NBA rising star John Collins has been suspended without pay for 25 games after the Hawks power forward tested positive for an illegal growth hormone ... the league announced Tuesday.
The 22-year-old stud violated the league's anti-drug policy after getting flagged for Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide 2 ... which increases food intake and appetite, according to studies.
Collins is the 3rd player this season to get popped for violating the league's anti-drug policy ... joining Brooklyn's Wilson Chandler and Phoenix Suns star DeAndre Ayton.
Collins addressed the test results in a statement to ESPN saying he plans to appeal the punishment.