NBA: Michael Ray Richardson, ex-NBA star before ban, dies

Michael Ray Richardson, a four-time NBA All-Star whose career was marred by a league ban due to drug use, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 70.

The New York Knicks released a statement honoring the former player:

"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."

Attorney John Zelbst, representing Richardson, told ESPN's Andscape that his client died shortly after being diagnosed with prostate cancer.

"The basketball world and anyone Michael came in contact with lost a great sportsman," Zelbst said. "He lived life to the fullest. He overcame incredible odds to accomplish what he did in life. He serves as an example of how to redeem yourself and make something of yourself. I think he is the greatest NBA player who has never been inducted into the Hall of Fame. Incredible player — player, person, and family man."

Richardson played 556 career games with the Knicks, Golden State Warriors, and the then-New Jersey Nets, averaging 14.8 points, 7.0 assists, and 5.5 rebounds. He was drafted fourth overall by New York in the 1978 NBA Draft and was named the 1985 NBA Comeback Player of the Year.

Renowned for his defensive prowess, Richardson led the NBA in steals three times and earned All-Defensive Team honors twice.

The Nets also paid tribute to Richardson on X, writing:"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."

Despite his success on the court, Richardson’s career was disrupted by violations of the NBA’s drug policy. He was banned from the league in 1986 after a third violation.

"My darkest day was when the guy from the NBA met me at the airport and told me I was banned from the NBA," Richardson told Andscape in May. "I will never forget that day. They waited for me in Newark. As soon as I got off the plane, I knew what was going on. After that, I went home and went on a few days binge. Then I came to. I got myself into it. I have to get myself out."

After ending his playing career in 2002, Richardson went on to coach in the Continental Basketball Association with the Albany Patroons. He later guided the Oklahoma/Lawton-Fort Still Cavalry to three consecutive titles in the CBA (2008, 2009) and Premier Basketball League (2010).

-Field Level Media/Reuters