NBA suspends Sixers forward Arnett Moultrie fives games for violating drug policy

(AP)

The 76ers’ Arnett Moultrie was suspended five games without pay by the NBA for violating terms of the league’s and the players association’s anti-drug program.

The league announced Moultrie’s ban Monday, when the second-year forward was said to have begun serving his salary-free suspension with the Sixers’ game at Atlanta. In addition, Moultrie is also ineligible for the Delaware 87ers’ games during his suspension. He was assigned to the Sixers’ D-League affiliate March 15.

The 6-10, 245-pound Moultrie would not be eligible to return for the Sixers until April 11, for the final four games of the regular season.

The suspension of Moultrie, a 2012 first-round draft pick, should be a cause of concern for the Sixers. They are on the hook for the 23-year-old’s $1.14 million contract for the 2014-15 season, picking up his team option during training camp. 

Sixers general manager Sam Hinkie has shown no reluctance in his willingness to eat salaries, however. He waived center Kwame Brown, owed $3 million, in November. And he did the same in March with guard Eric Maynor, who is set to make $2.1 million next season.

Moultrie has appeared in only 12 games this season for the Sixers, for whom he’s averaging three points and nearly three rebounds. Between two tours in the D-League, he’s averaged 10.5 points, 4.5 rebounds and 28.3 minutes in eight appearances with the Sevens. 

Moultrie was withheld from practice until Dec. 31, while recovering from preseason left ankle surgery.