Mark Daigneault’s latest update on OKC’s Nicole Topic amid cancer diagnosis
Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault offered an update on Nikola Topic after the rookie took part in a shootout before the previous two home games at the Paicom Center after being diagnosed with testicular cancer. The fans were delighted to see Theme on the floor during the Thunder’s shootaround.
Daigneault praised Topic’s approach in the middle of cancer treatmenthe said, according to Thunder Wire’s Clemente Almansa.
“He’s done an incredible job. I’m not going to get into the details of what’s private. At the end of the day, he’s doing a great job of navigating what is obviously a difficult circumstance,” Daigneault said. “And he did a great job despite the fact that your body goes through hell when you’re in that situation. He’s still preparing. He’s still finding time to practice, which isn’t easy when you’re going through that.”
Marc Daigneault is delighted with Topic’s approach to basketball for the Thunder despite the obvious obstacles.
“What you put your body through is hard anyway. It’s even harder to push yourself as a professional athlete,” added Daigneault. “But he’s handling this the same way he’s always handled everything we’ve ever seen, which is with incredible professionalism, maturity, mental toughness. All the things he’s shown so far are being tested, and he’s passing the test.”
Mark Daigneault on Nikola Topic doing pregame warmups while still going through cancer treatment: “He’s doing a great job of navigating what is obviously a difficult circumstance. Despite the fact that your body is going through hell in that situation, he’s still preparing.” pic.twitter.com/hjVH4ve8AO
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) December 27, 2025
The subject remains off for the Thunder’s 2025-26 campaign.
Sam Presti from Thunder announces the cancer diagnosis of Nikola Topić
Thunder GM Sam Presti announced Nikola Topić’s cancer diagnosis early in season. After an ACL tear sidelined Topic for his rookie season, he returned to the Thunder in the Summer League before playing in his first preseason game against the Hornets.
Presti told reporters about Topic’s cancer treatment back in October.
2025-12-28 03:18:00
