Michael Ray Richardson, a former NBA star who later became one of the few players to receive a ban, has died.
The New York Knicks announced the death of Richardson on Tuesday. He was 70. His death comes shortly after he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, his attorney and friend John Zelbst told Andscape.
“The basketball world and anyone Michael came in contact with lost a great sportsman,” Zelbst said. “He lived life to the fullest. He overcame the most incredible odds to accomplish what he did in life.”
“He serves as an example on how to redeem yourself and make something of yourself. I think he is the greatest NBA player that has never been inducted into the Hall of Fame. Incredible player -- player, person and family man.”
Richardson, nicknamed “Sugar,” also spent time with the Golden State Warriors and New Jersey Nets before bouncing around overseas after receiving a lifetime suspension for violating the league’s drug policy three times.
Richardson, who played for legendary Michigan State basketball coach Jud Heathcote in college at Montana, was a four-time All-Star and made the All-Defensive First Team in 1980 and 1981. He also led the NBA in steals three times and was the assists leader in 1980.
“He had it all as a player, with no weaknesses in his game,” former Pistons guard Isiah Thomas, a Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer, told Andscape in June.
“He is the player who gave me the most problems playing against him. He was taller, just as fast and could shoot from 3 and midrange. His post-up game was elite. Offensively, he had it all.”
Richardson’s ban came in 1986, forcing him to play overseas in Italy, Croatia and France. He was reinstated by the NBA in 1988 but stayed in Europe until his career ended in 2002.
He averaged 14.8 points and 7 assists per game in the regular season.
If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.