Tribute to Micheal Ray Richardson
Micheal Ray Richardson, a celebrated figure in the NBA and a four-time All-Star, sadly passed away on Tuesday at the age of 70. Known for his exceptional skills on the court and his nickname “Sugar”, Richardson had recently been diagnosed with prostate cancer, according to his attorney and close friend, John Zelbst.
Career Highlights
Drafted as the fourth overall pick in the 1978 NBA draft from the University of Montana, Richardson’s basketball career spanned from 1978 to 1986. During this time, he showcased his talents with the New York Knicks, the Golden State Warriors, and the New Jersey Nets. His remarkable achievements include:
- Leading the league in steals on three occasions
- Being named the NBA’s Comeback Player of the Year in 1985
Over the course of his 556-game career, he averaged an impressive 14.8 points, 7.0 assists, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.6 steals per game.
Legacy and Impact
Notably, basketball Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas expressed deep admiration for Richardson, recalling the challenges he presented on the court.
“He had it all as a player, with no weaknesses in his game,”
Thomas remarked in an interview, highlighting Richardson’s versatility as a player who was taller, equally fast, and adept at shooting from various ranges.
Unfortunately, Richardson’s promising career halted abruptly in February 1986, when he became the first active player to receive a lifetime ban from the NBA following his third infraction of the league’s drug policy, enforced by then-commissioner David Stern. Although he was reinstated in 1988, he opted not to return to the NBA and continued his basketball journey overseas.
Post-Retirement Contributions
After retiring from professional play, Richardson contributed to the sport as a coach in various leagues, including the Continental Basketball Association, the Premiere Basketball League, and the National Basketball League of Canada. Reflecting on Richardson’s life and legacy, Zelbst emphasized the athlete’s resilience and ability to inspire those around him.
“He serves as an example of how to redeem yourself and make something of yourself. In my opinion, he is the greatest NBA player who has never been inducted into the Hall of Fame. His impact as a player, a person, and a family man was truly remarkable.”
