Nikola Jokic has been a cornerstone for the Denver Nuggets and a beacon for Serbian basketball over the past decade. As the 2025-26 NBA season unfolds, he's casting a spotlight on another Serbian talent, calling Nikola Topic the future of Serbian basketball.
Jokic, reflecting on their time together on the national team, praised Topic's potential and commitment, suggesting that Topic is playing for something far greater. He expressed his eagerness to see Topic rise to the occasion.
Topic recently made his NBA debut with the Oklahoma Thunder, scoring two points on three attempts on February 12. Though his appearances have been limited, the real story is his battle off the court.
In October 2025, Topic faced a daunting diagnosis: testicular cancer. Since then, he's been undergoing chemotherapy, completing three rounds by January 2026.
Nikola Jokić on Nikola Topić:
— DNVR Nuggets (@DNVR_Nuggets) February 26, 2026
"He's the future of Serbian basketball."
"He's fighting something that is probably more important — most important — and he won it." pic.twitter.com/EZyDAQcusL
Back in 2023, Topic shone brightly for the Serbian national team, averaging 15.3 points over seven games in the FIBA U18 National Championship and earning the MVP award. His challenge now is to bring that level of play to the NBA while fighting the toughest battle of his life.
Despite his ongoing health struggles, Topic remains a vital part of the Thunder's efforts to overcome their injury woes. With Jokic's endorsement, Topic has the potential to grow into a formidable player. If his NBA path mirrors Jokic's in any way, the future holds exciting possibilities.