Home / Sports / Thunder's Draft Pick Battles Illness for NBA Shot
Thunder's Draft Pick Battles Illness for NBA Shot
14 Aug
Summary
- Nikola Topic overcame testicular cancer and a torn ACL.
- He made his NBA debut nearly two years after being drafted.
- Topic has two years left on his contract to prove his worth.
The Oklahoma City Thunder's 2025-26 season saw Nikola Topic navigate a challenging path to his NBA debut. Selected 12th overall in the 2024 NBA draft, Topic's first season was lost to a torn ACL. His resilience was further tested when he was diagnosed with testicular cancer in October 2025, leading to a three-month chemotherapy treatment.
After successfully beating cancer and completing a G League ramp-up, Topic made his long-awaited NBA debut in early 2026. He appeared in 10 games, showing flashes of potential, including two double-doubles in his final regular-season appearances.
Now entering a crucial phase of his career, Topic has two years left on his rookie-scale contract. Despite durability concerns stemming from his ACL tear and recent back surgery, he possesses playmaking ability and confidence that could earn him rotation minutes.
