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Nikola Topic Makes Inspiring NBA Debut After Cancer Battle
The 12th overall pick in the 2024 draft finally stepped onto the court for the Oklahoma City Thunder, marking a triumphant return after overcoming testicular cancer.
Published on Feb. 13, 2026
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Nikola Topic, the 12th overall pick in the 2024 NBA draft, made his long-awaited debut with the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday night, just months after undergoing surgery and chemotherapy to treat testicular cancer. Despite modest stats, Topic's presence on the court symbolized his perseverance and courage in the face of immense adversity.
Why it matters
Topic's journey to this point was marked by multiple hardships, including a knee injury that sidelined him for a full season before his cancer diagnosis. His debut represents a significant personal victory and a powerful reminder that sometimes the true victory lies in the courage it takes to step back onto the court.
The details
When Topic entered the game late in the first quarter, the crowd responded with a standing ovation, acknowledging the young guard's perseverance. Early in the second quarter, Topic scored his first NBA points with a smooth jump shot near the free-throw line. Though he finished with modest stats—two points, one rebound, and one assist—his performance carried a weight far beyond numbers.
- Nikola Topic was sidelined for a full season due to a knee injury.
- Topic was diagnosed with testicular cancer during the preseason.
- Topic underwent surgery in October and endured several rounds of chemotherapy.
- Topic recently played 16 minutes with the Oklahoma City Blue, the Thunder's G League affiliate.
- Topic made his NBA debut on Thursday, February 13, 2026.
The players
Nikola Topic
A 12th overall pick in the 2024 NBA draft who made his much-anticipated debut with the Oklahoma City Thunder after beating testicular cancer.
Mark Daigneault
The head coach of the Oklahoma City Thunder, who acknowledged Topic's perseverance and noted that the team is cautiously managing his minutes and progression as he continues to regain full game shape.
What they’re saying
“We're just happy he got out there tonight and is on that track back. That's the most important thing.”
— Mark Daigneault, Head Coach, Oklahoma City Thunder
“Just thrilled for him. He's obviously been through a ton of adversity in his life in the last couple years. He's a young guy that all he wants to do is play basketball and that's been taken from him a couple of different times.”
— Mark Daigneault, Head Coach, Oklahoma City Thunder
What’s next
To regain full form, Topic will continue to play limited minutes with the Thunder and their G League affiliate, the Oklahoma City Blue, as the team carefully manages his return to competition.
The takeaway
Nikola Topic's inspiring NBA debut after overcoming testicular cancer serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of sports to uplift and inspire communities, even in the face of immense personal challenges.
