire process,” Presti said. “He has our total support, encouragement, and love.”
The Thunder have made it clear that Topic’s only focus should be on his health. “This is his most important priority,” Presti added. “He’ll be back playing basketball when he’s ready — we’re not putting any kind of timeline on that.”
Presti described Topic as “extraordinarily mature, composed, and resilient,” adding that he has “all the tools you could ask for in someone facing this challenge.”
Topic, a 2024 first-round draft pick, made an immediate impact in his rookie season and quickly became a fan favorite for his energy and poise.
NBA fans may remember that Denver Nuggets forward Nene was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2008, successfully underwent surgery, and went on to play for more than a decade — a hopeful reminder that Topic’s career doesn’t have to end here.
Across the league, players and fans have already begun sending messages of love and support to the young star as he takes on the biggest battle of his life.