Nuggets' JJ Hickson suspended 5 games under anti-doping program
The Denver Nuggets will be without big man JJ Hickson a little longer than they expected.
On Wednesday, the NBA announced it has suspended Hickson without pay for five games for violating the terms of the league's anti-doping program. The Nuggets are not expected to comment on the suspension.
While the league did not provide specifics, a five-game suspension is typically associated with a third positive test for marijuana under the NBA's protocol.
Hickson is currently recovering from a torn ACL and is not expecting to return until January. His suspension likely won't take effect until the team can show he would otherwise be medically ready to play.
The 26-year-old averaged 11.8 points and 9.2 rebounds in 69 games for the Nuggets last season before the injury.