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Sydney Kings forward Xavier Cooks has been handed a provisional suspension following an “Adverse Analytical Finding,” which may indicate a breach of the Australian National Anti-Doping Policy, Basketball Australia confirmed on Tuesday.
The suspension, effective immediately, means Cooks will be absent from the Kings’ upcoming play-in game against the Adelaide 36ers on Thursday. The 29-year-old, a former NBL MVP and current member of the Australian national basketball team, had already missed the Kings’ final regular season game on Friday, February 7, for undisclosed reasons. Initially, the Kings had expected Cooks to be available for the match, but he was ultimately a late scratch.
Basketball Australia stated that the investigation into Cooks’ case is progressing in accordance with the Australian National Anti-Doping Policy.
Cooks, who was the Kings’ marquee acquisition for the 2024-25 season, signed a reported record-breaking contract with the team. During the regular season, he averaged 15.4 points and 8.7 rebounds per game, earning a spot on the All-NBL Second Team during the league’s awards ceremony on Monday.
The suspension marks a significant development for the Kings as they prepare for their postseason push without one of their key players.
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