The NBA has suspended Oklahoma City Thunder forward Mitch McGary five games without pay for violating the NBA's anti-drug program, the league announced on Friday. He will serve the suspension at the beginning of next season.

McGary has been in a similar position before. He tested positive for marijuana in his sophomore season at Michigan, was given a one-year suspension by the NCAA and decided to enter the NBA Draft. He apologized at the time, and a few months later he lightly criticized the NCAA for the harsh punishment.

In early April, McGary took a mysterious leave of absence from the Thunder for a couple of weeks, and he declined to explain the "personal matter" when he returned. He was not a part of Oklahoma City's rotation for most of the season, mostly because of injuries, but he might have a chance to establish himself as an NBA player next year because of the departure of Serge Ibaka. If his breakout is on the way, though, it will have to wait until his suspension ends.

McGary, 24, was the Thunder's No. 21 overall pick in the 2014 draft.