Thunder Rookie Nikola Topic Returns to NBA After Cancer Battle

Rookie guard Nikola Topic set to make NBA debut after overcoming testicular cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Feb. 12, 2026 at 10:55pm

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Oklahoma City Thunder rookie guard Nikola Topic is set to make his NBA debut after being sidelined for several months due to a testicular cancer diagnosis in October. Topic has undergone three rounds of chemotherapy and recently returned to play in his first G League games this week, clearing the way for his NBA return. Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault praised Topic's resilience and optimism throughout his health challenges, including a previous ACL injury, and confirmed he will be available to play in Thursday's game against the Milwaukee Bucks.

Why it matters

Topic's return to the court is an inspiring story of perseverance and determination in the face of significant health obstacles. His ability to overcome cancer and get back to playing professional basketball at the NBA level will be celebrated by fans and the broader basketball community.

The details

After being diagnosed with testicular cancer in October, Topic underwent three rounds of chemotherapy treatment. He recently returned to action, playing in his first G League games this week for the Oklahoma City Blue. While Topic is available to play in Thursday's NBA game against the Bucks, Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault said he may not see significant minutes, as the team looks to ease him back in after such a long layoff.

  • Topic was diagnosed with testicular cancer in October 2025.
  • Topic played in his first G League games this week.
  • Topic is set to make his NBA debut on Thursday, February 13, 2026.

The players

Nikola Topic

A rookie guard for the Oklahoma City Thunder who was diagnosed with testicular cancer in October 2025 but has now recovered and is set to make his NBA debut.

Mark Daigneault

The head coach of the Oklahoma City Thunder, who praised Topic's resilience and optimism throughout his health challenges.

Daniel Dixon

The head coach of the Oklahoma City Blue, the Thunder's G League affiliate, who was impressed by Topic's return to the court.

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What they’re saying

“He's done an incredible job in the face of a lot of different obstacles and adversities. For a young person, he's shown tremendous resilience and optimism, professionalism, consistency, steadiness; he's an impressive young guy.”

— Mark Daigneault, Head Coach, Oklahoma City Thunder (Josue Pavon)

“It was awesome. For him, there were probably a ton of emotions he was going through. Having something taken away from you that you love from a young age cannot be easy. Just to see his resilience and him to know that the whole organization is behind him — we're pushing him forward — I'm just really proud of him.”

— Daniel Dixon, Head Coach, Oklahoma City Blue (Josue Pavon)

What’s next

The Thunder will monitor Topic's minutes and playing time as he makes his NBA debut, likely easing him back in gradually after his lengthy absence due to cancer treatment.

The takeaway

Nikola Topic's return to the court after overcoming testicular cancer is an inspiring story of resilience and determination. His ability to overcome significant health challenges and get back to playing professional basketball at the NBA level will be celebrated by fans and the broader basketball community.