Report: Mitch McGary’s problems more peculiar than just failed marijuana test

Mitch McGary tested positive for marijuana in college. The Thunder center has apparently violated the NBA’s marijuana policy four times.

But the latest infraction was different than at least the first.

Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports:

The violation isn’t believed to be another positive test, but rather a failure to live up to procedural guidelines set forth in the program, league sources said.

McGary’s career is in peril because of his inability to maintain a lifestyle that’ll allow him to play in the NBA. McGary left the Thunder for the final few weeks of the season for what the franchise termed “personal reasons.” McGary essentially left the team on his own, league sources said.

What is going on here? Are these problems all related to marijuana? Did McGary skip a test – an automatic violation – because he knew he’d fail it anyway? Are there deeper issues?

McGary is just 24 , and he’s in the third (and final guaranteed) season of his low-paying rookie scale contract. The Thunder won’t get an asset for him, but there appeared to be a chance he could stick in the league – either after a trade that’s primarily a salary dump, claimed off waivers or signed after clearing waivers.

But not like this. McGary isn’t nearly good enough for a team to invite these issues.