Deandre Ayton Facing NBA Suspension

Hope Suns fans enjoyed the season opener.

Less than 24 hours after a strong start to the season, realty hit.

 ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported second-year center Deandre Ayton has been suspended 25 games for violating the NBA’s anti-drug policy for testing positive of a diuretic.

Suns center Deandre Ayton is facing a 25-game suspension for violating NBA’s Anti-Drug policy with a positive test for a diuretic, league sources tell ESPN. The NBA informed Ayton and Suns of looming suspension tonight.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) October 25, 2019

More Ayton: “I do understand the unfortunate impact that this has on so many others, and for that I am deeply sorry. I’m extremely disappointed that I’ve let my team down. I will continue to work with the NBPA to go through arbitration and am hopeful of a positive resolution.”

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) October 25, 2019

Ayton was the top overall pick in the 2018 NBA draft and averaged 16.3 points and 10.3 rebounds per game in his rookie season. He scored 18 points and brought in 11 rebounds in the Suns’ 124-95 win over the Sacramento Kings.