Noel, Sefolosha suspended 5 games each for violating NBA's anti-drug policy

The NBA has suspended Dallas Mavericks center Nerlens Noel and Utah Jazz forward Thabo Sefolosha five games apiece for violating the league's anti-drug policy.

The suspension ends Noel's tumultuous season, and possibly his Mavericks career. The 23-year-old will be an unrestricted free agent at season's end. After turning down a four-year, $70-million deal from Dallas last summer, only to ultimately sign his $4.1-million qualifying offer, Noel averaged 4.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, and one steal across 30 games.

Along the way, he fell out of favor with head coach Rick Carlisle, lost minutes to Dwight Powell and Salah Mejri, missed three months due to thumb surgery, and ate a halftime hot dog.

Sefolosha, meanwhile, had already been shut down for the season after undergoing MCL surgery. His suspension won't start until he's cleared to return to game action next season, when he'll still be under contract with the Jazz.