NBA suspends Canadian Tristan Thompson 25 games for positive drug test

Cleveland Cavaliers centre Tristan Thompson has been suspended 25 games by the NBA for violating its anti-drug program.

The league said Thompson, from Brampton, Ont., tested positive for ibutamoren and SARM LGD-4033. His suspension will begin with Wednesday’s game between Cleveland and the Milwaukee Bucks.

Ibutamoren is a growth hormone stimulator. SARM LGD-4033 is still in preliminary clinical trials but early studies have shown that the drug improves lean body mass and muscle strength.

During the suspension, Thompson is allowed to travel and practice. The only restriction is he must be out of the arena at least two hours prior to tipoff for any games.

Thompson was drafted fourth overall by the Cavaliers in 2011 and won a championship with Cleveland in 2016, the city’s first major pro sports title since 1964.

The six-foot-11 Thompson has become a beloved player in Cleveland, spending his first nine seasons as a pro with the Cavs before bouncing around. He’s also played with Boston, Sacramento, Indiana, Chicago and Los Angeles Lakers.

The Cavs re-signed him as a free agent to a one-year contract before this season. He’s only averaging 3.8 points and 3.9 rebounds in 12 minutes, but Thompson has also helped Cleveland navigate a spate of injuries.

Cleveland has been without starters Darius Garland (broken jaw) and forward Evan Mobley (knee surgery) since mid-December, but the Cavs have played their best ball without them, and at 26-15 have moved into the No. 4 spot in the Eastern Conference.

Garland was cleared to resume on-court workouts last week after he had the wiring removed from his jaw, and Mobley has increased his activity of late. Both players are expected back in the lineup at some point next month.

Thompson had four points and five rebounds in Cleveland’s 126-99 win at Orlando on Monday night.