Oklahoma City Thunder guard Nikola Topić made his NBA debut in Thursday’s 110-93 loss against the Milwaukee Bucks. Topić received a standing ovation when he entered the game, his first since being diagnosed with testicular cancer. He’d been out since October as he underwent chemotherapy treatment.
He finished the game with two points, 1 rebound and 1 assist in 12 minutes.
The 20-year-old was assigned to the OKC Blue on Sunday and played in two G League games, averaging 14.5 points and 5.5 assists through two games with the OKC Blue.
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The 6-foot-6 Serbian guard had yet to make his NBA debut since being drafted with the 12th overall pick in the 2024 draft. Topić missed his rookie season and essentially had a redshirt rookie season after partially tearing his ACL before the draft. He played in the Summer League and preseason before his diagnosis this year.
Topić received minutes with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitchell out on Thursday night. Gilgeous-Alexander and Mitchell have missed time with abdominal injuries, while Williams is dealing with a hamstring injury. Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein also rested in the team’s last game before the All-Star break.
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The defending champions sit atop the West standings at 42-14.
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