Nikola Topic made his NBA debut Thursday night. The Thunder drafted him 12th overall in 2024. He missed his rookie season with a knee injury. He was diagnosed with testicular cancer in October 2025 and underwent surgery and chemotherapy. The Paycom Center gave him a standing ovation when he entered the game.
Topic missed his rookie season, then was diagnosed with cancer
Nikola Topic was drafted 12th overall by the Thunder in 2024. A knee injury kept him out for his entire rookie season. He participated in Summer League and preseason before the 2025-26 season. In October 2025, he was diagnosed with testicular cancer. He had surgery and underwent chemotherapy. Topic played in the G League before being called up to the Thunder.
He received a standing ovation in the first quarter
Topic checked into the game against the Milwaukee Bucks late in the first quarter. The Paycom Center crowd stood and applauded. He played 12 minutes. He finished with two points, one rebound, and one assist. His first NBA assist was a pass to Jaylin Williams. His first NBA points came on a mid-range jumper. The Thunder lost 110-93.
Daigneault said Topic “worked himself to this point”
“Just thrilled for him,” head coach Mark Daigneault said. “He’s obviously been through a ton of adversity in his life the last couple years. He’s a young guy that all he wants to do is play basketball and that’s been taken from him a couple different times. For him to work himself to this point, get himself on the floor is a great accomplishment.”
Topic is a 6-foot-6 guard from Serbia
Topic is a 6-foot-6 Serbian guard with a versatile skill set. His draft position — 12th overall — reflected his pre-injury projection as a lottery talent. The knee injury and cancer diagnosis delayed his career by more than a year. Thursday’s debut was his first NBA action since being selected. His development will continue as he builds playing time with the Thunder.