Magic Johnson, Stephon Marbury, Different NBA Legends Mourn Michael Ray Richardson’s Passing

Four-time NBA All-Star Michael Ray Richardson, as soon as thought-about among the many most gifted guards of his time, died Tuesday in Lawton, Oklahoma. He was 70 years outdated. His lawyer and longtime pal, John Zelbst, mentioned Richardson died shortly after being recognized with prostate most cancers.

With that, a number of NBA legends and the entire basketball group paid tribute to his passing.

Brilliant Start to an NBA Career

Born in Denver, Colorado, Richardson’s basketball journey started on the University of Montana, the place his dynamic play nationally captured consideration. Chosen fourth total by the New York Knicks in 1978, Richardson earned the nickname “Sugar” for his clean type. With fast strikes, nice imaginative and prescient, and an all-around sport, he dazzled followers.

Over an eight-year NBA profession with the Knicks, Golden State Warriors, and New Jersey Nets, Richardson was a four-time NBA All-Star and led the league in steals 3 times. ESPN wrote that his high season got here in 1984–85 for the Nets, throughout which he averaged 20.1 factors, 8.2 assists, 5.6 rebounds, and a league-leading 3.0 steals per sport. He additionally received the NBA Comeback Player of the Year award that 12 months.

NBA Community Pays Tribute to the Fallen Player

Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas as soon as mentioned that Richardson has “no weaknesses in his game.” He additionally added that “Sugar” gave him probably the most issues as a result of he is an elite scorer who’s not solely taller, however quicker than some other gamers in his place.

Essentially Sports additionally took discover of Magic Johnson‘s publish on social media:

“My good friend and 4-time NBA All-Star Michael Ray Richardson passed away today. Michael Ray could do everything on the basketball court! He was so skilled and talented. He will be missed. I’ll be praying for the family. R.I.P. 🙏🏾”

Another legend, Stephon Marbury, praised Richardson’s legacy. He hoped that his household would really feel much less ache because the second handed. He additionally mentioned that “Sugar” gave the world a “nice show.”

NBA Ban and Redemption

Despite his success, Richardson’s profession took a devastating flip in 1986 when he was banned from the NBA for all times after violating the league’s drug coverage for the third time. Suffering from cocaine dependancy, Richardson later described his second of being banned as his “darkest day.”

“I knew what was going on as soon as I got off the plane,” he recalled. “After that, I went on a binge. But I told myself—if I got myself into it, I can get myself out.”

Richardson left the NBA to redevelop his profession abroad, the place he performed professionally in Italy and France till 2002. His perseverance and expertise earned him star standing in Europe, the place he would compete for nearly twenty years earlier than retiring.

His post-playing profession had been one in every of redemption for Richardson. He turned to teaching and went on to steer the Albany Patroons and the Oklahoma/Lawton-Fort Sill Cavalry to a number of championships within the Continental Basketball Association. Later, he coached the London Lightning of NBL Canada and ran youth basketball camps for underprivileged youngsters across the United States.

In 2024, he co-authored “Banned: How I Squandered an All-Star NBA Career Before Finding My Redemption.”