Oklahoma City Thunder General Manager Sam Presti reveals team's point guard Nikola Topic's cancer diagnosis at 20 years

Right before the regular season began, it was revealed that Nikola Topic had his team option exercised for the 2025-26 season. As such, he has missed all games this season, which was until now, because of a groin injury. On October 6, he had a testicular procedure done, and was set to be reevaluated 4-6 weeks after that, according to the now. Now, Oklahoma City Thunder General Manager Sam Presti revealed on October 30 that the 20-year-old had been diagnosed with testicular cancer and has already begun chemotherapy treatment.


20-year-old point guard Nikola Topic is in chemotherapy
Nikola Topic had a procedure done on October 6 after his testicular cancer diagnosis and has already started chemotherapy treatment. The Oklahoma City Thunder star is only 20 years old and was drafted by the team back in 2024 as the 12th overall pick. Unfortunately, game time will have to take a back seat for now with his condition. General Manager Sam Presti, announcing his prognosis, said:

"Our only expectations for him are to focus on this. 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."

Sam Presti announces 1st-round pick Nikola Topic has testicular cancer.

Wishing him the best. pic.twitter.com/UeDuZNNr7j

— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) October 30, 2025

The Serbian star is already working out while on chemotherapy, and his doctors are "extremely positive" about his condition. He played the 2024-25 season, and in his debut season, he became a champion with the OKC Thunder. He had also missed a chunk of the previous season while recovering from a torn ACL injury. But as Presti has assured him, the focus is on his getting better before anything else.


Oklahoma City Thunder are maintaining their winning streak

While Nikola Topic will miss out on game time for the foreseeable future, his team, the Oklahoma City Thunder, is doing extremely well. Similar to last season, where they had a record number of wins in the regular season, this time, they are also maintaining the same thing. They are currently on a 5-0 run, having won all their games since the beginning of the season.

The Thunder will face the East's Washington Wizards next, who are not having the best of times so far. But unlike the Thunder, who have multiple injuries at hand, they have a pretty solid roster. But even with the advantage, they are unlikely to win their matchup against the Thunder, who will look to add yet another win under their belt.

Also Read: Oklahoma City Thunder vs Washington Wizards (10-30-2025) game preview: When and where to watch, expected lineup, injury report, prediction, and more