Thunder rookie completes emotional NBA debut after cancer battle

Nikola Topic has made his long-awaited NBA debut for the Oklahoma City Thunder, stepping onto the court against the Milwaukee Bucks following his recovery from testicular cancer.

A rapturous reception

The Serbian guard entered proceedings late in the first quarter to a standing ovation from the home crowd in Oklahoma City.

It marked the end of a gruelling road to recovery for the 19-year-old, who was selected as the 12th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.

Topic missed the entirety of the previous campaign due to a serious knee injury sustained prior to his selection by the franchise.

His introduction to the league was further delayed when doctors diagnosed him with testicular cancer during the preseason.

Road to recovery

Following a medical procedure in October, the playmaker underwent chemotherapy and began the arduous process of rebuilding his match fitness.

The highly-rated prospect wasted little time making his mark on the game after finally checking in.

He drained a jump shot from near the free-throw line early in the second quarter to secure his first points in the association.

His return to the senior setup follows a promising warm-up stint with the Oklahoma City Blue earlier this week.

Representing the Thunder’s G League affiliate on Monday, the rookie tallied seven points and seven assists in a 137-135 overtime victory over the Sioux Falls Skyforce.