Nikola Topic’s return to the NBA gets an ‘unbelievable’ update from Marc Daigneault

ByNBAUSA


OKLAHOMA CITY — For the first time in the regular season, Rookie guard Nikola Topic is available to play for the coach Mark Daigneault and the Oklahoma City Thunder after being diagnosed with testicular cancer in October. After three rounds of chemotherapy, Topic played in his first G League games this week, which ultimately paved the way for him to dress for his first NBA game.

Ahead of Thursday’s game against the Milwaukee Bucks, Daigneault confirmed Topic’s availability during media availability before the game.

“He’s done an incredible job in the face of a lot of different obstacles and adversity,” Daigneault said. “For a young person, he’s shown tremendous resilience and optimism, professionalism, consistency, steadfastness; he’s an impressive young guy. And before that he did an ACL (injury). Then he turned around and had another major setback. I’m incredibly happy he was able to dress tonight.”

Although Topic is available for the Thunder, Daigneault would not confirm whether the prospect will get a chance to sign up tonight.

“He played short minutes in Blues games. It’s his first live action in a long, long time,” Daigneault added. “The purpose of dressing tonight was just to get him used to a game day in uniform for the first time. So we’ll see how he goes, but it’s a big achievement for him to get to this point.”

Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault could turn to Topic in the midst of his guard’s foul trouble or toward the end of a lopsided game.

G League coach reacts to Nikola Topic’s Thunder debut

Thunder guard Nikola Topic, 44, poses during Oklahoma City Thunder media day at the 2025 Pejko Center.
Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

Thunder’s G League Blue affiliate coach Daniel Dixon, who spent time with Nikola Topic during summer league, was impressed with the guard’s return. For Dixon, Topic’s approach fit in with the rest of his teammates.

“It was great. There were probably a lot of emotions for him that he was going through. It can’t be easy to have something that you’ve loved from a young age taken away from you,” Dixon said. “Just to see his resilience and to know that the whole organization is behind him — we’re pushing him forward — I’m really proud of him. Just seeing him smile back on the field.”

“Doing what he enjoys, doing what he loves to do, being out there with his teammates. There were so many positives just from him getting on the floor, getting between those lines and competing. He did a really good job.”

Topic followed up his 7-point debut by leading the Blues in a consecutive victory with 22 points, including four 3-pointers, four assists and two steals.

Topic and the Thunder will host the Bucks at the Paicom Center on Thursday.





2026-02-13 00:09:00

Similar Posts