Thunder's Nikola Topic Returns After Cancer Battle

First-round pick makes G League debut after missing rookie season

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Nikola Topic, the Oklahoma City Thunder's first-round pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, made his debut in the G League on Monday night after missing his rookie season due to a knee injury and a battle with testicular cancer. Topic scored 7 points and added 7 assists in 16 minutes for the Oklahoma City Blue in their 137-135 overtime win over the Sioux Falls Skyforce.

Why it matters

Topic was the 12th overall pick in the 2024 draft and was expected to be a key part of the Thunder's future. His return to the court after overcoming significant health challenges is an inspiring story for the team and its fans.

The details

Topic tore his ACL a few weeks before the 2024 draft and did not play as a rookie. Then in October, he was diagnosed with testicular cancer and underwent chemotherapy. Blue head coach Daniel Dixon praised Topic's resilience and the support of the entire Thunder organization in helping him return to the court.

  • Topic made his G League debut on Monday, February 10, 2026.
  • He was diagnosed with testicular cancer in October 2024.

The players

Nikola Topic

A 20-year-old Serbian point guard who was the Thunder's first-round pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.

Daniel Dixon

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

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What they’re saying

“There was probably a ton of emotions that he was going through. 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, Blue head coach (Field Level Media)

“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, Blue head coach (Field Level Media)

What’s next

Topic will continue to work his way back and aim to make his NBA debut with the Thunder later this season.

The takeaway

Topic's inspiring comeback story after overcoming significant health challenges is a testament to his resilience and the support of the Thunder organization. His return to the court is a feel-good moment for the team and its fans.