In a heartwarming scene after the Oklahoma City Thunder's 105-86 victory over the Brooklyn Nets, Nikola Topic sat down with reporters, embodying gratitude for an opportunity many NBA players might see as routine.
This moment marked Topic's first public appearance since his October 2025 diagnosis with testicular cancer. After navigating a series of obstacles, the 20-year-old finally made his NBA debut, nearly two years after being selected as the 12th pick in the 2024 NBA draft.
Topic's journey has been anything but smooth. After missing the entire previous season due to a torn ACL, he participated in the 2025 Summer League and preseason opener before an emergency surgery confirmed his cancer diagnosis.
Thunder GM Sam Presti shared the news, reassuring everyone that the medical team was optimistic about Topic's recovery, noting the high curability rate of testicular cancer.
Following three rounds of chemotherapy, Topic completed his treatment in January 2026. Over the next six weeks, he was a familiar face at pregame warmups and the Thunder's practice facility. He was then assigned to the G League's OKC Blue, where he played in a February home back-to-back.
Topic's first game back was during OKC's 110-93 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks, right before the 2026 NBA All-Star break. His return was a universally celebrated moment in the NBA, transcending team rivalries.
Cancer is a fear many know too well, whether personally or through loved ones. Topic's journey from diagnosis to NBA debut in just four months is nothing short of inspiring, showcasing resilience that resonates with all.
And he's showing promise on the court too. In his second game, Topic demonstrated why he was a lottery pick, contributing nine points, three rebounds, and two assists in the Thunder's win over the Nets. His strong fourth-quarter performance was key to sealing the victory.
The Thunder are wisely taking a cautious approach with Topic's role moving forward, but his potential as a dynamic scorer and playmaker is evident.
Speaking to the media, Topic shared insights into his cancer treatment, detailing the chemotherapy process and its impact on his body. "It was kinda a weird situation.
You kinda learn a lot about your body. Everybody reacts to different things," he reflected.
"I'm pretty grateful that I'm right now speaking to you guys."
Staying connected with the Thunder helped Topic maintain his morale. The anticipation of his NBA debut fueled him through the challenging treatment process, both physically and mentally.
"I was trying to stay as much prepared as I could," Topic said. "There's a lot of studies that show that if you practice during those treatments, it'll make you better. So it for sure made me better."
Seeing Topic finally take the NBA floor is a moment of pure joy. We can all celebrate this new chapter in his life, a testament to his incredible perseverance and spirit.