What happened to Nikola Topic? Thunder GM Sam Presti's shocking announcement explored

The OKC Thunder received some unfortunate news on one of its budding stars as Nikola Topic has been diagnosed with testicular cancer, the team's general manager Sam Presti revealed. The diagnosis came after an initial testicular procedure before the Thunder's training camp last month.

Presti revealed that Topic has now undergone chemotherapy and has no timetable for a return to the team. He said that the 20-year-old guard asked him not to reveal the diagnosis until he underwent chemotherapy.

"Our only expectations for him are to focus on this," the general manager said. "This is his most important priority. He'll be back playing basketball when he's able to, but we're not putting any time length or expectations on that obviously. He has our total support, encouragement and love."

According to Presti, Topic had a biopsy procedure at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, where he received the unfortunate results.

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The team remained optimistic about the Topic's recovery, considering his age, per Presti.

“He has a tremendous group of oncologists both at OU, at MD Anderson, and they are extremely positive about his outlook in dealing with this situation,” he said.

As Presti noted, testicular cancer has been one of the most curable types of cancer.

The league saw a similar case over a decade ago when former NBA player Nene Hilario also suffered the same cancer diagnosis in 2008, six years into his professional career.

After an indefinite leave from the league, he played a key role in multiple playoff appearances of the Washington Wizards in the early 2010s.

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Sam Presti keeps belief on Nikola Topic amid rough stage of his career

Thunder GM Sam Presti remained a believer in Nikola Topic following his cancer diagnosis, pointing out the guard's character.

“[Topic] is a really remarkable, remarkable guy,” he said. “I think everybody knows that, that’s been around him. Extraordinarily mature, composed, resiliant. He has all the tools that you could ask for somebody to take on and conquer the situation.”

The Thunder is coming off a 2025 NBA championship, their first title since coming to OKC.

Topic did not play last season as he recovers from a torn ACL. He then played in the Summer League and some preseason games, where he showed promise as one of the team's young role players.

Edited by Rob Andrew Lo