It’s hard to see how Nikola Topić’s NBA career could have started out any worse. When the Oklahoma City Thunder drafted him in 2024, they did so knowing he would miss first season due to an ACL tear.
Things only got worse when it was confirmed he had surgery to treat his testicular cancer, keeping him out indefinitely.
What’s the latest on Nikola Topić and his return to the Thunder?
Granted, Topić is an NBA champion, but things have not gone his way in the NBA for reasons beyond his control. Thankfully, there has been an update on Topić.
Topić remains out indefinitely while he recovers from his cancer, but recent footage shared by Thunder Wire’s Clemente Almanza showed him practicing on the Thunder’s home court on Dec. 18.
Nikola Topic out here in pregame warmups. First time I’ve seen him since his testicular cancer diagnosis. Good to see him pic.twitter.com/rmSxun3abV
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) December 18, 2025
Chemotherapy has temporarily robbed Topić of his hair. Still, he looked active and ready to play some basketball. There is still no timetable for his return to the Thunder, but at this point, he should take all the time he needs.
Topić deserves to be brought in slowly after all he’s been through, and fortunately, he’s on the perfect team to do that, as the Thunder are already pretty loaded at the moment, even without him. That’s not to diminish Topić in the slightest.
When he gets back to full strength, there’s no telling if he, too, can turn into another steady contributor for Oklahoma City down the line.
The Thunder has done a masterful job of turning nearly every player into a positive asset over the past several players. Topić has the potential to fit into that same category and then some, as he was originally slated to be a lottery pick before his ACL tear hurt his draft stock.
Even so, he was put into a perfect situation with the Thunder, as he’s on a team steeped in a winning culture that’s already secured one NBA title. Here’s to hoping that, from here on out, there won’t be any more setbacks for him and he can reach is full potential.
Naturally, the fact he appears to be getting healthier is of the utmost priority. His return to the floor is a dramatic step toward what should be a triumphant return to the floor, no matter how long that takes.
