Zona Zealots
Fansided

Former Arizona Wildcat Deandre Ayton is not a bust

By David Rosen

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 23: Deandre Ayton #22 of the Phoenix Suns looks to pass under pressure from Richaun Holmes #22 of the Sacramento Kings during the first half of the NBA game at Talking Stick Resort Arena on October 23, 2019 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 23: Deandre Ayton #22 of the Phoenix Suns looks to pass under pressure from Richaun Holmes #22 of the Sacramento Kings during the first half of the NBA game at Talking Stick Resort Arena on October 23, 2019 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Former Arizona Wildcat Deandre Ayton has been suspended 25 games for violating the NBA Drug Policy, but he is not a bust.

One of the All-time greats to have played for Arizona Basketball, Deandre Ayton, was suspended 25 games for violating the NBA Drug Policy. A random drug test found traces of a diuretic in his system. As a result, he has received the suspension and some are already suggesting he is a bust, but he is far from that!

Yes, he failed a drug test for which Ayton immediately apologized to everyone for, realizing it was a bad mistake. But bad enough to be a bust, that makes no sense. What he accomplished his rookie season and the first game of the regular season for the Phoenix Suns puts him in the category of one of the greats big men in the game today.

For those that need a reminder, here you go:

  • Averaged a double-double in his rookie season
  • All-Rookie First Team
  • All-World Team at NBA All-Star game
  • Set Suns rookie rebound record with 729
  • Set Sun double-double record with 39
  • Rookie of the Year finalist
  • The first game of 2019-20 he dropped 18 points and 11 rebounds

What’s odd about the violation itself is typically players receive a 25 game suspension on the second time they don’t pass a random drug test. This is Ayton’s first one unless there was another one not made public. The first time they don’t pass the test, they receive a 10 game suspension.

More from Cats in the Pros

Someone who is using a diuretic typically uses it to help increase the amount of water that is left from the body as urine. They are also used for other reasons as well. Because of the type of drug it is, it is being appealed by the NBPA (National Basketball Players Association) as it falls under unintentional ingestion.

Hopefully, the NBA and NBPA do the right thing and reduce Ayton’s suspension to 10 games. The last thing the Suns need is for their best player to be out 25 games. After being the second-worst team in the league and last in the Western Conference last season, for them to have any chance to improve upon that record they need Ayton.

Ayton dominating down low against the Sacramento Kings!

https://twitter.com/Suns/status/1187443394898825216?s=20

Besides what he did his rookie, Deandre Ayton is motivated more than ever to be the best. This is a slight set back, but nothing he can’t overcome. Look at the adversity he had to face while playing for Arizona. No one will ever forget the game against Oregon in Eugene where the students were harassing him. Didn’t phase him one bit.

Must Read. Former Wildcats shine in their NBA Season Openers for 2019-20. light

Deandre Ayton a bust, now that’s funny. He is the furthest thing from it. When his long and successful NBA career is over, he will go down as one the greats to have played the game of basketball. Future Hall of Famer? I think so. For now, it’s time for Ayton to prove all those doubters wrong. As always, Bear Down, Arizona!

Home/Cats in the Pros