Chris Washburn's net worth, stats, height, Instragram, where is he now?

Chris Washburn's net worth, stats, height, Instragram, where is he now?

Helix Odhiambo
updated at December 4, 2023 at 5:47 AM

Chris Washburn had a promising talent in basketball but failed to reach his potential. He had a short stint in the NBA before being banned for life and serving time in prison. Chris Washburn's net worth plummeted, subjecting him to a miserable life. Fortunately, he embarked on a clean path after rehab.

Chris Washburn's height
Golden State Warriors top draft pick Chris Washburn displays his new Warrior jersey during a press conference in Oakland, Calif., on 24 June 1986. Photo: Bettmann
Source: Getty Images

Washburn's struggles with drug addiction cost him his career. He was fast, strong, agile, and a good shooter. This article reveals everything about the legendary centre, including his background, life struggles, net worth, and what he is doing now.

Chris Washburn's profile summary

Full name

Christopher Scott Washburn

Date of birth

13 May 1966

Age

57 (as of November 2023)

Place of birth

Hickory, North Carolina, United States

Nationality

American

Height

2.11 m (6'11")

Weight

102kg (225lb)

College

North Carolina State University

Profession

Former basketball player, businessman

Girlfriend

Monique Richardson

Children

Julian, Chris Washburn Jr.

Net worth

$1 million - $9 million

How old is Chris Washburn?

The former basketball star, Chris Washburn (age 57 years as of 2023) was born on 13 May 1966 in Hickory, North Carolina, United States. Chris ranked among the tallest players in the NBA. He stands at a height of 2.11 m or 6 feet and 11 inches tall, and his weight is 102kg (225lb).

Chris Washburn's family

The former athlete was born to Savannah and Dwight Washburn. Savannah gave birth to her son in her 40s and the 15th year of her marriage to Dwight. Chris has not disclosed details of his siblings. His father died in 2000.

Savannah's son became a drug addict at a young age. He used to steal money from his parents and wander the streets looking for illegal substances and eating out of dumpsters.

Chris Washburn's net worth

Chris Washburn's net worth
The NBA 1986 top draft choices pose for a portrait in New York after being selected in the first round (L to R): William Bedford, Len Bias, Chris Washburn and Brad Daugherty. Photo: Noren Trotman
Source: Getty Images

Washburn earned millions playing for the Golden State Warriors and Atlanta Hawks. Some sources estimate his net worth between $1 million and $8 million as of 2023. He had amassed $9 million during the peak of his career, including $3 million from his contract with the Warriors.

Unfortunately, the former basketball star lost at least $1.6 million when the Hawks terminated his contract due to misconduct. He got broke after a few years of his early retirement, forcing him to beg in the streets. After years of suffering, Chris regained control of his life and ventured into business.

Chris Washburn's career

Chris began playing basketball at a young age. He was a phenomenal player in high school before starring at North Carolina State University and in the NBA. Here is a timeline of Chris Washburn's stats and achievements.

High School

The North Carolina native studied at Hickory High, Virginia's Fork Union Military Academy and Laurinburg Prep. He was a three-time All-American and one of the most outstanding payers in his year.

College career

The legendary centre moved to North Carolina State University in 1984. Unfortunately, he got into trouble in his first year for stealing a stereo from a fellow athlete's dorm room. Chris had only played seven games when he got convicted for the act.

How many years did Chris Washburn play in the NBA?
Chris Washburn (8) of the Golden State Warriors against the Los Angeles Lakers at the Great Western Forum in Inglewood, California. Photo: Andrew D. Bernstein
Source: Getty Images

The university suspended him for a year before returning to the team under coach Jim Valvano. Chris proved his potential as a sophomore in 1985-86. He earned a second-team All-ACC selection after averaging 17.6 points and 6.7 rebounds while shooting 56.2%.

Despite performing well on the court, the former centre used to smoke and drink before games, leaving him high in the first half and sleepy in the second.

