The Oklahoma City Thunder just can’t catch a break when it comes to health — and neither can their promising young guard, Nikola Topić.
According to Michael Scotto, Nikola Topić is set to undergo a testicular procedure and is expected to be sidelined for the next 4 to 6 weeks. It’s another tough blow for the 19-year-old Serbian phenom, who already missed the entire 2024–25 season recovering from a partially torn ACL.
For Thunder fans, this is especially painful. Topić, drafted in 2024 as one of Europe’s most polished playmakers, was expected to finally make his debut this preseason after showing flashes of brilliance in training camp scrimmages. His combination of size, IQ, and passing creativity had OKC’s front office buzzing about his potential fit alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren.
Instead, the Thunder’s patience will be tested once again.
Injury setbacks like this are tough — especially for a rookie who’s already spent over a year on the sidelines. But the Thunder’s track record of developing and protecting their young talent gives hope that Topić will return stronger than ever.
This isn’t the first time OKC has played the long game with player recovery, and it likely won’t be the last. The organization values health and longevity above all else — and in Topić’s case, the future still shines bright.
Expect the Thunder to proceed cautiously, keeping their young guard off the court until he’s fully ready to return. For now, it’s about healing, regrouping, and preparing for what could still be a breakout rookie campaign — just slightly delayed.
