Nikola Topic Records First NBA Points in Debut Following Cancer Treatment

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Nikola Topic made his professional debut Thursday, scoring his first basket against the Bucks after overcoming a preseason cancer diagnosis.

Nikola Topic officially entered the NBA record books on Thursday night, checking into the Oklahoma City Thunder’s game against the Milwaukee Bucks late in the first quarter. The Serbian guard, selected 12th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, recorded his first professional points at the 10:44 mark of the second period. He converted a 15-foot pull-up jumper from the free-throw line area, marking his first successful field goal in a regular-season contest. This appearance concluded a 14-month wait for the prospect to return to competitive basketball following a series of significant medical setbacks that began prior to his arrival in the United States.

The timeline for this return was dictated by a preseason diagnosis of testicular cancer, which the Thunder organization disclosed in October. Topic underwent an immediate surgical procedure to remove the malignancy, followed by a localized course of chemotherapy to ensure a full recovery. Medical clearance for full-contact activity was granted earlier this month, allowing the 19-year-old to begin a ramp-up process with the team’s training staff. His presence on the floor Thursday night represented the culmination of a rapid rehabilitation period that saw him transition from oncological treatment to elite athletic competition in less than one full quarter of the NBA season.

Prior to his promotion to the active roster, Topic utilized a single-game conditioning assignment with the Oklahoma City Blue to regain game rhythm. On Monday, he logged 16 minutes of action in a 137-135 overtime victory against the Sioux Falls Skyforce. During that G League appearance, the guard facilitated the offense effectively, distributing seven assists and scoring seven points. He shot 3-of-6 from the field in that contest, demonstrating the playmaking vision that originally made him a lottery selection despite a pre-draft ACL injury that had already sidelined him for the entirety of the previous calendar year.

Standing 6-foot-6, the Serbian playmaker adds significant depth to the Thunder backcourt rotation. His debut against Milwaukee saw him handle primary ball-distribution duties during his initial four-minute stint, where he successfully navigated screens to find open teammates. The home crowd at Paycom Center provided a standing ovation when he approached the scorer’s table to sub in for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. By the time he exited the game, Topic had demonstrated the lateral mobility and shooting touch that were questioned during his lengthy layoff.

Statistical benchmarks from his first night in the league highlight a player who is still finding his footing within Mark Daigneault’s offensive system. While his scoring was limited to that single second-quarter jumper, his defensive positioning helped the Thunder maintain a lead during the transition between the first and second units. The franchise has remained patient with his development, considering he missed his entire initial post-draft summer league and training camp schedule. This successful return to the hardwood marks the first time the Thunder have had their full 2024 draft class available for selection in a regular-season game. Topic’s journey from a hospital bed in October to the hardwood in December serves as a definitive milestone for the Oklahoma City medical and coaching departments.