NBA: Chandler Suspension Confirmed, Nets Being Guided Toward Replacement?

The National Basketball Association (NBA) has confirmed Brooklyn Nets small forward Wilson Chandler will be suspended for 25 games for violating the terms of the NBA Anti-Drug Program by testing positive for growth hormone Ipamorelin.

“Wilson Chandler of the Brooklyn Nets has been suspended without pay for 25 games for violating the terms of the NBA/NBPA Anti-Drug Program by testing positive for Ipamorelin, it was announced today by the NBA,” the league said in a statement, as quoted on Yahoo Sports. “Chandler’s suspension will begin with the next NBA regular-season game for which he is eligible and physically able to play.”

Chandler was signed by the Nets on a veteran minimum contract in the summer and he was expected to partly fill the void left by Kevin Durant, who is not expected to return for the 2019-20 season after rupturing his Achilles during the 2019 NBA Finals. But a 25-game suspension is more than a quarter of the regular season, which begs the question if the Nets will look to sign a replacement at least in the short-term.

A recent report suggested that Nets superstars Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving are trying to get the franchise to sign free agent forward Carmelo Anthony. The former New York Knicks and Houston Rockets forward is desperate to play one final season in the NBA and has been training regularly and admitted that he is ready during a recent interview.

Chandler, who has had his own struggles with injury, will be absent for 25 games whenever he returns to full fitness, and the Nets could use a forward with the experience of Anthony. The 10-time NBA All-Star is keen to play and has taken part in scrimmages with Nets players including Irving during the summer.

Meanwhile, Chandler has revealed to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski that the substance was prescribed to him during his injury rehabilitation before it was put on the banned substance list by the NBA. But the 32-year-old has taken complete responsibility for his actions and apologized to the franchise and his teammates. He, however, made it clear that he will continue to work hard and be ready for the upcoming season.

“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,” Chandler told Wojnarowski. “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.”