NBA Notes : Washburn’s Problems Piling Up

For Golden State rookie Chris Washburn, the problems continue.

While playing for North Carolina State, he was accused of stealing a stereo. With the Warriors, he was continually late for practice and complained that earning a reported $750,000 to play in the NBA was “too much like a job.” The team hired a babysitter and psychologist for him.

Last week, Washburn, the third pick in last spring’s NBA draft, was hospitalized for a kidney ailment after losing 15 pounds. This week, he’s in a drug treatment center in Los Angeles. Given his track record, the latest news comes as no surprise.

“My toughest opponent? I’d say it’s probably me,” Washburn admitted in the current issue of Sports Illustrated.

The 6-foot-10 forward, averaging just 3.5 points in 27 games, came forward with his problem. Had Washburn’s drug use been detected by the league, he would have been suspended for a minimum of two years, as was Mitchell Wiggins, Lewis Lloyd, Micheal Ray Richardson and John Drew.

Since this is the first time Washburn has asked for help, he will be paid during his rehabilitation. If he requires a second trip to the clinic, he will not be paid. If the problem occurs a third time, he will be suspended from the NBA.

Charles Barkley, who next weekend will make his first All-Star appearance, did not start a game recently because he failed to arrive the required 45 minutes before game time.

The reason? The Philadelphia forward was watching an episode of “All My Children,” and couldn’t bring himself to leave before the program was over. Erika Kane was just too powerful.

“I understand,” Barkley said when told of Coach Matt Guokas’ decision.

Magic Johnson, one of the most effervescent players in NBA history, has not had much to smile about lately. His sister, Mary, died last week after a long illness, yet the Lakers’ playmaker has chosen to continue playing.

After attending the funeral Monday night in Michigan, Johnson returned the next night to the Forum and collected 20 points and 11 assists in a victory over Portland.

“Being out there on the floor, I can fight through it better,” he said. “The guys made me stronger and eased the pain. Guys saying they’re sorry, huggin’ and holdin’ me, that means more than words can say.”

Why do players choose the numbers they wear? Here are some of the reasons, according to David DuPree of USA Today:

Julius Erving wears No. 6 because it took $6 million to sign him. He wanted No. 32 but that was worn by Billy Cunningham and later retired by the 76ers. Bill Walton sported No. 32 throughout his career, but when he came to the Celtics that number was taken by Kevin McHale. So he added the digits to get No. 5.

Many players just reverse the digits of their favorite number if it’s not available, others adopt the number of their favorite player.

The Last Word: From Lakers forward Kurt Rambis, after he was knocked to the floor during a recent contest: “I was just getting reacquainted with the wood. I wanted to see if it was pine or maple.”

P.S. It was oak. Pine and maple are too soft for basketball courts.