Thunder guard Nikola Topic makes G League debut after cancer treatment

The 20-year-old Serbian guard returned to the court after missing the 2024-25 season with a torn ACL and undergoing chemotherapy for testicular cancer.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Oklahoma City Thunder guard Nikola Topic made his G League debut on Monday night after being sidelined since October while undergoing treatment for testicular cancer. Topic, the 12th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, notched seven points and seven assists in 16 minutes as the Oklahoma City Blue beat the Sioux Falls Skyforce 137-135 in overtime.

Why it matters

Topic's return to the court is a heartwarming story of resilience and perseverance after the young player faced significant health challenges. His debut is a testament to his determination and the support of the Thunder organization as he works to regain his form and continue his professional basketball career.

The details

Topic missed all of the 2024-25 NBA season with a torn ACL in his left knee and then returned to play just one preseason game for the Thunder in October before his cancer diagnosis sidelined him again. After undergoing chemotherapy and working to regain his conditioning, Topic finally returned to the court on Monday.

  • Topic made his G League debut on Monday, February 10, 2026.
  • Topic missed the entire 2024-25 NBA season due to a torn ACL.
  • Topic returned to play one preseason game for the Thunder in October before his cancer diagnosis.

The players

Nikola Topic

A 20-year-old Serbian guard who was the 12th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft by the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Mark Daigneault

The head coach of the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Daniel Dixon

The head coach of the Oklahoma City Blue, the Thunder's G League affiliate.

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What they’re saying

“We're all just collectively thrilled that he's back playing basketball.”

— Mark Daigneault, Head Coach, Oklahoma City Thunder (nytimes.com)

“Having something taken away from you that you loved from a young age cannot be easy, and so, just to see his resilience and him to know that the whole organization is behind him, we're pushing him forward.”

— Daniel Dixon, Head Coach, Oklahoma City Blue (nytimes.com)

“Just seeing him crack a smile while being out there on the court again, doing what he enjoys doing, what he loves to do, being out there with his teammates. I mean, there was so many positive things.”

— Daniel Dixon, Head Coach, Oklahoma City Blue (nytimes.com)

What’s next

The Thunder will continue to monitor Topic's progress as he works to regain his form and potentially earn a spot on the NBA roster.

The takeaway

Nikola Topic's return to the court after overcoming testicular cancer is an inspiring story of resilience and determination. His journey serves as a reminder of the power of perseverance and the importance of the support of an organization in helping a player overcome significant health challenges.