NBA Point Guard Nikola Topić Debuts After Beating Testicular Cancer

After overcoming testicular cancer, Nikola Topić returned to the court on February 12, 2026 to make his debut for the Oklahoma City Thunder and recorded his first NBA points. The milestone marked the end of a grueling physical battle for the 20-year-old Serbian, who had previously suffered a partial anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear in 2024 prior to his cancer diagnosis.

It appeared as if the torn ACL during his draft year had marked the lowest point, but a new setback in late October 2025 made the climb even more daunting for Topić. Just as the professional basketball player recovered from his injury to play in the Thunder’s preseason opener against the Charlotte Hornets, a testicular cancer diagnosis forced him away from the hardwood again and into a fight for his life.

Topić’s cancer diagnosis and treatment were previously announced by Thunder general manager Sam Presti. According to Presti, doctors were highly positive about Topić’s prognosis at the time.

Topić underwent chemotherapy shortly upon receiving his biopsy results at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. Throughout that period, he reportedly maintained his fitness by working out regularly.

Despite the rigors of chemotherapy, he was said to have kept high spirits, a sentiment shared by Thunder coach Mark Daigneault during the team’s updates.

Topić’s agent Misko Raznatovic shared in January this year that the guard had successfully completed his chemotherapy and would be returning to training. On February 9, 2026, he hit the ground running with a ramp-up period with the Oklahoma City Blue. The ramping-up process was highly successful, as Oklahoma City Blue won Sioux Falls Skyforce 137-135.

A few days later the 6ft 6in guard made his official NBA debut. In 12 minutes of play against the Milwaukee Bucks during the 2025-26 NBA season, he recorded 2 points, 1 rebound, and 1 assist. Although the Thunder eventually lost to the Bucks 110-93, Topić received a standing ovation from the home crowd in recognition of his comeback and 2-year journey against adversity.

Testicular cancer is a rare cancer that is most commonly diagnosed in young men between 20 and 39 years old. It often begins in the cells that make sperm and tends to be very responsive to treatment. Early signs and symptoms include lump, swelling, or pain in the testicle. According to the National Cancer Institute, it has a 5-year survival rate of 94.9%, suggesting that the vast majority of patients can expect a positive long-term outlook.