Nikola Topic makes his G League debut after cancer treatment
Nikola Topic returns to the court with the Oklahoma City Blue. The Thunder's Serbian prospect played his first G League game after overcoming a knee injury and a testicular cancer diagnosis.
Photo Credit : © Arthur Ellis-Imagn Images
Nikola Topic made his long-awaited return to the court Monday night. The Serbian prospect from Oklahoma City Thunder played his first minutes in G League with Oklahoma City Blue, contributing to the 137-135 overtime victory against Sioux Falls Skyforce with 7 points and 7 assists in 16 minutes of play.
A challenging journey since the 2024 draft
The road to this comeback has been particularly difficult for Topic, selected 12th overall in the 2024 draft by the Thunder. Despite a knee ligament tear that occurred two months before the draft, Oklahoma City Thunder took the gamble of recruiting the Serbian point guard, aware of his potential.
This injury had already kept him off the court throughout his entire first season in North America. After participating in Summer League and preseason with the Thunder, Topic then received a testicular cancer diagnosis, requiring three cycles of chemotherapy.
So great to see Nikola Topic out there hooping again pic.twitter.com/CJlbg2llmJ
— Basketball University (@UofBasketball) February 10, 2026
Thunder staff’s emotion
Thunder coach Mark Daigneault didn’t hide his emotion before the game against the Lakers. « We are all collectively thrilled that he’s back on the basketball court, » Daigneault said. « I know basketball has meant so much to him, and it’s so good for him mentally to get back to his game. »
The coach also praised his player’s exceptional mental strength: « Tremendous accomplishment. You can’t say enough good things about him as a person, his mental toughness, his maturity, his resilience… He hasn’t played much basketball in the last two years, and he comes out of a year-long rehab to immediately receive a stunning diagnosis and undergo chemotherapy, three cycles. So for him to get back on the court is just an incredible accomplishment, and we’re incredibly happy for him. »
This return to G League represents a crucial step in rebuilding Topic’s career, who can now look to the future with optimism after overcoming these major challenges.
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With a background in sports management, Nicolas Flamecourt covers NBA news with a particular passion for the North American league, which he has been following for several years. He also covers the NCAA, including news and scouting of future prospects, and regularly conducts interviews with French players as well as players competing in Europe.
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