NBA winner has to take a break
Testicular cancer: Basketball star receives serious diagnosis
October 31, 2025 – 8:05 a.mReading time: 2 minutes
In June, Nikola Topić won the NBA with the Oklahoma City Thunder. But the Serb is currently suffering a serious setback.
Nikola Topić has testicular cancer. As Sam Presti, the manager of the NBA team Oklahoma City Thunder, confirmed, the 20-year-old has already started chemotherapy.
The young Serb received the diagnosis after a biopsy at the beginning of October. According to Presti, Topić asked not to make his illness public at first – the information should only become known once treatment begins.
Despite the chemotherapy, Topić was able to continue training. However, it is unclear when he will be used in the NBA again for the first time. There is no timetable for the Serbian’s debut. Presti emphasized: “Our only expectation of him is that he focuses on that (recovery, editor’s note). That is his most important priority.” The club will give him all the time he needs.
“He will play basketball again when he is able, but of course we have no deadline or expectations for him to do so. He has our full support, encouragement and love.”
According to Presti, the treating doctors assess the long-term prognosis as “extremely positive”. Topić was selected 12th in the 2024 NBA Draft. He missed last season due to a torn cruciate ligament.
Thunder coach Mark Daigneault also commented on the player’s situation. Topić is coping “great” with the diagnosis – which didn’t surprise him. Daigneault said there is “no one with more maturity, discipline and toughness” at this age to deal with such a challenge.