Nikola Topić of OKC Thunder Diagnosed with Testicular Cancer
In a recent and honestly pretty tough turn of events, Oklahoma City Thunder guard Nikola Topić got diagnosed with testicular cancer. The young guard, picked No. 12 in the 2024 draft, had just started to find his rhythm in the NBA.
Thunder general manager Sam Presti broke the news to reporters, stressing how important it is for Topić to put his health first right now. There’s some hope, though—testicular cancer is actually the most curable cancer for men.
On October 30, 2025, the Thunder announced Topić’s diagnosis after a biopsy at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. This all happened not long after he was sidelined for a few weeks due to a testicular procedure.
The news caught a lot of people off guard, especially since Topić had looked so promising in the Thunder’s first preseason game against the Charlotte Hornets. He dropped 10 points and racked up seven assists in 31 minutes—pretty solid for a rookie.
Once doctors confirmed the diagnosis, they told Topić he’d need chemotherapy. That’s the main way to fight testicular cancer and boost the chances of a full recovery.
Even with everything going on, Topić kept working out at the Thunder’s practice facility. Honestly, that says a lot about his drive and how he’s facing all this head-on.
Thunder GM Sam Presti made it clear the organization stands behind Topić. He wants the young guard to focus on getting healthy, without feeling any rush to get back on the court.
Presti called Topić “extraordinarily mature” and “remarkable.” Those are big words, but watching Topić, you kind of get it.
This isn’t the first big hurdle for Topić. The 20-year-old from Serbia missed all of last season with a torn ACL in his left knee.
He managed to bounce back and make a strong start this year, which really shows his determination. You can tell the Thunder believe he’ll get through this too.
Topić’s diagnosis is a tough reminder that even top athletes face serious health challenges. He’s now the third NBA player in the past twenty years to get diagnosed with cancer while still playing.
Back in 2007, former NBA center Nene got diagnosed with testicular cancer. Then in 2021, Caris LeVert found out he had kidney cancer.
Both of those guys fought through treatment and made it back to the court. Their stories give some hope, not just to Topić, but to the whole NBA community.
Testicular cancer remains the most curable cancer among men, especially if caught early. Topić’s story puts a spotlight on why regular check-ups and knowing the symptoms really matter.
More awareness could mean more lives saved down the road.
Continued Support and Encouragement
The Thunder have made it clear—they’re fully behind Topić. They’re giving him the space and time he needs to focus on his recovery.
This approach doesn’t just help with his immediate battle with cancer. Honestly, it sets a pretty great example for how organizations can support their athletes through tough personal health challenges.
For more details, you can check out the full article on the New York Times website.