Phoenix Suns second-year big man DeAndre Ayton was recently handed a 25-game suspension due to violating the league's anti-doping protocol. This was definitely a huge blow for the 21-year-old, who is primed for a breakout sophomore campaign.
In a recent article from Heavy.com, it is being reported that Ayton has every intention of fighting this severe sanction, as he hopes to get a reduced sentence for something that he allegedly did not do on purpose.
According to a league source, Ayton’s camp and the players union expects to meet with the NBA to present its case for a reduction of the suspension by the end of the week.
Ayton has maintained that he took the diuretic in question unwittingly.
The 7-foot-1 center has reached out to the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) for some assistance with his case, and it appears that the body is more than willing to lend the embattled youngster a helping hand.
After starting the new campaign with a bang on opening night with 18 points, 11 rebounds, a steal, and four blocks in a blowout victory against the Sacramento Kings, Ayton has been unable to take the floor due to his suspension. So far, he has served just four out of his 25-game suspension, which means that if the sentence is not reduced, he will remain on the sidelines for the next couple of months.
The Suns are 2-2 since they lost Ayton, with Wednesday night's victory against a hapless Golden State Warriors side proving that Phoenix are more than capable of notching wins sans their prized big man. 32-year-old veteran Aron Baynes has filled in admirably for Ayton, with the 6-foot-10 center absolutely torching the Dubs on Tuesday with 24 points (on 9-of-18 shooting), two three-pointers, 13 rebounds, seven assists, and three blocks in 28 minutes of action.
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