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Justin Martinez: Nikola Topic on what he learned about himself this season after overcoming testicular cancer and making his return to play: "I learned a lot about myself. I didn't know how tough I was, honestly. It wasn't the best, but I'm grateful that I went through those experiences. I grew from those experiences as well, and it made me a better person today. I wouldn't be here if those things didn't happen. I'm looking forward to getting ready to play."
Joel Lorenzi: JJ Redick on Thunder depth: “The Topic kid has dealt with some health stuff, and their rookie (Sorber) is dealing with coming back from his offseason surgery. Literally the other 13 guys are all top seven or eight rotation players in the NBA on any team. So they can just hit you with bodies. Just the nature of how they built that team.”
Joel Lorenzi: The Oklahoma City Thunder has recalled guard Nikola Topic from the Oklahoma City Blue of the NBA G League.
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Brandon Rahbar: Thunder has recalled Nikola Topić from the OKC Blue. Topić played today but will be available tonight vs the Warriors.
Brandon Rahbar: Nikola Topic with the OKC Blue today 29 PTS, 10-18 FG, 2-6 3PT, 4 REB, 9 AST, 2 TO
Brandon Rahbar: Jalen Williams, Ajay Mitchell and Branden Carlson remain out tonight vs the Knicks. Nikola Topic is out due to playing in an OKC Blue game right now. SGA and Isaiah Hartenstein return after sitting out the first night of a back to back.
Brandon Rahbar: Nikola Topic was assigned to the Blue today. Nikola Topic was recalled from the Blue today.
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Following a dominant victory over the Boston Celtics, 31-year-old Jokic spoke candidly about his anticipation of seeing Nikola Topic. The two shared a brief but impactful tenure with the senior Serbian national team, and Nuggets leader was quick to offer high praise for the 20-year-old point guard. “He’s a really good guy, really talented. I know he’s the future of Serbian basketball,” stressed the Sombor native in a postgame interview following Wednesday’s win.
Following his second career NBA appearance, 20-year-old Nikola Topic reflected on an arduous journey back to the hardwood. The young guard overcame a torn ACL that sidelined him during the Oklahoma City Thunder’s 2024-25 championship run, only to face a subsequent diagnosis of testicular cancer last October. “I have to thank the organization as a whole, from the players and coaching staff to the medical team. They were incredibly supportive throughout the entire process. And, of course, the fans as well,” he remarked during a postgame interview at Paycom Center on Friday, after helping the Thunder secure a victory over the Brooklyn Nets. “I’ll remember that for the rest of my life, and I’ll try to kind of say thank you on the court,” he added.
In 12:22 of action, 20-year-old Topic went for two points on 1/3 shots, one assist, and one rebound, and also committed three turnovers. “He’s in the infant stages of returning to full game shape,” noted head coach Mark Daigneault in a postgame press conference. “What chemotherapy does to your body is really remarkable. It’s crazy what it does to you physically. The road back from that is different for everybody, and it’s highly challenging.” “I don’t ever want to try and say that I can fully understand or comprehend everything he’s been through,” added teammate Chet Holmgren. “With my situations, I was fighting to get back to my career. Anybody who’s battling cancer is fighting for their life, and I could never begin to understand what that’s like.”
Legion Hoops: Standing ovation in OKC as Nikola Topic makes his return to the court after battling cancer. Incredible ??
Standing ovation in OKC as Nikola Topić makes his return to the court after battling cancer. Incredible ❤️
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) February 13, 2026
pic.twitter.com/NR0JovfkQt
