While he serves his 25-game suspension, Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton can practice with the team. There's a catch, however, as Ayton must leave the arena two hours prior to the game.
Ayton has received a 25-game suspension for violating the NBA/NBPA Anti-Drug Program by testing positive for a diuretic.
Wondering what #Suns center Deandre Ayton can and can't do during this 25-game suspension?
According to an #NBA spokesperson, he can practice with the team, but must leave the arena two hours prior to the games in which he is suspended for. pic.twitter.com/Cz0BcGSXK2
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) October 25, 2019
The Suns began the 2019-20 season with a convincing win over the Sacramento Kings at home. Ayton, the No. 1 overall pick in last year’s draft, put up 18 points and 11 rebounds in 33 minutes while shooting an efficient 9-of-14 from the field.
Article Continues BelowIn his first season in the NBA, Ayton averaged 16.3 points and 10.3 rebounds in 71 games while shooting 58.5 percent from the floor.
People sometimes forget he was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 draft. Ayton was overshadowed by Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic and Atlanta Hawks point guard Trae Young last season despite averaging a double-double.
This suspension isn't a good look for Ayton. Hopefully, the Suns' youngster learns from his mistake and comes back hungrier than ever.
The offensive burden will be heavy for Suns star shooting guard Devin Booker in the 25 games that Ayton misses. The other players on Phoenix will have to step up if they want to survive this Ayton-less 25-game stretch.