Less than two months after his cancer diagnosis was announced, Nikola Topic of the Oklahoma City Thunder has made amazing on-court progress. Topic was at shootaround before Thursday’s game against the Los Angeles Clippers at the Paycom Center.
Thunder beat reporter Clemente Almanza shared a short video of Topic dribbling and taking shots during the Thunder’s pregame warmups. He was moving well and even drove to the basket against a defender and made the tough layup.
Almanza added that it was his first time seeing the Serbian youngster on the court since his diagnosis back in late October. Topic is undergoing chemotherapy and has seemingly shaved his head to get ahead of the expected hair loss because of the treatment.
It’s an incredible step for Topic, who has yet to make his NBA debut. He missed all of last season due to a torn ACL in his left knee. He has been through a lot at such a young age, but he continues to show heart and hard work.
Mark Daigneault Commends Topic’s Resiliency
Before last week’s NBA Cup semifinal matchup between the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs, coach Mark Daigneault was asked by reporters about Nikola Topic’s progress. Daigneault had a lot of positive things to say about Topic, from his treatment to how he’s handling all of it at just 20 years old.
“He is putting the work in where he can physically so that when he comes out of it, he is in the best possible position physically. But he has done a great job. He is right where he should be. He is doing great. The guys have been great with him. He has been great with the guys. It’s been a very humbling situation to watch because he has handled it just beautifully,” Daigneault said, via Sports Illustrated.
The coach also described Topic as an “incredible person” and “unbelievable character” who doesn’t want his cancer diagnosis to be about him. He remains focused on his recovery and returning to the team to help them defend their NBA championship.
Jalen Williams added that he has a lot of respect for Topic because he went through his ACL recovery seamlessly, and now he’s handling his cancer treatments in the best way possible. Williams and the rest of the team are doing all they can to show their support for their young teammate.
No Recovery Timeline for Nikola Topic
According to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon, Nikola Topic underwent a procedure in early October following his preseason debut. He was later diagnosed with testicular cancer, as announced by Oklahoma City Thunder general manager Sam Presti. He started chemotherapy before the Thunder made his condition public.
“Our only expectations for him are to focus on this. 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, obviously. He has our total support, encouragement and love,” Presti said.
The Thunder hasn’t released an update on Topic’s recovery timeline. His doctors are reportedly “extremely positive” about his overall outlook.
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