The Phoenix Suns 2019-20 campaign got off to a good start Wednesday against the Sacramento Kings, but it took a turn for the worse just 24 hours later.
Deandre Ayton, the Suns’ No. 1 overall selection in the 2018 NBA Draft, is facing a 25-game suspension for violating the NBA’s Anti-Drug Policy, the league announced Thursday night. Ayton tested positive for a diuretic, per the NBA’s statement. He’ll begin the suspension Friday when Phoenix takes on the Denver Nuggets.
The Suns' honeymoon after throttling Sacramento on Opening Night lasts less than 24 hours … as 2018's No. 1 overall pick Deandre Ayton gets hit with a 25-game suspension … pic.twitter.com/h03YTBawYK
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) October 25, 2019
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski is reporting that Ayton’s follow-up tests showed no traces of other banned substances, leading the NBA Players Association to push for a reduction in the suspension as soon as possible.
Follow-up testing on Phoenix's Deandre Ayton showed no traces of any other banned substances, sources with knowledge of results tell ESPN. NBPA is likely to fast-track arbitration process to push for a reduction as soon as possible, per sources.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) October 25, 2019
Ayton, 21, posted 18 points and 11 rebounds in the Sun’s season-opening win Wednesday. He averaged 16.3 points and 10.3 rebounds over 71 games during his rookie campaign last season.
