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NBA suspends Knicks guard J.R. Smith 5 games for substance abuse policy violation

The NBA has suspended J.R. Smith for violating the substance abuse policy. (Getty Images)

The NBA will suspend New York Knicks guard J.R. Smith for violating the league's substance abuse policy. (Getty Images)

The NBA announced Friday afternoon that New York Knicks guard J.R. Smith has been suspended for five games for violating the league's substance abuse policy. Smith reportedly tested positive for marijuana, according to Yahoo! Sports.

Smith, the league's Sixth Man of the Year award winner this past season, had patellar tendon surgery and an arthroscopy for a tear in the lateral meniscus of his left knee in July. He was expected to miss approximately 12 to 16 weeks. The suspension starts once Smith is healthy enough to play in games.

MAHONEY: Offseason Grades: New York Knicks

Smith, 27, averaged 18.1 points and 5.3 rebounds a game last season as he helped the team win 54 games and advance to the playoffs, where they lost in the second round to the Indiana Pacers.

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