Thunder guard Nikola Topic underwent back surgery and will miss Summer League as he recovers.
Nikola Topic, the Oklahoma City Thunder guard selected 12th overall in the 2024 NBA draft, underwent a minimally invasive lumbar microdiscectomy surgery on his spine. The procedure was performed by Dr. Andrew Dossett in Dallas, Texas, with Thunder medical staff present. While the surgery was successful, Topic will require an extended recovery period, which will sideline him for the upcoming NBA Summer League.
Topic’s road to recovery has been marked by significant challenges. He missed his entire rookie season due to a knee injury sustained just before the draft. Adding to his difficulties, he was diagnosed with testicular cancer before the start of this season. After undergoing surgery in October, he completed chemotherapy and steadily worked on regaining his conditioning.
Despite the setbacks, Topic persevered and made his NBA debut on February 12. He went on to play in 10 regular-season games for the Thunder this season, showing resilience and determination. His ability to return to the court after such obstacles has been a testament to his dedication.
The lumbar microdiscectomy surgery is a common procedure for addressing spinal issues, and Topic’s recovery timeline suggests he will miss the Summer League. However, the Thunder remain optimistic about his return in time for training camp ahead of the next season. Fans and analysts will be watching closely as Topic progresses in his recovery. If all goes well, he could be back on the court for the start of the next season, continuing his journey as a promising young player for the Thunder. The team will rely on his growth and contributions as he works toward full recovery.