Thunder guard Nikola Topic diagnosed with testicular cancer and undergoing chemotherapy

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Oklahoma City Thunder guard Nikola Topic, left, drives the ball upcourt against Charlotte Hornets forward Liam McNeeley, right, during the second half of an NBA basketball preseason game in North Charleston, S.C., Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Mic Smith)

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10:58 AM on Thursday, October 30

The Associated Press

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Oklahoma City Thunder guard Nikola Topic has been diagnosed with testicular cancer and is undergoing chemotherapy.

Sam Presti, the team's general manager, announced the diagnosis on Thursday.

Topic had a testicular procedure earlier in the month. The Thunder said at the time he'd be out for at least four weeks.

Presti said doctors are “extremely positive” about his long-term outlook. He said Topic has been working out throughout the process and didn’t want the diagnosis revealed until after he started treatment.

“He has all the tools that you could ask for somebody to take on and conquer the situation,” Presti said.

Topic, a first-round pick in 2024, missed the entire 2024-2025 season while recovering from a torn ACL. He played in summer league this year and started a preseason game against Charlotte, posting 10 points and seven assists in Oklahoma City’s 135-114 win.

Topic was expected to be an important addition to a team that otherwise changed very little after winning the NBA title last season.

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