Cavs ‘fully support’ NBA decision; Tristan Thompson eligible to practice, travel

The Cavaliers made it clear in a team statement — they will miss Tristan Thompson over the next 25 games.

Thompson, 32, was suspended by the NBA on Tuesday for violating the league’s anti-drug program. He tested positive for ibutamoren and SARM LGD-4033, league officials said.

“The Cleveland Cavaliers fully support the NBA/NBAPA Anti-Drug Program, and we are disappointed in the recent news surrounding Tristan Thompson,” the Cavs’ statement read. “His time away from game action will have an impact on our team. We stand behind Tristan and offer our support throughout this suspension period.”

The Cavs (26-15) are the NBA’s hottest team, winning eight straight despite not having the injured Darius Garland or Evan Mobley for any of them. They’ve also been missing injured top reserve Caris LeVert for the last two.

Yet they have won each of their last four games by at least 18 points and haven’t trailed in any of them. Each of Cleveland’s last four opponents has failed to hit 100 points.

Meanwhile, Thompson will still be eligible to practice and travel with the Cavs. He just can’t play in any of the next 25 games, beginning with Wednesday’s game at Milwaukee.

Thompson is the lone member of today’s Cavs who played for the 2016 championship team. He returned as a free agent during the offseason, signing a one-year partially guaranteed minimum contract. That deal became guaranteed for the season on Jan. 7.

Offering his usual dose of energy, defense and hustle, Thompson is averaging 3.8 points and 3.9 rebounds in 36 games, shooting 65 percent from the field.

After spending the first 10 seasons of his career with Cleveland, he became a journeyman of sorts, playing for the Boston Celtics, Sacramento Kings, Chicago Bulls and Indiana Pacers from 2021-22.

He went unsigned all of last regular season before joining the Los Angeles Lakers for the playoffs.

Per Business Insider:

“According to the NIH, ibutamoren is a growth hormone secretagogue, or a substance that promotes the production of growth hormones. Heightened growth hormone in one’s system can increase muscle mass, limit body fat, and improve exercise tolerance, per Mayo Clinic.

“Likewise, LGD-4033 — also known as Ligandrol — can stimulate muscle growth and improve physical functioning, according to the NIH. LGD-4033 belongs to a class of drug called SARMs, or selective androgen receptor modulators, which are designed to mimic the effects of testosterone on the body, but can also have dangerous repercussions.”