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Home / Sports / Thunder Star Nikola Topic Battles Testicular Cancer, Remains Optimistic

Thunder Star Nikola Topic Battles Testicular Cancer, Remains Optimistic

Summary

  • 20-year-old Thunder guard Nikola Topic diagnosed with testicular cancer
  • Underwent chemotherapy, no timetable for return to team
  • Thunder GM Sam Presti says Topic has "tremendous group of oncologists" and positive outlook
Thunder Star Nikola Topic Battles Testicular Cancer, Remains Optimistic

On October 30, 2025, the Oklahoma City Thunder received troubling news about one of their young stars. 20-year-old guard Nikola Topic has been diagnosed with testicular cancer, according to Thunder general manager Sam Presti.

The diagnosis came after an initial testicular procedure Topic underwent before the team's training camp last month. Presti revealed that Topic has now undergone chemotherapy, but there is no timetable for his return to the team.

Despite the difficult circumstances, Presti expressed optimism about Topic's recovery, citing the player's age and the support of his medical team. "He has a tremendous group of oncologists both at OU, at MD Anderson, and they are extremely positive about his outlook in dealing with this situation," Presti said.

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The Thunder GM also praised Topic's character, describing him as a "really remarkable, remarkable guy" who is "extraordinarily mature, composed, resilient." Presti emphasized that Topic's health is the team's top priority, and they will not rush his return to the court.

The news comes as the Thunder are coming off their first NBA championship in 2025. Topic did not play last season as he recovered from a torn ACL, but he had shown promise in the Summer League and preseason games prior to his cancer diagnosis.

Disclaimer: This story has been auto-aggregated and auto-summarised by a computer program. This story has not been edited or created by the Feedzop team.

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Nikola Topic, a 20-year-old guard for the OKC Thunder, has been diagnosed with testicular cancer.
The Thunder's general manager, Sam Presti, says the team is providing Topic with a "tremendous group of oncologists" and their "total support, encouragement and love" as he focuses on his recovery.
Presti stated there is no timetable for Topic's return to the team, as the player's health is the top priority. The team will not rush his comeback and will allow Topic to focus on his cancer treatment.

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