Thunder's Nikola Topic Makes NBA Debut After Testicular Cancer Diagnosis

The 20-year-old point guard received a standing ovation from fans in his return to the court.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Nikola Topić, the Oklahoma City Thunder's first-round draft pick in 2024, made his NBA debut on Thursday after missing over a year due to a torn ACL and a testicular cancer diagnosis that required chemotherapy. Topić checked into the game late in the first quarter and contributed 2 points, 1 assist, and 1 rebound in 12 minutes of play, receiving a standing ovation from the home crowd.

Why it matters

Topić's return to the court is an inspiring story of perseverance and resilience after overcoming significant health challenges that threatened his basketball career. His debut highlights the human side of professional sports and the courage required to overcome adversity.

The details

Topić was selected 12th overall by the Thunder in the 2024 NBA Draft but missed all of last season due to a torn ACL. In October, he was diagnosed with testicular cancer and underwent chemotherapy, forcing him to miss the first 55 games of this season. After playing in one preseason game and two G League contests, Topić finally made his long-awaited NBA debut against the Milwaukee Bucks, checking in late in the first quarter to a roaring ovation from the home crowd.

  • Topić was selected 12th overall by the Thunder in the 2024 NBA Draft.
  • Topić missed all of the 2025-26 season due to a torn ACL.
  • In October 2026, Topić was diagnosed with testicular cancer and underwent chemotherapy.
  • Topić made his NBA debut on February 12, 2026 against the Milwaukee Bucks.

The players

Nikola Topić

A 20-year-old point guard who was the Thunder's first-round draft pick in 2024 but missed over a year due to a torn ACL and a testicular cancer diagnosis.

Chet Holmgren

A Thunder teammate of Topić who praised his strength and resilience in overcoming his health challenges.

Mark Daigneault

The head coach of the Thunder, who described Topić as still being in the 'infant stages' of returning to full game shape.

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What they’re saying

“Anybody who's battling cancer is fighting for their life. I could never begin to understand what that's like, and it just speaks to the strength of [Topić] and who he is as a person. It would've 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 and get back to hooping.”

— Chet Holmgren, Thunder Teammate (nypost.com)

“He could've made 100 shots, missed 100 shots. Tonight's an amazing game for him.”

— Chet Holmgren, Thunder Teammate (nypost.com)

What’s next

The Thunder, despite the loss, entered the All-Star break as the top seed in the Western Conference with a 42-14 record. Topić will continue to work on regaining his full strength and conditioning as he works his way back into the Thunder's rotation.

The takeaway

Topić's inspiring return to the court after overcoming testicular cancer is a testament to his strength, resilience, and determination. His debut was a heartwarming moment that transcended the game and highlighted the human side of professional sports.