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Nikola Topić Undergoes Lumbar Microdiscectomy, Ruled Out for Summer League

The Thunder say the minimally invasive spine surgery is meant to relieve nerve compression and that he is expected to be ready for the start of 2026-27 training camp.

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Apr 12, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Nikola Topic (44) shoots a three point basket against the Phoenix Suns during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

Overview

  • Team officials announced that Topić had a successful minimally invasive lumbar microdiscectomy performed by Dr. Andrew Dossett at the Carrell Clinic in Dallas on Saturday.
  • The Thunder confirmed he will miss the team’s Summer League roster but they expect him to be available when training camp opens for the 2026-27 season.
  • A lumbar microdiscectomy is a small-incision procedure that removes or trims a bulging or herniated disc to relieve pressure on spinal nerves, a treatment commonly used to ease sciatica and leg pain.
  • Topić’s operation follows a string of major health challenges that delayed his early career—he missed 2024-25 with a torn ACL and underwent chemotherapy for testicular cancer in fall 2025 before returning to play in February—and he logged only 10 regular-season NBA games this year.
  • The team’s timeline for his recovery will shape Topić’s developmental path and the Thunder’s backcourt planning this offseason, including how they allocate minutes and whether they pursue changes to depth behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.