Nikola Topic Makes NBA Debut 4 Months After Cancer Diagnosis

The 20-year-old Serbian player returned to the court for the Oklahoma City Thunder after undergoing chemotherapy treatment.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Nikola Topic, a 20-year-old Serbian player for the Oklahoma City Thunder, made his NBA debut on February 12, 2026, just four months after being diagnosed with testicular cancer. Topic received a standing ovation from the home crowd when he entered the game against the Milwaukee Bucks, which the Thunder lost 110-93. Topic missed the 2024-2025 season due to an ACL injury and was diagnosed with cancer shortly after playing in the Thunder's first preseason game of the 2025-26 season. He underwent chemotherapy and returned to training in January 2026.

Why it matters

Topic's return to the court after overcoming testicular cancer is an inspiring story that highlights the resilience and determination of young athletes facing serious health challenges. His journey also sheds light on the importance of early detection and treatment of testicular cancer, which is one of the most common cancers among young men.

The details

Topic was drafted by the Thunder in the first round of the 2024 NBA draft but missed the 2024-2025 season due to an ACL injury. He was diagnosed with testicular cancer shortly after playing in the Thunder's first preseason game of the 2025-26 season. Topic underwent a round of chemotherapy and returned to training in January 2026, four months after his diagnosis. The Thunder announced in October 2025 that Topic would miss four to six weeks to start the season after a 'testicular procedure,' but they did not provide further details at the time.

  • Topic was diagnosed with testicular cancer shortly after playing in the Thunder's first preseason game of the 2025-26 season.
  • Topic underwent a round of chemotherapy and returned to training in January 2026.
  • Topic made his NBA debut on February 12, 2026, four months after his cancer diagnosis.

The players

Nikola Topic

A 20-year-old Serbian player for the Oklahoma City Thunder who made his NBA debut on February 12, 2026, just four months after being diagnosed with testicular cancer.

Sam Presti

The 47-year-old general manager of the Oklahoma City Thunder who provided updates on Topic's cancer diagnosis and treatment.

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What they’re saying

“Our only expectations for him are to focus on this. This is his most important priority. He'll be back playing basketball when he's able to, but we're not putting any time length or expectations on that, obviously. He has our total support, encouragement and love. He has a tremendous group of oncologists both at OU, at MD Anderson, and they are extremely positive about his outlook in dealing with this situation.”

— Sam Presti, General Manager, Oklahoma City Thunder (usmagazine.com)

“It was hard, you know? I didn't play a basketball game for a very long time, and that was really hard. But, as you go through that process, you learn something about yourself that you didn't know you had. You didn't know how strong you were and how human bodies are strong. I'll say I took the positives from it and learned from it.”

— Nikola Topic (usmagazine.com)

What’s next

The Thunder will continue to monitor Topic's progress and recovery as he works to fully return to the court and contribute to the team's success this season.

The takeaway

Nikola Topic's inspiring return to the NBA after overcoming testicular cancer highlights the resilience and determination of young athletes facing serious health challenges. His story underscores the importance of early detection and treatment, and serves as a testament to the power of the human spirit to overcome adversity.