Chris Herren, who ranked fifth in the nation in assists in 1998-99 as a senior at Fresno State, was a second-round draft pick of the Denver Nuggets, the 33rd overall selection in the 1999 NBA Draft. He played in 45 games as a rookie, making one start, although his playing time was limited.
Herren, a 6-2 guard, played in one game at Boston College before suffering a season-ending wrist injury. He transferred to Fresno State, sat out one year and then played three seasons, climbing to second on the school's career assists list with 465. He also ranks seventh with 138 career steals. He averaged a career-high 17.5 ppg as a sophomore, when he was named to the All-WAC first team, an honor he received as a junior. He dipped to 11.4 ppg as a senior but handed out a career-high 7.2 assists per game.
His rookie season was marred by wrist and knee injuries, but he still played in 45 games and contributed 3.1 points and 2.5 assists in 13.3 minutes per game.
1999-2000 REGULAR SEASON
Posted 17 points and 7 rebounds in a 117-103 loss at Golden State on 4/9
Notched 18 points (4-6 3-FG) and 7 assists in a 116-115 OT loss to Dallas on 4/6
Netted 12 points in a 118-108 loss to the L.A. Lakers on 3/13
Activated from the injured list on 3/7, after missing five weeks with a left knee strain
