Former NBA star Chris Washburn reflects on drugs, downfall and second chances

The former No 3 overall NBA draft pick opens up about addiction, homelessness and redemption in a candid memoir revisiting basketball's cocaine era

When the Golden State Warriors drafted Chris Washburn with the No 3 pick in 1986, it should have been a dream come true. Instead, it might have been the worst thing that could have happened for the 6ft 11in NC State prospect.

I put on a smile because they were paying me to be out there," Washburn, a former three-time high school All-American, tells rhe Guardian. But I felt alone."