The NBA has suspended Cleveland Cavaliers forward Tristan Thompson for 25 games for violating the league’s drug policy, officials confirmed on Tuesday.
Cleveland’s backup center, Tristan Thompson, has been handed a 25-game suspension by the NBA for violating the league’s anti-drug policy. This suspension will keep him off the court and out of the team’s rotation for two months.
The NBA revealed that the 32-year-old Thompson tested positive for ibutamoren, a growth hormone, and SARM LGD-4033, commonly used by bodybuilders and weightlifters for muscle enhancement.
Tristan Thompson’s suspension kicks in on Wednesday as the Cleveland Cavaliers face Milwaukee. With an impressive eight-game winning streak, the Cavs will be without him for two games but can expect his return on March 16 against Houston.
Despite injuries to important players like Darius Garland and Evan Mobley, the Cavs have been performing strongly since December. Thompson’s suspension, however, will challenge the team’s bench depth during this positive stretch.
After the NBA announced Tristan Thompson’s suspension, the Cleveland Cavaliers released a statement expressing their support for the NBA/NBAPA Anti-Drug Program. The team expressed disappointment in the news about Tristan Thompson and acknowledged that his absence from the games will impact the team. Despite the setback, the Cavaliers affirmed their support for Tristan and committed to standing by him during the suspension period.
While Tristan Thompson is under suspension, he is allowed to travel and practice. The only condition is that he must leave the arena at least two hours before the start of any games.
Thompson is in his second stint with the Cavs, having been initially drafted as the No. 4 overall pick in 2011. Standing at 6-foot-11, he is well-regarded in Cleveland and was a key member of the 2016 NBA championship team, marking a historic achievement for the city by securing its first major pro sports title since 1964.
Tristan Thompson spent his first nine pro seasons with the Cavs before exploring other teams like Boston, Sacramento, Indiana, Chicago, and the Los Angeles Lakers.
This season, the Cavs brought him back as a free agent on a one-year contract. Despite averaging 3.8 points and 3.9 rebounds in 12 minutes, Thompson has been a valuable asset for Cleveland, particularly in dealing with various injuries.
Cleveland has faced challenges with key players Darius Garland (broken jaw) and Evan Mobley (knee surgery) out for over a month. Surprisingly, the Cavs have excelled, winning 13 of 16 games without them. With a current record of 26 wins and 15 losses, they hold the No. 4 spot in the Eastern Conference.
In positive developments, Garland has resumed on-court workouts after having his jaw wiring removed. Meanwhile, Mobley is gradually increasing his activities. Both players are anticipated to make their return to the lineup next month.
Tristan Thompson played a role in Cleveland’s 126-99 victory against Orlando on Monday night. He contributed with four points and five rebounds during the game.
Tristan Thompson High School Career:
Tristan Thompson, a Canadian-American basketball player, currently plays for the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA. Known for winning an NBA championship with the Cavaliers in 2016, he has also been part of teams like the Boston Celtics, Sacramento Kings, Indiana Pacers, Chicago Bulls, and Los Angeles Lakers.
Tristan’s basketball journey began in high school at St. Marguerite d’Youville Secondary School in Brampton. Seeking more exposure and skill development, he later moved to Saint Benedict’s Preparatory School in New Jersey. After a short stint at St. Benedict’s, he transferred to Findlay Prep in Nevada, contributing to their first national championship win.
Following high school, Tristan played a season at the University of Texas with the Texas Longhorns before entering the NBA. He has also represented the Canadian national team.
In simpler terms, Tristan Thompson is a successful basketball player with achievements like winning an NBA championship and playing for various NBA teams. His journey started in high school, where he moved to different schools to enhance his skills. After college, he made his mark in the NBA and even represented his home country in basketball.