Copyright Newsweek
The Oklahoma City Thunder are coming off a dominant run to the NBA Finals last season, capturing the franchise’s first championship since relocating to Oklahoma City. They’ve carried that momentum into the new campaign, starting the year 5-0. Much of the early buzz surrounded the anticipated debut of 2024 first-round pick Nikola Topić, who was expected to make his long-awaited return to the court after missing his entire rookie season due to a knee injury suffered prior to the draft. The Thunder viewed Topic, like many of their recent draft selections, as a long-term developmental piece. However, on Thursday, the franchise announced devastating news — general manager Sam Presti revealed that Topic has been diagnosed with testicular cancer. Presti said Topic will take an indefinite leave from basketball to focus on his health and recovery, noting that doctors have an “extremely positive” outlook on both his prognosis and an eventual return to the game. More NBA: Lakers Linked to Intriguing Trade for $75 Million Microwave Scorer More NBA: Lakers’ Bronny James Gets Brutal Reality Check From Former Top Pick When asked how the team was handling the news, Presti declined to elaborate out of respect for privacy but did confirm that Topic has already begun chemotherapy treatment. “I’m really careful discussing the things that happened behind closed doors," Presti said. "I think everybody knows our group of guys. How close knit they are. The best thing about our team is they see each other as humans. Not just as teammates. But as friends they’re going to have relationships with long after playing together. They’ll be there for him.” Topic has yet to get a true opportunity to carve out a role with the Thunder, but he showed plenty of promise during Summer League action and remains just 20 years old. Sam Presti declined to provide any timetable for his return, emphasizing that the organization’s full focus is on Topić’s health and recovery.
