Oklahoma City Thunder Guard Nikola Topic Undergoes Lumbar Microdiscectomy
The 20-year-old underwent spine surgery on June 13 and is expected to return for training camp. Topic appeared in 10 games this season after cancer treatment.
nbcnews.comOklahoma City Thunder guard Nikola Topic underwent a lumbar microdiscectomy on his spine on June 13, 2026. The minimally invasive procedure to remove a herniated disc was performed by Dr. Andrew Dossett in Dallas, with Thunder medical personnel present.
The Thunder announced the surgery on Saturday. Topic is expected to be ready for the start of training camp next season. Topic, the 12th overall pick in the 2024 NBA draft, missed his entire rookie season after a pre-draft knee injury.
He was diagnosed with testicular cancer during the 2025-26 preseason, underwent a procedure in October 2025, and completed chemotherapy before returning to play. He appeared in 10 games for the Thunder during the 2025-26 regular season. Because lumbar microdiscectomy recovery typically takes several months, Topic is likely to miss the NBA summer league next month.
