This was going to be his debut season. After Oklahoma City Thunder guard Nikola Topić’s impressive training camp, hopes were high. But during his preseason opener against the Charlotte Hornets, the 20-year-old suffered an injury. Shortly after, the team announced that Topić had undergone a testicular procedure. This made him sidelined for 4-6 weeks. It was a tough setback for the young Serbian guard. He had already missed his entire rookie season in 2024-25 after tearing his ACL.

Now the Thunder have announced that the young guard has been diagnosed with testicular cancer. He is now undergoing treatment. There is no timetable for his return because he has just started chemotherapy. For now, Oklahoma City and the basketball community rally behind him, hoping for a strong and complete recovery.

As Thunder general manager Sam Presti revealed, “So I want to give a health update on Nikola Topić. As everybody is aware, he had a testicular procedure at the very beginning of training camp… The results of the biopsy have returned, and he is dealing with a case of testicular cancer now.” Despite the diagnosis, Presti informed that Topić “has been in here training, working out through this entire process,” showing the same determination that brought him from Belgrade to the NBA. The Serbian guard entered the league as one of Europe’s brightest young playmakers.

Presti’s update detailed that the procedure was done by a group of top Oncologists, at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. The GM underscored that “testicular cancer is the most curable form of cancer among males,” adding that doctors are “extremely positive about his long-term outlook.” So there is no need to panic for his health. However it is a tough beginning for a rookie. Presti made clear that the organization’s focus is on his recovery, “Our only expectations with him are to focus on this. This is the most important priority.” As a team, the Thunder are well capable of handling the regular season with a 5-0 score. But it is the fans that are pouring in tributes and wishes for the young baller’s good health.

Fans rally behind Nikola Topić amid his toughest battle

Since the announcement, fans across social media have rallied around Nikola Topić with heartfelt messages of support. One fan on X captured the collective sentiment, writing,

“Cancer at such a young age is a tragedy. I’m wishing Nikola successful treatments and a speedy return.” Fans who watched his hard work during training camp now find themselves praying for his healing. He is just 20 and at the peak of his youth. It is indeed sad news for fans, and they are chiming in to show their support.

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The first wave of reactions carried a tone of disbelief. One fan summed it up with quiet sincerity, writing, “Wow, that’s incredibly sad, praying for a speedy and full recovery.” It’s a sentiment that hundreds of fans shared throughout Thunder Nation.

Another fan pointed out an inspiring parallel, writing, “Prayers up for Thunder guard Nikola Topić following his testicular cancer diagnosis. Former NBA big man Nene also battled testicular cancer and underwent chemotherapy during his NBA career, missing 76 days during the 2007–08 season. Nene played 11 more seasons after his return.”

The mention of Nene Hilario’s story adds a dimension, giving hope and lifting spirits. The former Denver Nuggets and Houston Rockets center was diagnosed with a malignant testicular tumor, in January 2008. He not only underwent surgery and endured chemotherapy, but also returned before the season’s end. He later finished fifth in voting for the NBA’s Most Improved Player award for the 2008-09 season. And continued playing until 2020, when Nene officially retired on his own terms after a successful career.

Others reacted with emotion rooted in compassion. One fan wrote, “Damn, hate to see a kid have to battle that at such a young age. Cancer is scary but nothing more inspirational than watching someone beat cancer, definitely rooting for him.” No 20 year old should be facing such a health challenge. Yet it is more common now than ever. But Topić’s willingness to continue training has become an early symbol of perseverance. This is one life-altering diagnosis and to navigate through it, he needs all the support he could get.

Finally a fan put a retrospective approach, he observed “One of the craziest beginnings to an NBA career I have ever seen. I’m wishing him the best in this battle with cancer.” It’s hard to disagree. His whole trajectory has been completely derailed before he could start a season.

These reactions reveal a rare unanimity in the divided world of sports fandom. There were some people making jokes about him when he first underwent treatment for this abdomen. Things however have taken a turn that no fan or hater could apprehend. For Nikola Topić, the journey ahead will be arduous, but the fans are there to remind him that the basketball community never stands idle. These are the moments when, the game fades, and humanity takes center stage.