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OKC Thunder guard Nikola Topić is expected to be ready for the start of NBA training camp after undergoing back surgery, the team announced Saturday.
Topić, the No. 12 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, had a successful minimally invasive lumbar microdiscectomy procedure performed by Dr. Andrew Dossett at the Carrell Clinic in Dallas.
The procedure is one that involves smaller incisions to fix a bulging disk in the lower back, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine.
It is the latest surgery for the Serbian guard, who missed his rookie season after a torn ACL.
Diagnosed with testicular cancer last fall, Topić endured multiple rounds of chemotherapy before making a remarkable NBA debut in February.
Topić appeared in 10 regular-season games and nine playoff games.
“I learned a lot about myself,” Topić said May 31. “I didn't know how tough I was, honestly. It wasn't the best, but I'm grateful that I went through those experiences. I grew from those experiences as well and it made me a better person today, and I wouldn't be here if those things didn't happen. I'm looking forward to getting ready to play.”
MUSSATTO: Thunder GM Sam Presti fights back against 'bully pulpit' attacking Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Jeff Patterson is the sports editor for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Jeff? He can be reached at [email protected] or on X/Twitter at @jeffpattOKC. Support Jeff's work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Nikola Topic injury status after OKC Thunder guard has back surgery
Continue reading...
Topić, the No. 12 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, had a successful minimally invasive lumbar microdiscectomy procedure performed by Dr. Andrew Dossett at the Carrell Clinic in Dallas.
The procedure is one that involves smaller incisions to fix a bulging disk in the lower back, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine.
It is the latest surgery for the Serbian guard, who missed his rookie season after a torn ACL.
Diagnosed with testicular cancer last fall, Topić endured multiple rounds of chemotherapy before making a remarkable NBA debut in February.
Topić appeared in 10 regular-season games and nine playoff games.
“I learned a lot about myself,” Topić said May 31. “I didn't know how tough I was, honestly. It wasn't the best, but I'm grateful that I went through those experiences. I grew from those experiences as well and it made me a better person today, and I wouldn't be here if those things didn't happen. I'm looking forward to getting ready to play.”
MUSSATTO: Thunder GM Sam Presti fights back against 'bully pulpit' attacking Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Jeff Patterson is the sports editor for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Jeff? He can be reached at [email protected] or on X/Twitter at @jeffpattOKC. Support Jeff's work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Nikola Topic injury status after OKC Thunder guard has back surgery
Continue reading...
