Thompson made 54 appearances in 54 games as a player with the Celtics in the 2020–21 campaign.
Written by Conor Ryan
2020–21 was Tristan Thompson’s only season as a player for the Celtics. (Photo by Michael Dwyer/AP)
The NBA has suspended big player Tristan Thompson of the Cleveland Cavaliers for 25 games without pay for breaking the league’s anti-drug policy. The former Celtics forward tested positive for SARM LGD-4033 and ibutamoren, the NBA said.
Thompson, 32, will immediately start serving out his suspension.
The former fourth-overall choice in the 2011 NBA Draft is currently in his second stint with the Cavaliers. He averaged 3.8 points and 3.9 rebounds per game across 37 appearances during the 2023–24 season while playing in a bench position.
In 2020–21, Thompson was a member of the Boston Celtics, participating in 54 games. With the Celtics, he averaged 23.8 minutes, 7.6 points, and 8.1 rebounds per game. However, he was sidelined for over a month due to a positive COVID-19 test.
In November 2020, Thompson inked a two-year, $18 million contract with the Boston Celtics. However, his tenure with the organisation was short-lived as in August 2021, the team transferred Thompson to the Kings in a three-team trade.
In the end, Brad Stevens’ acquisition of Al Horford from the Thunder in June 2021 rendered Thompson expendable, and Boston had to purge its frontcourt that offseason. Robert Williams’ improved play further cemented Thompson’s disposable status.
In the end, Thompson participated in 2021–22 for the Bulls, Pacers, and Kings. Prior to the 2023 postseason, he signed with the Lakers and played in six games. In September, he returned to the Cavaliers.
