JR Smith and Jason Richardson Suspended

JR Smith and Jason Richardson were both recently suspended by the NBA for driving offenses. As a result, both players will begin the 2009-10 season on the sidelines.

JR Smith, who has a chance to start for the Denver Nuggets this season, was suspended for seven games for a reckless driving charge he pleaded guilty to during the offseason. Last year, Smith averaged 15.2 points, 3.6 rebounds and 2.8 assists in 27.7 minutes per game. Each of those stats were a career-high for Smith, who also shot 44.6% from the field and 39.7% from being the three-point arc.

Jason Richardson of the Phoenix Suns received a two-game suspension for pleading guilty to drunken driving. Richardson, who will start at shooting guard next season for the Suns, was traded to Phoenix early last year. He averaged 16.4 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.9 assists per contest in 33.1 minutes.

Smith and Richardson won’t be paid during their respective suspensions. Even though they will be suspended to start the regular season, they will be able to participate in training camp and preseason play.

JR Smith Suspended - Denver Nuggets (Image: Zuma Press)