Isaija Hartenstein’s reaction of ‘support’ to Nikola Topić’s cancer diagnosis

Oklahoma. and home – Oklahoma City Thunder GM Sam Presti announced the diagnosis of Nikola Topić’s testicular cancer in the shootaround before the team’s game against the Washington Wizards, and after a 127-108 victory, Isaiah Hartenstein dealt with Topić’s health.

Hartenstein talked about what kind of teammate Topic was during his time with the Thunder, explaining how Presti brings a kind players who team up and support each other, which is extremely important while Topic is going through chemotherapy.

“The main thing is just support,” Hartenstein said. “He’s been with us the last two years, and he’s been a great part of our team, even when he’s been hurt. It’s always been good to see him around. Us as a team, we rally behind him — that’s what makes our team special. Sam brings these people that no matter what somebody’s going through, we’re going to be there for each other, and I think that’s the biggest thing.”

Isaiah Hartenstein reacts to Nikola Topić’s cancer diagnosis: “The main thing is the support… he was a big part of our team even when he was injured, it was nice to see him

As a team, we rally behind him — that’s what makes our team special.” pic.twitter.com/E5ZisDN2Lu

— Joshua Pavon (@joe_svai) October 31, 2025

Isaiah Joe, who sat next to Hartenstein during the two’s media availability Thursday, doubled down on Isaiah’s sentiment.

“Hart said that. I was just there for him, checking on him,” Joe said. “He’s human. He’s going through something, but as long as we can have his back and get him through it, it’s just going to warm his heart through it all. And let him know he’s not alone in this.”

Update on Marc Daigneault’s Nicole thread before the Thunder game

For the first time since the announcement of the diagnosis, coach Mark Daigneault spoke to Nikola Topic about testicular cancer during his pregame media availability. For Daigneault, there is no better team to surround Topic with support than the Thunder, who he believes has the ideal staff to help the rookie through this difficult time.

“He’s doing great given the circumstances, which is not surprising,” Daigneault said. “Sam mentioned it today, but there’s no one at 20 years of age who is more equipped with the maturity, discipline and toughness to deal with a situation like this than him. Our locker room, there’s no locker room that I believe is better equipped to encourage and support someone through something like this than our locker room.

“We’ve got his back. He knows that. He’s there. He’s been there. He’s still going to be there, and everybody’s going to do the best they can. But we’re very confident in the person and the prognosis, and the environment we have around him as we go through this with him.”

The Thunder will wrap up their three-game homestand against the Pelicans on Sunday.