Oklahoma City Thunder's Mitch McGary might not even see the final stretch of his three-year contract after figuring in another drug-related issue. NBA clarifies that the wick for minimum 15-game suspension is not due to drug test result but failing to comply with drug regulations instead.
McGary was earlier suspended for five games at the start of 2016-17 season then another ten games for non-compliance of NBA drug policy. Ironically, McGary's infraction came untimely after World Anti-Doping Agency director general David Howman renewed the call for stringent NBA tests. Howman zeros in at NBA for presumed gaps in administering drug tests, ESPN said.
This drug-related issue is not the first in McGary's career. The 21st draft pick was suspended in his third year at University of Michigan in 2014 after failing drug test. McGary managed to escape the full repercussions of the scandal after being drafted in the NBA that same year, according to Yahoo! Sports.
Looking at recent development in McGary's career, the 15-game suspension is not the worst to come. His performance with the Thunder ranges between satisfactory and disappointment. McGary had an injury-riddled first year which left 6.3 points per game and 5.2 rebounds. During the last season however, he dipped in very low 1.3 points per game and 0.9 rebounds.
McGary flashes better results during Orlando Summer League with 15 points per game and 4.7 rebounds, making Thunder think that he is ready for another chance. But after another hold-up, McGary lands in another uncertain future.
His chance at playing forward again can be easily substituted by either Ersan Ilyasova or Domantas Sabonis. McGary could play center but the idea is unlikely with Enes Kanter and Steven Adams being better options, Bleacher Report said.
To pile the problems further, McGary's next chance could be the regular season but it will coincide with his contract expiration. Stay tuned at GamenGuide if there is a team that is willing to take him in from free agency in 2017.
