Washburn left N.C. State after the 1985-86 season and was selected by the
Golden State Warriors with the 3rd overall pick of the
1986 NBA Draft. Washburn was the third consecutive
Atlantic Coast Conference player taken in the 1986 draft, following UNC center
Brad Daugherty (Cleveland Cavaliers) and Maryland forward
Len Bias (Boston Celtics).</p>
Washburn looked like the next
Karl Malone, at least in physical appearance, but not in moral fiber and work ethic. The Warriors brought in center
Joe Barry Carroll to help with Washburn's development, but it was to no avail. The highlight of Washburn's career may have come during an October exhibition game in his rookie season against the Knicks. During a 23-point loss, Washburn scored 16 points. Tendinitis in his knee resulted in Washburn taking anti-inflammatory medicine which led to a kidney infection in January of 1987. On January 28, 1987, Washburn checked into a
Van Nuys, California drug rehabilitation clinic, admitting he had a cocaine problem. After returning to the Warriors in late March, Washburn was still ineffective.</p>
He played 72 games over two seasons (one and 1/2 with the Warriors and part of another with the
Atlanta Hawks), averaging 3.1 points and 2.4 rebounds per game. He is widely considered to be one of the biggest busts in NBA draft history.
Sports Illustrated named him the second-biggest NBA draft bust in
2005.
[1]</p>
Whoa! First time I hear of this guy.</p>
