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Thunder Rookie May Miss Second Season in a Row

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports
By Paul Daniel Flores | Last updated Oct 30, 2025 4:40 PM ET

Just weeks before the start of the 2025-26 season, reports surfaced about Oklahoma City Thunder guard Nikola Topic undergoing a testicular procedure. As if it couldn’t get any worse, there’s now no timetable for the 20-year-old to make his return, in the coming season or beyond. Though he’s yet to make his official NBA debut, that definitely puts a dent on the OKC rotation heading deeper into the season as well.

Thunder Rookie Nikola Topic May Miss Second Season In A Row

Topic is one of the biggest draft steals by the Thunder in recent years, and that says a lot. We have seen how well they have done when it comes to ticking young talent, as they’ve consistently struck gold. So, as far as expectations go, many people are waiting for the Serbian playmaker to make his mark.

Now that he’s dealing with testicular cancer, as revealed by the Thunder general manager Sam Presti, his regular-season debut will have to wait. Presti’s putting no timetable on Topic’s return, saying:

Sam Presti gives medical update on Nikola Topić pic.twitter.com/dWD0BANp2Z

— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) October 30, 2025

“Our only expectation of him is to focus on this. This is his most important priority. He’ll be back playing basketball when he’s able to, but we’re not putting any type of expectations on that, obviously. He has our total support, encouragement and love.”

The Latest On The Nikola Topic Injury

After a promising preseason debut, Topic immediately had to sit out the rest of those fixtures. Initially, all that was known was that he had an operation done on his testicles. On Thursday, Presti announced that Topic had been diagnosed with testicular cancer, which will require chemo.

Heading into the regular season, Topic was expected to play heavy minutes. Selected 12th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, he had shown legitimate potential in limited games. Already a decisive facilitator, just imagine if he was playing and learning from both Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams.

Thunder Hoping Patience Will Pay Off, Again

Topic’s injury is a setback that definitely hurts the Thunder. Sure, they aren’t missing his services much, especially with Ajay Mitchell popping off in the early games. However, he should be in a second career season that’s full of growth already.

It goes without saying that OKC is hoping for his continuous recovery. The mere fact that he’s already undergoing chemotherapy sessions shows the gravity of the situation. As there’s no timetable for his return, this means that Topic may well be missing out the rest of 2025-26. Notably, former NBA center Nene Hilario battled testicular cancer in 2007-08 and ended up missing 76 days, but played 11 more seasons afterwards (h/t Jeff Stotts of In Street Clothes).

Still, imagine redshirting two seasons in a row.

Of course, this isn’t their first rodeo. As was alluded to, Topic has already sat out an entire season. The Thunder had to go on a similar ride with Chet Holmgren, who missed what should have been his rookie season with a Lisfranc injury. Thomas Sorber, the 15th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, will also miss what should be his rookie season due to injury.

The patience that Oklahoma City displayed with Holmgren ultimately paid off. They need the same to happen with Topic (and Sorber)?

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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