NBA dismisses Tyreke Evans for violating anti-drug program

The NBA dismissed journeyman shooting guard Tyreke Evans for violating the league’s anti-drug program.

That news came down in an announcement from the NBA on Friday afternoon. He will be eligible for reinstatement in two years.

Evans, 29, most recently played for the Indiana Pacers, but was set to enter free agency this offseason.

He played 20 minutes per game for Indiana this season, mostly off the bench. He averaged 10.2 points, 2.9 rebounds and 2.4 assists per contest.

The Pacers have released a statement in support of Evans:

The league did not specify the exact substance Evans tested positive for — the league and NBA Players Association are prohibited from disclosing that information — but there is precedent for this type of punishment

Former NBA center Chris Andersen was dismissed under the same policy in 2005 and did later return to the league.

O.J. Mayo was also dismissed under the anti-drug policy in July of 2016 and has not been reinstated to the league. Most recently, Mayo was with the Dacin Tigers in Taiwan.

For his career, Evans averaged 15.7 points, 4.6 rebounds and 4.8 rebounds per game. He’s spent time with the Kings, Pelicans, Grizzlies and Pacers over 10 seasons. His career earnings top $76 million, according to Sportrac.