NBA Reacts to Thunder Guard's Debut After Cancer Battle

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Reign Amurao | Last updated Feb 12, 2026 10:32 PM ET

It was a memorable moment for the Oklahoma City Thunder and Nikola Topic on Thursday. The No. 12 pick in 2024 made his NBA debut against the Milwaukee Bucks after battling a torn ACL injury last season, and he was diagnosed with testicular cancer before the start of the 2025-26 season.

Topic underwent chemotherapy, but was still able to work out. While he was undergoing treatment, the Thunder announced that there is no timetable for his return. Fans saw the progress on Monday, when he was assigned to the team's G League affiliate, the Oklahoma City Blue.

After his time with the G League team, he made his official debut tonight.

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Nikola Topic (44) Mandatory Credit: © Arthur Ellis-Imagn Images

Late in the first quarter, Topic saw his first NBA action. As he made his way to the court, fans cheered for the 20-year-old guard, and they also gave him a standing ovation.

A standing ovation for Nikola Topić

The 12th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft is making his NBA debut for the @okcthunder tonight!

Tap to watch: https://t.co/H43cOyWuWn pic.twitter.com/J72f4kQMiN
— NBA (@NBA) February 13, 2026

Although the Thunder suffered a 110-93 defeat, it was still a special moment for the Serbian star. Topic played 12:22 minutes and had two points.

Topic's teammates showed support for him through his recovery from the ACL injury and his battle against cancer. First-time All-Star Chet Holmgren shared how happy he is for his teammate.

"He’s kicking [expletive] in his recovery and also going out there and playing a basketball game. The courage that takes. He also had a hell of a game. That’s the cherry on top. He’s chasing his ambitions and I am so happy for him. We’ve all been here supporting him and that’s not going to change," Holmgren said during his interview with Thunder Wire.

Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said after the loss to the Bucks that Topic is still in the "early stages of his return to performance."

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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