Deandre Ayton Faces 25-Game Suspension
Deandre Ayton Faces a 25-Game Suspension
by Z. Roney
10.25.2019 Deandre Ayton is poised for a break-out year this season. The 6-11, 250 lbs center was selected 1st overall in the 2018 draft, and has so far failed to disappoint, averaging 16.3 points and 10.3 rebounds in his rookie season en route to an All-Rookie First Team selection. This season is his chance to display his improvements from last year, and assume a larger role for the Phoenix Suns; he can further prove to his fans that he can meet their expectations and realize his full potential. However, that chance will come at a much later time than anyone would've hoped.
The other night, Deandre Ayton found himself banned for 25 games when he tested positive for a diuretic, which are usually used as masking agents, violating the league's anti-drug policy. Such a suspension could last nearly 2 months, potentially keeping him sidelined until mid-late December. At the moment, plans for the NBPA to seek arbitration is underway; their appeal is based on the argument of “unintentional ingestion”, and claims that Ayton did not have any other banned substance in his system. They hope to reduce the severity of the penalty; however, in the meantime, Ayton's absence will definitely be a blow to the Suns' overall performance. Aron Baynes or Frank Kaminsky is likely to start in his place until the issue is resolved.
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