PHOENIX, AZ - NOVEMBER 26: General view of action between the Phoenix Suns and the Denver Nuggets during the NBA game at US Airways Center on November 26, 2014 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)A former No. 1 overall pick in the NBA draft is reportedly facing a lengthy suspension.
According to a report from ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton faces a 25-game suspension for violating the NBA’s Anti-Drug policy.
Woj revealed Ayton tested positive for a diuretic.
According to the report, both Ayton and the Suns were informed of the looming suspension on Thursday night.
“Suns center Deandre Ayton is facing a 25-game suspension for violating NBA’s Anti-Drug policy with a positive test for a diuretic,” Woj reported tonight.
Suns center Deandre Ayton is facing a 25-game suspension for violating NBA’s Anti-Drug policy with a positive test for a diuretic, league sources tell ESPN. The NBA informed Ayton and Suns of looming suspension tonight.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) October 25, 2019
The NBA insider revealed the NBPA is preparing an “arbitration case to reduce or rescind penalty, based on belief positive test falls under CBA provision of ‘unintentional ingestion.'”
Ayton played well in the team’s first game against the Sacramento Kings. The former Arizona star poured in 18 points, 11 rebounds and five blocks in the team’s 124-95 win.
He was supposed to be a significant part of the team’s rebuilding project. However, now facing a suspension, it looks like he won’t be contributing much for a quarter of the season.
The Suns drafted Ayton with the No. 1 overall pick in 2018 after standout season with the Wildcats.
Stay tuned for the latest on his looming suspension.
UPDATE: The league officially announced the news.
NBA announces Ayton suspension pic.twitter.com/UW2Wwecr5t
— Chris Mannix (@SIChrisMannix) October 25, 2019
Tough break for the Suns.
