Sacramento Kings: 2009-10 Rookie of the Year Tyreke Evans banned from NBA

On Friday, the NBA announced the 2009-10 Rookie of the Year and former Sacramento Kings standout was banned from the NBA until 2021.

The NBA has banned Tyreke Evans — who was never suspended for substance abuse — for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. He isn’t eligible for reinstatement until 2021.

The ban reportedly comes as a result of Evans violating the league’s policy on “Drugs of Abuse”. Drugs listed under the policy include: amphetamines, benzodiazepines, cocaine, GHB, ketamine, LSD and opiates. Exactly what drug Evans tested positive for has not been identified, but several substances that trigger a two-year ban can be used to treat other conditions.

Evans, an unrestricted free agent, was coming off a tough season with the Indiana Pacers where he averaged 10.2 points, 2.9 rebounds and 2.4 assists on 38.9% shooting. Following news of his ban, the Pacers released the following statement:

"The Indiana Pacers were informed Friday by the NBA that Tyreke Evans has been dismissed from the league for a violation of the league’s anti-drug policy. We take these matters seriously and will reach out to Tyreke to offer our support."

NBA policy prohibits the league, teams or the NBA Players Association from commenting or disclosing information about the testing or treatment of any player under the anti-drug program, other than to announce a suspension or dismissal from the league. The last player to receive a ban from the NBA was O.J. Mayo in July of 2016.

Evans, who won the Rookie of the Year award in 2010 for the Sacramento Kings, last played for the team in 2017, coming to Kings as part of the blockbuster trade that sent DeMarcus Cousins to the New Orleans Pelicans. Evans is a 10-year NBA veteran and played for the Kings from 2009-13 again for half a season in 2017.

A Royal Pain hopes Tyreke gets whatever help he needs and hope to see him take the court in the 2021-22 season.