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The Nets will be without back-up forward Wilson Chandler for 25 games. The NBA suspended the 32-year-old for using performance-enhancing drugs, Adrian Wojnarowski reports.
NBA makes suspension official, says Chandler tested positive for Ipamorelin. https://t.co/eJNBCi8Fyg
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) August 29, 2019
Bobby Marks says the suspension will begin after the Nets fifth game, November 1, after which the Nets can add a 16th player for the next 25 games ending December 15. At that point, the Nets will have to waive a player to get back to 15. That player could be Chandler or the player they sign or another player.
The 25-game suspension will cost Wilson Chandler $23,316 per game and a total of $582,898. The Brooklyn forward will start the regular season on the active list and moved to the suspension list after the 5th game (Nov. 1 vs. Houston) of the regular... https://t.co/qkVF8C3dDK
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) August 29, 2019
Marks also reports the Nets will get a $291,000 luxury tax credit. Brooklyn was well under —$6.4 million—the tax threshold before the suspension.
Ipamorelin is a human growth hormone which can help with improving lean muscle mass and decreased body fat. It also can help in recovery from injury. It has been banned since 2016-17.
Chandler issued a statement later Friday...
“During my injury rehab process, before I signed with the Nets, I was prescribed a treatment that included small doses of a substance recently added to the NBA’s prohibited substance list. I did not realize this substance was banned, and neither did the doctor.
“I accept responsibility and apologize to my Nets teammates, coaches, front office and fans for this mistake. I will continue to work hard to prepare for the upcoming season.”
There’s been no word from either the Nets or the NBPA, the players’ union, on the ruling. Under league rules, Chandler can appeal the suspension, but it appears from his statement that he will not.
The news, of course, raised speculation that the Nets could sign Carmelo Anthony who like Chandler can play the 3 or 4 ... and help the Nets depth until Kevin Durant returns.
Chandler played last season for the Clippers and 76ers and was signed in July to a vets minimum deal.
- Nets’ Chandler gets 25-game PED suspension - ESPN
- Nets’ Wilson Chandler suspended 25 games for PED use - Brian Lewis - New York Post
- Nets’ Chandler suspended 25 games for positive drug test - AP
- Could Wilson Chandler’s suspension open door to Nets signing Carmelo Anthony? - Ian Begley - SNY
- Wilson Chandler’s PED suspension underscores Nets’ lack of depth at the 4 - Kristian Winfield - New York Daily News