Testicular surgery sidelines Nikola Topic for 4 to 6 weeks

Young Serbian Thunder guard Nikola Topic will miss the start of regular season after undergoing testicular surgery, further delaying his NBA debut.

Another setback for Nikola Topic and Oklahoma City Thunder. The 20-year-old Serbian guard underwent testicular surgery on Monday and will be re-evaluated in approximately four to six weeks, according to the franchise’s official announcement. This absence means he will miss the start of the regular season, which begins October 21 against the Houston Rockets.

Mark Daigneault on Nikola Topic’s injury: « I have the upmost confidence in (his recovery). » pic.twitter.com/55sw6Fz0Pm

— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) October 6, 2025

A bumpy road for the Serbian prospect

Drafted 12th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, Topic was finally set to make his debut in a Thunder uniform after missing his entire rookie season due to an ACL tear. The 6’6″ guard, who developed at Red Star Belgrade, had already experienced physical issues before the NBA Draft, with the knee injury causing his draft stock to fall.

Despite these difficulties, Topic showed encouraging signs in the preseason opener against Charlotte Sunday, recording 10 points and 7 assists in 31 minutes of play. The franchise has not provided details on the exact nature of the issue requiring surgery.

Thunder taking patient approach with prospect

Oklahoma City, the reigning NBA champion, will take necessary time with their rookie, who is viewed as a long-term project and potential key piece of their future rotation. The organization led by Sam Presti has built a roster built to last, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren, and can afford to be patient with their young talent.

This new absence adds to the Thunder’s challenges with prospects, as the franchise will also be without Thomas Sorber, another rookie who will miss the entire season due to an ACL tear. Until Topic returns, players like Ousmane Dieng will continue to get opportunities in the rotation, as seen in the preseason loss to the Mavericks where he finished with 12 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists.