Chris Webber

Webber was devastated by his mistake and at first vowed to return for his junior year to atone for his fatal error. However, with the NBA knocking at his door with promises of large salaries and future superstardom, Webber soon announced that he would forego his remaining years of college eligibility to enter the 1993 NBA draft. He was selected as the first overall pick by the Orlando Magic, who moments later traded him to the Golden State Warriors for Penny Hardaway and three draft choices. Webber signed a 15-year contract with the Warriors worth $74 million.

During his first season in the NBA, Webber posted extraordinary numbers, becoming the first NBA rookie to attain 1,000 points, 500 rebounds, 250 assists, 150 blocks, and 75 steals. However, even after earning Rookie of the Year honors and leading his team to a respectable record of 50-32, Webber let it be known that he was unhappy at Golden State. In the media frenzy that ensued to discover the source of Webber's discontentment, the young Warrior found himself in the midst of an ugly and well-publicized feud with Coach Don Nelson. The controversy tarnished Webber's image, causing him to be labeled as an overpaid prima donna. One month into his second NBA season Webber was traded to the Washington Bullets (now known as the Wizards), signing a one-year contract for $2.08 million.

Reunited with former Wolverine teammate Juwan Howard, Webber worked to regroup personally and professionally after arriving in Washington, D.C. An injured shoulder that eventually required surgery shortened Webber's 1994-95 to fifty-four games and the 1995-96 season to just fifteen games. Returning healthy in 1996, Webber posted excellent numbers, leading the Bullets in scoring (20.1 points per game), rebounding (9.6 per game), steals (1.5 per game), and minutes played (38.3 per game), earning his first invitation to the NBA All-Star Game.

Off the court, Webber once again ran into problems. In January of 1998 he was stopped for speeding on the way to practice. He was charged with numerous traffic violations as well as possession of marijuana. Assault and resisting arrest were also added after he became involved in an altercation with the arresting officer. Webber failed to clear his image and lost his contract with Fila after custom officials found marijuana in his gym bag while he was on a promotional tour for the footwear company.