Chet Holmgren learns the reality of Nikola Topić’s return from a cancer diagnosis

OKLAHOMA CITY — Oklahoma City Thunder All-Star Chet Holmgren reflected on the significance of Nikola Topic’s NBA debut in Thursday’s 110-93 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks at Pejko Center. Thunder head coach Marc Daigneault’s heartfelt response to Topic’s first game in the NBA followed Holmgren’s media availability, and the All-Star forward did not hold back.

As someone who also missed his entire rookie season due to injury, Holmgren clarified that’s where his comparisons to Topic’s failures end, as the 2024 No. 12 pick was diagnosed with testicular cancer back in October. Four months after three rounds of chemotherapy, Topic signed up for his first NBA game on Thursday, which left a lasting impression is Holmgren.

“Anybody who fights cancer is fighting for their life. I could never understand what that’s like. It just speaks to (Topic’s) strength and who he is as a person,” Holmgren said. “It would be very justified for everyone around him to sulk and sulk and be angry at the world for being a kid, he doesn’t deserve that. We’re all so happy that he’s been able to deal with that, to get back on the hoop.

“You see a much bigger smile on his face when he’s able to be out there with his shoes on. I thought he had a really good game tonight. He could have made 100 shots or missed 100 shots tonight; it was an amazing game for him. To be able to go out there, get some reps, and now, he can learn from him, we can also learn from him.”

Chet Holmgren’s heartfelt response to Nikola Topic’s NBA debut: “Anyone who fights cancer is fighting for their lives. I could never understand what it’s like.”

That speaks of (Topić’s) strength, who he is as a person… the kid he is, he doesn’t deserve that.” pic.twitter.com/U1KvVvr3JK

— Joshua Peacock (@Joe_Sway) February 13, 2026

Chet Holmgren praises Thunder rookie Nikola Topic

As Chet Holmgren and the Thunder adjust to Nikola Topic’s approach as a secondary playmaker, Holmgren sees the Thunder rookie only improving from here on out. With Topic’s NBA debut with the Thunder is under his beltit’s a significant step in his first NBA season.

“He’s a unique player. I feel like on the team, he’s probably the guy with the most hits,” Holmgren said. “He really tries to put guys in advantage and then look to score the second goal. We kind of have to learn that when he’s on the floor, and learn to play with him a little bit. As we get better with him and he continues to get better, I think it’s going to be really good.

“But all those things are secondary. First of all, we’re just happy that he’s back in good health and that he’s there,” Holmgren concluded.

Holmgren’s double-double (16 points, 13 rebounds) and two blocks led the Thunder’s starters in Thursday’s loss to the Bucks. Isaiah Joe led the Thunder in scoring off the bench with 17 points, including four three-pointers.