OKLAHOMA CITY — In what is being hailed as one of the most resilient returns in recent sports history, Oklahoma City Thunder guard Nikola Topić is officially available to make his NBA debut tonight, Thursday, February 12, 2026, against the Milwaukee Bucks.
The 20-year-old Serbian standout, selected 12th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, has faced a grueling 20-month journey to reach the hardwood. After missing his entire true rookie season (2024-25) recovering from a torn ACL in his left knee, Topić’s career was again put on hold in late 2025 following a diagnosis of testicular cancer.
A Miraculous Recovery Timeline
Topić’s path to the Paycom Center floor has been defined by perseverance. After undergoing surgery and a rigorous course of chemotherapy that concluded in early January 2026, the 6-foot-6 playmaker was cleared for basketball activities. He recently completed a brief conditioning stint with the OKC Blue in the NBA G League, proving his fitness to the Thunder medical staff.
Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault described Topić’s return as “incredible,” noting the young guard’s mental toughness throughout his dual recovery from major surgery and a life-altering medical diagnosis. “He has handled every setback with a level of maturity that is rare for a player his age,” Daigneault told reporters during the morning shootaround.
What Topić Brings to the Thunder Rotation
Before his injuries, Topić was widely considered a top-five talent in his draft class. As a jumbo point guard with elite passing vision and a 6-foot-11 wingspan, he offers the Thunder a unique secondary playmaker to slot alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams.
- Height/Weight: 6’6″, 200 lbs
- Draft Pedigree: 2024 Round 1, Pick 12
- Key Strength: Exceptional downhill rim pressure and pick-and-roll orchestration.
- Previous Stats: Averaged 15.9 points and 5.9 assists in the Adriatic League (ABA) prior to being drafted.
Expectations for Tonight’s Debut
While Topić is not listed on the official injury report for tonight’s matchup against Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks, team insiders expect him to play limited minutes as he acclimates to the speed of the NBA game. The Thunder organization has remained “extremely positive” about his long-term outlook, with General Manager Sam Presti emphasizing that the priority remains Topić’s health and sustained development.
Tip-off is scheduled for 8:00 PM ET. For Thunder fans, the sight of the #44 jersey on the court will represent more than just a debut; it marks the end of a long, courageous battle for one of the league’s brightest international prospects.