By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Determined to overcome the latest setback and finally make his official NBA debut, Nikola Topic has completed chemotherapy for testicular cancer.
The 20-year-old Serbian point guard was already putting in on-court work toward his return to action, earning more praise from Oklahoma City Thunder teammates and head coach Mark Daigneault.
The latest update was delivered by his agent, Misko Raznatovic.
Nikola Topić has completed chemotherapy for testicular cancer, his agent Miško Ražnatović confirmed. 🙏🏻
The Serbian guard is still looking to make his NBA debut after missing the entirety of last season due to an ACL injury 🔜 pic.twitter.com/Gxjbf0JwjR
— Eurohoops (@Eurohoopsnet) January 9, 2026
After being drafted with the 12th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft presented by State Farm, Topic sat out the entire 2024-25 championship run recovering from knee surgery, an injury carried over from his earlier professional run in Europe. Following a series of solid showings across two Summer League tournaments to the top of the ensuing Preseason schedule, looking more than ready for a significant role with the Thunder in the 2025-26 Regular Season, he was diagnosed with testicular cancer and started chemotherapy.
The native of Novi Sad remains sidelined indefinitely, but is surely committed to getting back on track once more and making his way to his first official NBA appearance as soon as possible.
At 31-7, the defending champions lead the NBA standings, 2.5 games clear of the Eastern Conference leaders, Detroit Pistons, and 4.5 games away from the second seed of the Western Conference, San Antonio Spurs.
Quick work trip to Memphis 🛫 pic.twitter.com/UsRacXQTo4
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) January 9, 2026
Daigneault’s side resumes the 82-game regular-season schedule on Friday, visiting the Memphis Grizzlies in FedExForum. Besides Topic, German Isaiah Hartenstein (right soleus strain) is also out, but French Ousmane Dieng has been medically cleared after missing seven games with a right calf strain. Fellow European, Belgian Ajay Mitchell, is available as well.