The health status of OKC Thunder point guard Nikola Topic has gone from bad to devastating in only a matter of weeks.
During the early stages of training camp back in early October, it was revealed that the 20-year-old would undergo a testicular procedure that, initially, was projected to hold him out for at least four to six weeks.
As we encroach on a month since the operation, more information has been made public about his health status, as Thunder GM Sam Presti revealed Thursday morning that the initial procedure was performed "to determine whether Nikola was dealing with a case of testicular cancer."
Presti announced that the results of the biopsy have been received, which revealed that Topic is, in fact, "dealing with a case of testicular cancer."
Thunder guard Nikola Topic receives testicular cancer diagnosis
Though such an update must be devastating for the young guard and his family to have received, Presti stressed in his media availability session that the medical professionals he's working with are "extremely positive" about his long-term outlook.
Their approach to battling this cancer, as determined by Topic's oncologist, is to undergo chemotherapy, which, as Presti noted, is a process he's already begun.
The executive would also disclose the findings that testicular cancer is "the most cured form of cancer among males," which is certainly a bright spot when it comes to this obviously disheartening diagnosis.
An NBA player being diagnosed with testicular cancer is not something new.
Back during the 2007-08 season, Nene Hilario missed 37 games while undergoing chemotherapy for this exact diagnosis. Fortunately, this approach ultimately proved successful, and he would not only return for the start of the following season but would also play for 11 more seasons before officially retiring on his own terms in 2020.
Perhaps Hilario's path could serve as even more of a confidence booster for Topic as he makes his way through the process himself.
Since entering the league as the 12th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, the Serbian native has had consistent struggles with health-related ailments.
From missing his entire rookie season with a partially torn ACL to, now, having no timeline to return as a result of his cancer diagnosis, the point guard has yet to log a single minute of action with the Thunder.
Yet, despite all of this, Presti acknowledged in his media session that Topic's goal is still to "be back playing basketball" once he's able to do so.
In the meantime, the most important thing is for him to focus on his current cancer battle, which Presti correctly acknowledged "is his most important priority."