Nikola Topic Returns to the Courts After Overcoming Challenges
Oklahoma City Thunder prospect Nikola Topic made his NBA G League debut, marking a significant milestone in his recovery after a serious knee injury and cancer treatment. Topic demonstrated his worth in the Monday night encounter, where the Oklahoma City Blue defeated the Sioux Falls Skyforce with a score of 137-135 in overtime. In his 16 minutes of play, Topic contributed seven points and seven assists. Thunder coach Mark Daigneault expressed his admiration for Topic before the game against the Los Angeles Lakers.This G League game represents an important step for Topic, who hasn’t had much basketball activity since the Thunder selected him as the number 12 pick in the 2024 draft. The Serbian point guard was drafted by Oklahoma City despite having suffered a knee ligament injury two months prior, which kept him off the courts during his first season in North America. Topic participated in summer league games and preseason with the Thunder, but was then diagnosed with testicular cancer. After undergoing chemotherapy, he worked hard to regain his physical form and return to playing.We are very happy that he is playing basketball again. I know he has missed it a lot, and this is very good for him mentally, so that he feels comfortable again.
Mark Daigneault
It’s a great achievement. I can’t say enough about him as a person, his mental strength, maturity, and resilience. He hasn’t played much basketball in the last two years, and he’s coming off a year-long rehabilitation and immediately receives a surprising diagnosis and goes through chemotherapy, three rounds. So for him to return to the court is an incredible achievement, and we are incredibly happy for him.
Mark Daigneault
