Shanghai Sharks’ foreign center Hassan Whiteside tested positive for banned substances during the 2025-2026 CBA playoffs and now faces a two-year suspension, while the team’s championship title remains intact. On May 6, 2024, during a home game against Shandong Hi-Speed Kirin, the China Anti-Doping Agency (Chinada) recorded oxandrolone metabolites and clomifene in his sample, both listed on the WADA prohibited list. Whiteside waived his right to a B‑sample test, confirming the result. He still played in the second quarter‑final game and the entire semi‑final series against the Beijing Ducks.\n\n## What happened?\n\nThe Chinada report states that the urine test after the May 6 match showed S1 class anabolic agent oxandrolone metabolites and S4 class hormone modulator clomifene. Whiteside chose not to request a B‑sample analysis, so the findings stand. He continued to log minutes in the next playoff game and all four semi‑final contests.\n\n## How does it affect Shanghai Sharks?\n\nWhiteside missed the finals against the Zhejiang Lions, a five‑game series the Sharks won 4‑1. The Chinese Basketball Association announced that the club will keep its championship, and the sanction applies only to the player. The decision sparked debate among fans and media, with some fearing damage to the club’s reputation.\n\n## Who is Hassan Whiteside?\n\nThe 37‑year‑old center spent 14 NBA seasons with the Sacramento Kings, Portland Trail Blazers and Utah Jazz, providing points in the paint, rebounds and blocks. After leaving the NBA, he played in Lebanon and Puerto Rico before signing with Shanghai Sharks last year, becoming a key rebounder and rim protector.\n\n## What’s next?\n\nWADA rules prescribe up to a two‑year ban for athletes testing positive for prohibited substances. Shanghai Sharks have filed an appeal with the league, seeking leniency in the disciplinary wording. Meanwhile, the CBA is tightening drug‑testing protocols across all clubs to prevent repeat incidents. Fans are watching the upcoming rulings closely, hoping the season’s competitive balance won’t be overly disrupted by an individual violation.