Mark Daigneault gives positive information about Nicola Tema after his cancer diagnosis

OKLAHOMA CITY — For the first time since then publication of Nikola Topić’s testicular cancer diagnosis, Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault addressed the guard’s health during his media availability. Before facing the Washington Wizards, Daigneault took time to discuss what kind of person Topic is.

Daigneault believes that Topic could not be in a better environment to deal with such a health scare.

“He’s doing great given the circumstances, which is not surprising. Sam mentioned it today, but there’s no one at 20 years old, who’s 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.”

Mark Daigneault on Nikola Topić’s testicular cancer diagnosis: “He’s doing great considering the circumstances, which is not surprising.”

Sam brought it up today, but there’s no one more equipped with the maturity, discipline and toughness to deal with a situation like this than him.” pic.twitter.com/M4u12kVfjC

— Joshua Pavon (@joe_svai) October 30, 2025

The topic started chemotherapy.

Thunder CEO Sam Presti announces Nikola Topic’s cancer diagnosis

Thunder general manager Sam Presti announced Nikola Topic’s testicular cancer diagnosis ahead of Thursday’s game against the Wizards. After playing in one friendly game, Subject excluded due to testicular procedure according to his cancer diagnosis.

Presti briefed reporters on the latest surrounding Topic after the Thunder’s morning shootaround.

“The procedure was necessary to do a biopsy, and the results of the biopsy were determined, and he is dealing with a case of testicular cancer,” Presti said. “He has a great group of oncologists at both OU and MD Anderson, and they’re extremely positive about his outlook on this situation. It’s important to note that testicular cancer is the most curable form of cancer among men.”

“But right now the treatment option for him, recommended by the oncologists, is chemotherapy. (Tema) didn’t want to release this information until he started the actual treatment, which he recently had.”

Marc Daigneault and the Thunder will look to extend their perfect start to 6-0 when they face the Wizards on Thursday.