Nikola Topić’s journey to the NBA was never going to be simple. The 20-year-old guard came into the league with sky-high potential but also a long road ahead-recovering from a torn ACL and adjusting to the speed and physicality of the pros. But what no one saw coming was a life-altering diagnosis that would put basketball on the back burner and force a young athlete into a fight far bigger than minutes or matchups.
In early October, Oklahoma City Thunder general manager Sam Presti shared that Topić had been diagnosed with testicular cancer following a medical procedure. Chemotherapy began shortly after.
The diagnosis was caught early, and the outlook, according to team updates, remains extremely positive. Still, this was never going to be a typical rookie year for Topić-and yet, here he is, already rewriting the script.
Just two months after beginning treatment, Topić has returned to the court in a limited capacity. He’s been spotted taking part in light workouts and pregame shootarounds, moving with a fluidity that defies the timeline.
There’s no official word on when he’ll make his NBA debut, and the Thunder have made it clear: his health comes first. But the progress is undeniable.
For a player who hasn’t logged a single minute in an NBA game due to last season’s ACL rehab, Topić’s presence is already being felt. Teammates and coaches have praised his maturity, his discipline, and his quiet determination to push forward.
There’s no need for grand declarations-his actions speak volumes. The comeback isn’t loud, but it’s powerful.
And it’s happening in the middle of a special season for Oklahoma City.
The Thunder are rolling. At 25-2, they’re not just leading the Western Conference-they’re dominating it.
They’ve won eight straight on the road and are heading into a Friday night showdown against the Minnesota Timberwolves (17-10) with momentum and confidence. The last time these two teams met, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander dropped 40 points in a 113-105 win.
Oklahoma City’s defense is setting the tone across the league, giving up just 106.1 points per game-the best mark in the West.
There are still injury questions heading into the matchup. Anthony Edwards is listed as day-to-day for Minnesota, and Topić remains out as he continues his recovery.
But the bigger story here isn’t just about Friday’s game or the Thunder’s place in the standings. It’s about a young guard who’s already shown more resilience than most players do in their entire careers.
Nikola Topić is still waiting to make his NBA debut. But he’s already earned the respect of the locker room-and the league.