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Thunder's Chet Holmgren Praises Teammate Nikola Topic's NBA Debut After Cancer Battle
Holmgren commends Topic's strength and resilience in returning to the court following his cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Published on Feb. 13, 2026
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Oklahoma City Thunder All-Star Chet Holmgren spoke highly of teammate Nikola Topic's NBA debut on Thursday, just months after Topic completed three rounds of chemotherapy for testicular cancer. Holmgren, who also missed his rookie season due to injury, acknowledged that Topic's battle with cancer is on a different level and praised his strength and resilience in returning to the court.
Why it matters
Topic's return to the NBA after overcoming cancer is an inspiring story that resonates with fans and players alike. Holmgren's thoughtful comments highlight the human side of professional sports and the challenges athletes can face off the court.
The details
In Thursday's 110-93 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks, Topic checked into his first NBA game, leaving a lasting impression on Holmgren. Holmgren emphasized that Topic's cancer battle is something he could never fully understand, but he admired Topic's ability to stay positive and return to the game he loves.
- In October 2025, Nikola Topic was diagnosed with testicular cancer.
- Over the next four months, Topic underwent three rounds of chemotherapy.
- On February 13, 2026, Topic made his NBA debut with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The players
Chet Holmgren
An All-Star forward for the Oklahoma City Thunder who also missed his entire rookie season due to injury.
Nikola Topic
A 2024 12th overall draft pick for the Oklahoma City Thunder who was diagnosed with testicular cancer in October 2025 and returned to the court in February 2026 after completing three rounds of chemotherapy.
Mark Daigneault
The head coach of the Oklahoma City Thunder.
What they’re saying
“Anybody battling cancer is fighting for their life. I could never begin to understand what that's like. It just speaks to the strength of [Topić], and who he is as a person.”
— Chet Holmgren, Oklahoma City Thunder All-Star Forward (ClutchPoints)
“It would have been very justified for him to weigh everybody around him down and sulk, and be mad at the world because the kid he is, he doesn't deserve that. We're all just so happy that he was able to battle through that, get back to hooping.”
— Chet Holmgren, Oklahoma City Thunder All-Star Forward (ClutchPoints)
What’s next
As Nikola Topic continues to work his way back and gain more experience, the Thunder will look to integrate him further into their rotation and learn how to best utilize his unique passing abilities.
The takeaway
Chet Holmgren's heartfelt comments about Nikola Topic's inspiring return to the court after overcoming cancer serve as a powerful reminder of the human side of professional sports and the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
