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Oklahoma City Thunder guard Nikola Topic has started chemotherapy treatment after being diagnosed with testicular cancer.<\/b><\/p>\n
The 20-year-old Serb had a procedure on 6 October at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston to take a biopsy.<\/p>\n
Thunder general manager Sam Presti said doctors were “extremely positive” about Topic’s long-term health.<\/p>\n
“The results of the biopsy have been returned and he is dealing with a case of testicular cancer,” said Presti.<\/p>\n
“‘Tope’ didn’t want to make this information public until he had begun the actual treatments, which he has recently. He’s been in here, he’s training, he’s working out – through this entire process he’s been able to do that.<\/p>\n
“He has a tremendous group of oncologists and they are extremely positive about his outlook in dealing with the situation.”<\/p>\n
Presti did not put a timescale on when he expected Topic to be back playing and added: “Our only expectations for him are to focus on this.<\/p>\n
“This is his most important priority. He’ll be back playing basketball when he’s able to, but we’re not putting any time length or expectations on that. <\/p>\n
“He has our total support, encouragement and love.”<\/p>\n
Topic was the 12th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft but sustained a serious injury to his left knee and did not play in the 2024-25 season as the Thunder won the NBA Championship.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n