In a courageous revelation that has shaken the basketball world, Serbian basketball prodigy Nikola Topić has shared his private battle with testicular cancer just weeks after being selected by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA draft.
The 18-year-old guard, chosen 12th overall in last month's draft, received his diagnosis shortly before the biggest moment of his young career. Despite this devastating news, Topić maintained his professional commitments while quietly beginning treatment.
Unexpected Diagnosis Before Draft Night
Medical professionals discovered the cancer during routine pre-draft examinations, casting a shadow over what should have been an exclusively celebratory period. Rather than withdrawing from the draft process, Topić demonstrated remarkable resilience by proceeding with team interviews and media obligations.
"The diagnosis was confirmed right before the draft," sources close to the player revealed. "He handled everything with incredible maturity and never used it as an excuse."
Successful Treatment Underway
Topić has since begun chemotherapy treatment, with medical experts expressing optimism about his full recovery. The young athlete's prognosis is reportedly excellent, with expectations he'll make a complete return to basketball activities.
Testicular cancer, when detected early, has one of the highest cure rates among all cancers. Topić's case appears to have been caught at an early stage, significantly improving his recovery outlook.
NBA Community Shows Support
The Oklahoma City Thunder organization has rallied behind their new player, offering full medical support and adjusting their development timeline accordingly. Team officials have emphasized that Topić's health remains their absolute priority.
Fellow players and coaches across the league have expressed their support for the young guard, praising his bravery in going public with his diagnosis. Many have shared messages of encouragement on social media platforms.
What This Means for Topić's Rookie Season
While his NBA debut may be delayed, basketball analysts suggest this temporary setback shouldn't impact Topić's long-term potential. The 6'6" guard is still considered one of Europe's most promising prospects, known for his exceptional playmaking abilities and basketball IQ.
The Thunder organization has indicated they'll take a patient approach, allowing Topić to focus entirely on his recovery before integrating him into their basketball operations.
Topić's story serves as an important reminder about the value of regular medical check-ups and early cancer detection, particularly for young athletes. His openness about his diagnosis may help destigmatize conversations around men's health issues in sports.
