Warriors’ Chris Washburn Enters a Drug Center After Seeking Help

Chris Washburn, the Golden State Warrior rookie who was the third player chosen in last spring’s draft, entered a drug treatment center on Wednesday after voluntarily coming forward to seek help, the National Basketball Assn. team announced.

Washburn, a 6-foot 11-inch forward-center, is expected to remain under treatment at a center in Van Nuys for a minimum of four weeks.

Washburn, 21, played only one full season of college ball at North Carolina State, where he got into trouble as a freshman for allegedly stealing stereo equipment.

He started at forward in the Warriors’ first two games this season but quickly worked his way to the end of the bench, partly because of several missed practices that drew him fines from Coach George Karl. In 27 games, he averaged 10 minutes of playing time and 3.5 points.

Under the NBA’s drug program, players are not permanently disqualified the first two times they step forward for drug abuse treatment. However, a player who is tested positive for drugs without first volunteering for treatment will be banned for life, with the possibility of reinstatement after two years.