The suspension stems from his pleading guilty to reckless driving from a 2007 auto accident that killed his friend Andre Bell.

Smith already had been suspended by the team for two games at the beginning of the 2007-08 season after the crash.

The Nuggets open the season Oct. 28 at home against Utah, and during that stretch play at Portland, Indiana, New Jersey, Miami and Atlanta. He will be able to rejoin the team for the Nov. 10 at Chicago, which is the fifth game of a six-game road trip.

In its statement, the NBA said he was being suspended "Jersey, in connection with a 2007 accident resulting in the death of a passenger in Smith's car, and for prior and subsequent motor vehicle offenses."

At Smith's June 30 trial, he was sentenced to 90 days in the Monmouth County (N.J.) jail but the judge suspended all but 30 days provided Smith performs the 500 hours of community service.

Because it was his second reckless driving offense, the maximum penalties are 90 days in jail and up to a $500 fine. Smith was fined the maximum plus $39 in other costs.

Smith drove a 2003 GMC Yukon around a stopped car and through a stop sign, according to authorities at the scene of the June 9, 2007 crash. Smith drove through the intersection and his SUV was struck by a car, they said. The Yukon overturned, and Smith and Bell were ejected.

Smith was charged with improper passing, failure to stop, speeding (67-plus mph in a 35 mph area), reckless driving and failure to wear a seat belt. All of the charges were merged into the reckless driving count to which Smith entered the plea.

The judged also suspended Smith's driver's license for two years, which will take effect after his current license suspension ends in March 2010.

The Denver Post's story