By Eurohoops Team/ info@eurohoops.net
Nikola Topić is back playing basketball.
The 20-year-old Serbian guard, selected by the Oklahoma City Thunder with the No. 12 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, made his return to competitive action on Monday, debuting for the Thunder’s G League affiliate, the OKC Blue, against the Sioux Falls Skyforce.
Topić finished the game with seven points and seven assists in 16 minutes, shooting 3-of-5 from the field and 1-of-2 from three-point range. More importantly, the appearance marked his first official game after completing treatment for testicular cancer.
The Thunder drafted Topić knowing he would miss his initial rookie season after suffering a torn ACL shortly before the 2024 draft. After recovering from the knee injury, he appeared in Summer League and preseason action, before undergoing a medical procedure that later revealed a cancer diagnosis. He subsequently missed the entire 2025–26 season to that point while receiving chemotherapy.
Topić completed his cancer treatment around the turn of the New Year and gradually returned to on-court work. Earlier this week, Oklahoma City assigned him to the OKC Blue as part of his return-to-play process.
Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault praised the young guard ahead of his comeback.
“Great accomplishment. I just can’t say enough about him as a guy. His mental toughness, maturity and resilience. We’re all just collectively thrilled that he’s back playing basketball. I know he’s missed it a great deal. This is just so good for him mentally to get his feet back underneath him,” Daigneault said.
How many games Topić will play in the G League remains to be seen, but his debut represented an important first step forward for both the player and the Thunder as he continues his recovery and gradual return to competition.