NBA career

Washburn turned pro in 1986 following his selection by the Golden State Warriors as the third overall pick in the NBA draft. He carried his old habits in the league and continued to party and drink. So, how many years did Chris Washburn play in the NBA?

Chris Washburn stats
Chris Washburn of the Golden State Warriors in action against the Los Angeles Lakers at the Great Western Forum in Inglewood, California. Photo: Andrew D. Bernstein (modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

Chris had a disastrous career, placing him among the top NBA busts in history. He spent only two seasons in the league, playing 72 games and averaging 3.1 points.

Washburn played a season for the Warriors, then got traded to the Atlanta Hawks, where he spent another season. He failed a third substance test in 1989 and got banned for life, becoming the sixth player to be banned for life by the NBA.

Team

Games

Points Per Game

Rebounds Per Game

Assists Per Game

Golden State Warriors

43

3.8

2.8

0.4

Atlanta Hawks

29

2.0

1.9

0.1

Total

72

3.1

2.4

0.3

The former NBA star went to prison in the early 1990s for drug-related offences. He learnt it the hard way, regretting what he had lost.

My lowest came when I was in prison. They asked me to play on the prison basketball team. I left the NBA, where the hardwood floors are polished." Washburn said. "I could look up in the stands and see thousands of people looking good. Now, I'm on a prison bench." He added.

Playing overseas

The North Carolina native tried to revive his career after leaving prison. However, he continued with substance abuse after moving overseas. Chris spent a few years in the Continental Basketball Association and the USA Basketball League. The former centre also played in Argentina, Puerto Rico, Greece, Spain, Switzerland and Colombia.

Where is Chris Washburn now?
Chris Washburn is involved in several motivational talks and charity works. Photo: @ADukeLegend20, @NikitaKoloff1, @SEisbergWCIV (modified by author)
Source: Twitter

Interesting facts about Chris Washburn

Washburn's life trajectory from grace to grass has served as a lesson to many young people worldwide. Here are other fascinating things about him.

1. Who is Chris Washburn's wife?

The former NBA centre married Michelle Williams Washburn. They separated around 2000, and Michelle later died of a stroke. Chris met Monique Richardson in 2009 and started dating. They moved to Hickory, near his mother. Monique has a son and daughter from another relationship.

2. Does Chris Washburn have children?

Chris Washburn's son
Chris Washburn's sons, Julian (R) and Chris Washburn Jr. (L), also play basketball. Photo: Juan Ocampo, Justin K. Aller (modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

The basketball legend had two sons with his ex-wife Michele. Chris Washburn's sons are Julian and Chris Washburn Jr. The two siblings spent most of their time with their mother. However, they denied having any hard feelings towards their father.

Julian and his younger brother also played basketball. They started at the University of Texas-El Paso. Julian turned pro in 2015. He has played for numerous teams, including Memphis Grizzlies, Tigers Tübingen, and Delaware Blue Coats. He currently plays for Austin Spurs in the NBA G League.

3. Where is Chris Washburn now?

Chris left sports and returned to Houston, where he lived a miserable life on the streets. His father's death in 2002 opened his eyes and made him change his behaviours. He went through 14 rehabilitation processes and became a better person.

Today, Chris Washburn is clean and disciplined. The North Carolina State University graduate is a motivational speaker. He helps youth groups and NBA rookies to avoid the mistakes he made as a younger man.

4. Chris Washburn's restaurant

The NBA legend opened a restaurant in Hickory with his girlfriend, Richardson. The place has attracted several people who turn up to support Chris.

5. Is Chris Washburn on Instagram?

The father of two is not active on social media. He prefers living a private life, focusing on his family, businesses, and mentorship programs.

Final word

Chris Washburn's net worth has decreased despite making a lot in the NBA in two seasons. He was once among the wealthiest basketball centres of his generation before ruining everything. The North Carolina native transformed his life and remains committed to helping others avoid his path.

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Authors
Helix Odhiambo photo
Helix Odhiambo
Helix Odhiambo is an award-winning Kenyan journalist and content creator with over 6 years of experience. In 2016, he won the Goal Blaze Correspondent Award for young writers.