The Oklahoma City Thunder announced on Thursday afternoon that 20-year-old guard Nikola Topic has been diagnosed with cancer.
Topic, a Serbian professional basketball player for the Oklahoma City Thunder, has begun chemotherapy. There is currently no timetable for Topic’s recovery. Topic, the No. 12 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, is in his second season with the franchise. He has yet to play in a game this season.
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The medical group that is working with Topic is extremely optimistic about his future. They believe that he will be able to make a full recovery and ultimately return to professional basketball in the future.
Oct 5, 2025; North Charleston, South Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Tre Mann (23) defends against Oklahoma City Thunder Nikola Topic (44) in the third quarter at North Charleston Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Arthur Ellis-ImagnImages© Arthur Ellis-Imagn Images
Topic, who turned 20 years old in August, played in the preseason, though he has been out recently.
“He had a testicular procedure at the very beginning of training camp,” Thunder executive vice president and general manager Sam Presti said on Thursday.
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“That procedure was necessary…to determine if Nikola was dealing with testicular cancer. The procedure was necessary in order to do a biopsy. The results of the biopsy have been determined and he is dealing with testicular cancer.”
Prayers are pouring in for the Thunder guard
Cancer is scary, no matter how the prognosis looks. NBA fans are praying for Topic on Thursday.
“Prayers for Topic man 🙏🏽,” one fan wrote.
“Nothing but prayers for Nikola Topic. We can all agree that we hate cancer. Rooting for his recovery, this isn’t even about basketball,” one fan added.
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“Nikola Topic is being treated for testicular cancer, per Sam Presti. Prayers up ❤️,” one fan added.
“Prayers up for Topic. Can’t imagine what it’s like to face that fight in what should’ve been your first NBA season,” one fan added.
“Oh my god.. wishing Topic all the best, prayers up 🙏,” one fan added.
The Thunder, who won the 2025 NBA Finals, taking down the Indiana Pacers, are off to a 5-0 start this season.
Our thoughts are with Topic and his family and friends as he goes through this.
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This story was originally reported by The Spun on Oct 30, 2025, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.