Nikola Topić made his NBA debut Thursday night for the Oklahoma City Thunder, scoring his first points after undergoing treatment for testicular cancer. The Serbian guard, selected 12th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, missed all of last season due to a pre-draft knee injury and had not played this season after being diagnosed during the preseason.
Topić had a procedure in October, then underwent chemotherapy and worked his way back into shape. He checked in late in the first quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks to a loud ovation and scored his only basket early in the second quarter with a jumper near the free-throw line. He finished with 2 points, 1 rebound and 1 assist in a 110-93 loss.
Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said he was “just thrilled for him,” calling Topić’s return a major accomplishment after significant adversity, while stressing he’s still in the early stages of getting back to “full game shape.” Earlier in the week, Topić logged 7 points and 7 assists in 16 minutes for the Oklahoma City Blue in the G League.
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