By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
After team practice on Saturday, the head coach of the Oklahoma City Thunder, Mark Daigneault, revisited the determination of Nikola Topic, sharing an update on the 20-year-old Serbian point guard participating in recent pregame shootarounds.
“He’s done an amazing job. I am not going to give details on what’s a private matter. But at the end of the day, he’s doing a great job navigating what’s obviously a tough circumstance. And he’s done a great job despite the fact your body goes through hell when you’re in that situation. He’s still conditioning himself. He’s still finding the time to work out, which is not easy to do,” the 40-year-old play-caller talked about his player combining testicular cancer treatment with working toward a return to action.
After being drafted by the Thunder with the 12th overall pick, Topic sat out the entire 2024-25 championship run recovering from knee surgery. Shortly following a series of solid showings from Summer League tournaments to the top of the following Preseason schedule, he was sidelined once more.
“He’s handling this the same way he’s always handled everything we’ve ever seen, which is with unbelievable professionalism, maturity, mental toughness. All the things that he’s exhibited to the point are being tested, and he’s passing the test,” said Daigneault.
Dealing with the most recent setback, delaying his official NBA debut, Topic remains out indefinitely.
Reaching the midway point of a four-game series in Paycom Center, the Thunder host the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday, looking to improve a league-high tally to 27-5.