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4 hours ago
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Sam Presti, President of Basketball Operations of the Oklahoma City Thunder, made an unfortunate announcement this morning.
20-year-old guard Nikola Topic, who has yet to see the floor this season, was diagnosed with testicular cancer and is out indefinitely.
He is already receiving treatment, and the hope is that he will make a full recovery.
Nikola Topic dealing with testicular cancer
Presti revealed the diagnosis, procedure, and recovery process this morning.
"So, just, I want to give a health update on Nikola Topic. I think as everybody is aware, he had a testicular procedure at the very beginning of training camp. That procedure was necessary and done at MD Anderson in Houston to determine if Nikola was dealing with a case of testicular cancer," Presti told the media via Ryan Stiles.
"Now, he has a tremendous group of oncologists, both at MU and MD Anderson, and they are extremely positive about his outlook in dealing with this situation. It's important to note that testicular cancer is the most cured form of cancer among males, but the treatment option for him right now, as recommended by the oncologist, is chemotherapy."
Hopefully, Topic is back soon and 100% cancer-free.
Oklahoma City selected the Serbian point guard 12th overall in the 2024 NBA draft, and didn't see the floor much in his rookie season.
He is in the long-term plans of the Thunder and is supposed to take a more prominent role in the rotation as he develops and grows.
"He has our total support, encouragement, love. The guys on the team have been amazing. Tope is a really remarkable, remarkable guy."
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- Thunder stay perfect at 5-0 after comeback win over Kings
- Why Chet Holmgren isn't playing vs. Kings and what it means for Thunder
- Lauri Markkanen named 'realistic target' for Thunder by NBA analyst
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander breaks silence on Anthony Edwards' jab
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