Reports have emerged that star Spanish forward Izan Almansa tested positive for a banned substance. Almansa is the latest prospect to emerge from Spain who has his eyes set on an NBA career. Following a positive performance in the G-League, Almansa made the move to the Perth Wildcats of the Australian league. He has shown some impressive skills that have led the basketball world to expect the Spanish star to make the move to the US. With the draft coming up, the teams in the NBA are focused on their plans and possible strategies. Has this setback led to Almansa not being selected?
The NBA Draft is already shrouded in controversy this year
The NBA Draft represents an opportunity for the NBA teams to give the basketball world a glimpse into their long-term plans and how much they plan on investing in young talent. The young player has become an integral part of a successful organization, as evident in the baby-faced squad of the Oklahoma City Thunder. The draft has produced some controversy over the years, and this year is no different.
The Draft is supposed to offer the small-market teams in the NBA a chance at grabbing some of the best young players entering the league. So the world was shocked when the Dallas Mavericks, against all the mathematical odds, secured the number one pick in this year’s draft. What they decide to do with that pick remains to be seen.
What has led to Izan Almansa testing positive for a banned substance?
Following his time with the Ignite in the NBA G League, Izan Almansa decided to make the move to Australia to play with the Perth Wildcats. The Australian league serves as a great starting platform for young international players to hone their skills in preparation for an NBA career. However, Izan Almansa is now facing some blowback after it emerged that he was issued with a one-month suspension for testing positive for a banned substance.
Izan Almansa was due to take part in the NBA Draft coming up soon and now faces an uncertain future following the latest developments. He attended the Chicago Draft Combine and took part in individual tryouts for several franchises. So the basketball world was ready to welcome Izan Almansa into the Draft for next season. But these developments might have an effect on how the teams in the NBA perceive Izan Almansa.
What banned substance did Izan Almansa test positive for, and how does this affect his draft prospects?
According to reports, Sport Integrity Australia acknowledged that Basketball Australia imposed a one-month suspension on Izan Almansa for testing positive for cannabis. The doping control test took place on 1 December 2024, and Almansa tested positive for the banned substance. He served the suspension, hoping the story would not hinder his NBA Draft prospects.
Reports are that Izan Almansa was due for a late second-round selection in the draft. The question becomes: how will this news affect his draft prospects? According to reports, the suspension for the Spanish power forward ran from April 7 to May 6, and Almansa agreed to a few conditions to have his penalty reduced in order to be eligible for the draft.
What surprises does the NBA Draft have in store for us this year?
Izan Almansa is hoping the story does not affect his draft prospects, and the teams in the NBA can overlook the suspension in favor of his impressive skills. Cannabis is legal in most US States; however, it is still banned by most sports. But that’s a story for another day. At the moment, the NBA is focused on the rumored trade talks and free agency. However, the Draft is due to throw up some drama this year as it inevitably does. Will Izan Almansa get his wish and become the latest Spanish player in the NBA?
