Michael Ray Richardson, a four-time NBA All-Star and two-time All-Defensive team selection who spent four seasons apiece with the New York Knicks and New Jersey Nets, died at 70 years old on Tuesday following a brief fight against prostate cancer, according to multiple reports.
Both franchises expressed their condolences, with the Nets saying “We’re saddened to hear of the passing of former Nets All-Star, Michael Ray Richardson. The Nets family sends their deepest condolences to the Richardson family today.”
“We are saddened to hear about the passing of former Knick Michael Ray Richardson. One of the fiercest defensive players of his era, the four-time NBA All-Star made an incredible impact on the Knicks during his four seasons with the franchise. Our deepest condolences go to his family, friends and teammates,” the Knicks said in their own statement.
“Sugar Ray’s” former NBA teammates also took to social media to express their grief at Richardson’s loss, with former Nets All-Star Kenny Anderson writing “Rest Easy my guy, The best Michael Ray Richardson!!!”
Hailed for his defensive abilities, Richardson led the NBA in steals in back-to-back seasons as a Knick from 1978-1980 then as a Net from 1982-1983, still being one of only a few players in league history to lead the NBA in steals multiple times.
But for as gifted as Richardson was at shutting down opponents on the court, he’s remembered just as much for being the first NBA player to receive a lifetime ban for violating the league’s anti-drug policy, which was handed to him in 1986.
Richardson was eventually eligible for reinstatement into the NBA but instead chose to extend his career in Europe, starring for clubs in Italy and France, where he earned recognition as one of the premier American imports of his era.
Richardson ultimately averaged 14.8 points per game and 2.6 steals per game in 556 appearances across his NBA career.
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