Oct 5, 2025; North Charleston, South Carolina, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Nikola Topic (44) drives up the court against the Charlotte Hornets at North Charleston Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Arthur Ellis-Imagn Images

Oklahoma City Thunder general manager Sam Presti announced on Thursday that second-year guard Nikola Topić has been diagnosed with testicular cancer.

The Thunder announced on Oct. 6 that Topić would be reevaluated in 4-6 weeks after undergoing a testicular procedure. Presti said the procedure was necessary to get a biopsy at the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas, which confirmed the diagnosis.

Topić has started chemotherapy treatment since receiving the results of the biopsy. He asked the team not to disclose the condition until he began receiving treatment.

"He has a tremendous group of oncologists, both at OU and MD Anderson, and they're extremely positive about his outlook in dealing with this situation," Presti said. "It is important to note that testicular cancer is the most cured form of cancer among males, but the treatment option for him right now recommended by the oncologist is chemotherapy."

Topić was the 12th pick in the 2024 NBA draft after playing with Crvena zvezda in the ABA League. He was sidelined all of last year after undergoing surgery to repair a torn left ACL suffered while playing in the ABA League Finals in May 2024.

The 20-year-old Serbian debuted with the Thunder in summer league in July, averaging 10.8 points, 5.8 assists, 3.2 rebounds and 1.8 steals in six games. He logged one preseason appearance, recording 10 points, seven assists and four rebounds on Oct. 5.

Topić is still training and working out at the team practice facility while undergoing chemotherapy. Presti extended his support to Topić on behalf of the organization.

"Our only expectations for him are to focus on this," Presti said. "This is his most important priority. He'll be back playing basketball when he is able to, but we're not putting any type of expectations on that, obviously. He has our total support, encouragement and love. The guys on the team have been amazing. (He) is a really remarkable guy. I think everybody knows that, that has been around him; extraordinarily mature, composed, resilient. He has all of the tools that you can ask for to take on and conquer this situation."

This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: Thunder GM Sam Presti reveals cancer diagnosis for guard Nikola Topić

Reporting by Cody Taylor, Rookie Wire / Rookie Wire

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