Nikola Topić is not the only NBA player who was diagnosed with testicular cancer during his career

Ahead of the 2025-26 campaign, Oklahoma City Nikola Topic from Thunder has been diagnosed with testicular canceras he underwent a procedure following his preseason debut. Although there have been NBA players who have been given the same diagnosis before, Topic, 20, is undoubtedly the youngest. A scary setback for the 2024 first-round pick, who spent his entire rookie season rehabbing from a torn ACL.

Former Denver Nuggets center Nene25, at the time, was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2008. reminding fans the last time an NBA player received the same diagnosis as Topic, according to X Jeff Stotts, formerly of Twitter.

“Prayers for Thunder guard Nikola Topic after his testicular cancer diagnosis. Former NBA big man Nene also battled testicular cancer and underwent chemotherapy during his NBA career, missing 76 days during the 2007-08 season. Nene played 11 more seasons after returning,” Stotts reported.

Nene underwent surgery and chemotherapy during the 2007-08 season, but made a full recovery.

Grom announces that Nikola Topić is fighting testicular cancer

The fans have learned Lightning defender Nikola Topić underwent testicle surgerybut he never knew how big it was until Thunder GM Sam Presti announced Topic’s cancer diagnosis on Thursday.

Ahead of the Thunder’s game against the Wizards, Presti briefed reporters on Topic’s latest setback, revealing the kind of news that puts the importance of playing basketball on the back burner. in the midst of a cancer diagnosis.

“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.”

Sam Presti announced today that Nikola Topić is dealing with testicular cancer.

His doctors are “extremely positive” about his long-term outlook. He has started chemotherapy, and there is no timetable for his return.

We wish Topica all the best. pic.twitter.com/jktkdO5kGa

— Justin Martinez (@Justintohoops) October 30, 2025

Doctors predict that Topic will make a healthy recovery.

“Our only expectation for him is to focus on this — this is his top priority. He’ll get back to playing basketball when he can, but obviously we don’t have any expectations on that,” Presti said. “He has our full support, encouragement, love. The guys on the team have been amazing.”

The Thunder will host the Wizards on Thursday.