NEWARK, N.J. - Clifford Robinson will play again for the New Jersey Nets The troubled forward, suspended during last season's playoffs for violating the NBA's drug policy, has reached an agreement with the Nets and passed his physical, team president Rod Thorn said Friday.
Robinson, a key backup for Richard Jefferson and Jason Collins, turns 40 in December. It was Robinson's second suspension in two seasons, but Thorn expressed confidence in the 17-year veteran.
"Cliff played very well for us, number one. Number two, he's very popular with his teammates. Number three, he's a leader in the clubhouse," Thorn said in a teleconference. "I think he felt sort of an obligation toward us, since it ended on a sour note last year."
Robinson's age did not appear to be a concern.
"He played around 20 minutes a game last year. But it depends how he plays and how other people play," Thorn said. "He had a lot left in the tank last year, so we'll see."
Robinson became a free agent in June when the Nets declined to exercise a $2.5 million option on his existing contract. That gave the two sides a chance to arrange a new deal.
He was suspended for five games during the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Heat. The series was tied 1-1 at the time, and the Nets lost the next three games to the eventual champions. He averaged 6.9 points and 3.3 rebounds last season.
Robinson was suspended for five games in February 2005 while playing for Golden State. Under terms of last year's collective bargaining agreement, players are suspended for five games for a third positive test for marijuana.
Robinson had 23 double-doubles last season, twice scoring 20-plus points. His career average is 14.6 points and 4.6 rebounds with five different teams.
