Former NBA champion Vernon Maxwell recently spoke candidly about his struggles with drug addiction and how it nearly derailed his professional basketball career. In an interview with “Run Your Race,” Maxwell revealed the challenges he faced during his college years and the early stages of his NBA journey.
Maxwell, who played college basketball at the University of Florida, admitted that his drug use significantly impacted his draft prospects. Despite being projected as a lottery pick, Maxwell was selected 47th overall in the 1988 NBA Draft by the Denver Nuggets, largely due to concerns about his substance abuse, after his college coach reported him for his drug use:
“This white man treat me like sh*t… That man told me ‘If it was up to me, you ain’t gonna make it motherf**ker because I’m gonna let motherf**kers know about this cocaine and marijuana you be doing,'” Maxwell recalled. “I was at the combine in Orlando… they had the top players and the first-round picks, I was supposed to go top 10. I went 48 out of 50. He told the league and USA Today… I can’t repair this sh*t… It’s my word against these motherf**kers. It’s true, I did everything the motherf**ker said… It’s okay, I still made it.”
After being traded to the San Antonio Spurs on draft day, Maxwell’s career took a positive turn when he joined the Houston Rockets. He became a key player for the Rockets, helping them win back-to-back NBA championships in 1994 and 1995.
However, his off-court struggles continued to haunt him, culminating in a notorious incident where he rushed into the stands to confront a fan who allegedly made racial comments about his stillborn daughter.
Despite these challenges, Maxwell eventually sought help and managed to overcome his addiction. His journey from a troubled college athlete to an NBA champion is a testament to his resilience and determination. Today, Maxwell uses his platform to advocate for mental health awareness and support others facing similar struggles.
