The Cleveland Cavaliers won’t have Tristan Thompson at their disposal for an extended period of time. On Tuesday, he was suspended by the NBA for violating its anti-drug rules.
Thompson, 32, tested positive for ibutamoren and SARM LGD-4033, per a press release from the NBA.
The NBA has suspended Thompson for 25 games. His suspension officially kicks in tomorrow when the Cleveland Cavaliers face the Milwaukee Bucks.
The NBA announces a 25-game suspension for Cleveland’s Tristan Thompson for violating the league’s anti-drug rules by testing positive for two substances (ibutamoren and SARM LGD-4033). pic.twitter.com/vfPeefIpHC
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) January 23, 2024
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Thompson has been a rotational player for the Cavaliers this season, averaging 12.4 minutes per game. He’s averaging 3.8 points and 3.9 rebounds per contest.
With Thompson suspended for the next 25 games, the Cavaliers will need to lean heavily on Jarrett Allen, Georges Niang and Dean Wade in the frontcourt. They could also give Damian Jones more minutes at center.
The Cavaliers are in fourth place in the Eastern Conference. They only trail the top seed in the standings by 6.5 games.