Michael Ray Richardson, the NBA All-Star guard who once courted controversy for his run-ins with the league's drug policy, has passed away at 70. The basketball legend succumbed to prostate cancer at his home in Lawton, Oklahoma, surrounded by his wife Kimberly.
A trailblazer on and off the court, Richardson's impressive résumé is a testament to his enduring impact on the game. A three-time All-Big Sky Conference player at Montana, he was drafted fourth overall in 1978, just two spots ahead of Larry Bird. His storied career spanned eight seasons with the New York Knicks, Golden State Warriors, and New Jersey Nets, where he earned four All-Star selections and led the league in steals three times.
However, Richardson's impressive on-court achievements were marred by a ban from the NBA in 1986 for violating the league's drug policy. Despite this setback, he continued to excel in the Continental Basketball Association and later as a coach in Europe, where he won five championships in both leagues.
According to his attorney and close friend John Zelbst, Richardson led a life of redemption and winning. "It was a life of redemption and winning," Zelbst said. "Redemption and winning. It's incredible." Zelbst also recalled Richardson as an extraordinary player, one who embodied the spirit of Magic Johnson before the Lakers legend's rise to fame.
One of the most memorable moments in Richardson's career came in 1984 when he led the Nets to a stunning playoff upset over the defending champion Philadelphia 76ers. This moment marked a turning point in his career, as Richardson would go on to average 20.1 points and 8.2 assists per game in the 1984-85 season, earning him the NBA's comeback player of the year award.
Tragically, Richardson's personal struggles took a toll on his professional life. However, he never let them define him. Instead, he channeled his energy into coaching and mentoring young men in his community, including those at the Oklahoma/Lawton-Fort Sill Cavalry team he owned and coached to three championships.
Richardson's passing is a loss for the basketball world and beyond. As Zelbst so eloquently put it, "Anybody that ever met him would just be fascinated by him." His legacy as a trailblazer, both on and off the court, will continue to inspire generations of players and coaches to come.
A trailblazer on and off the court, Richardson's impressive résumé is a testament to his enduring impact on the game. A three-time All-Big Sky Conference player at Montana, he was drafted fourth overall in 1978, just two spots ahead of Larry Bird. His storied career spanned eight seasons with the New York Knicks, Golden State Warriors, and New Jersey Nets, where he earned four All-Star selections and led the league in steals three times.
However, Richardson's impressive on-court achievements were marred by a ban from the NBA in 1986 for violating the league's drug policy. Despite this setback, he continued to excel in the Continental Basketball Association and later as a coach in Europe, where he won five championships in both leagues.
According to his attorney and close friend John Zelbst, Richardson led a life of redemption and winning. "It was a life of redemption and winning," Zelbst said. "Redemption and winning. It's incredible." Zelbst also recalled Richardson as an extraordinary player, one who embodied the spirit of Magic Johnson before the Lakers legend's rise to fame.
One of the most memorable moments in Richardson's career came in 1984 when he led the Nets to a stunning playoff upset over the defending champion Philadelphia 76ers. This moment marked a turning point in his career, as Richardson would go on to average 20.1 points and 8.2 assists per game in the 1984-85 season, earning him the NBA's comeback player of the year award.
Tragically, Richardson's personal struggles took a toll on his professional life. However, he never let them define him. Instead, he channeled his energy into coaching and mentoring young men in his community, including those at the Oklahoma/Lawton-Fort Sill Cavalry team he owned and coached to three championships.
Richardson's passing is a loss for the basketball world and beyond. As Zelbst so eloquently put it, "Anybody that ever met him would just be fascinated by him." His legacy as a trailblazer, both on and off the court, will continue to inspire generations of players and coaches to come.
just read about Mike Richardson passing away at 70 
prostate cancer got the best of him RIP he was a true legend on & off the court his comeback story is an inspiration to many we'll miss his spirit & winning attitude 
still in awe of that 1984 playoff upset over Philly 
Michael Ray Richardson was more than just a basketball legend he was a symbol of redemption and winning 
He won championships in Europe, owned and coached his own team to multiple titles, and inspired countless young men through mentoring 
His legacy is a reminder that we all have the power to overcome obstacles and achieve greatness 
... he never gave up and always found ways to turn his struggles into opportunities. i think that's something we can all learn from 
his impact on basketball will be felt for generations to come 
. And what's up with all these "redemption" stories? Sounds like they're trying to cover something up. He was a NBA All-Star, yeah, but that doesn't necessarily mean he was innocent when it came to the whole drug policy thing. I think there's more to this story than meets the eye... maybe some sort of conspiracy at play? 
... his story's so inspiring, from the highs of being a 4-time all-star to hitting rock bottom with that drug policy ban... but did you see how he bounced back? won championships in Europe, started coaching and mentoring kids... what I love most is how he never let his personal struggles hold him back 
. his life story is like a movie - from controversy to comeback kid, from struggles to triumphs 
. and now he's leaving behind a legacy that'll inspire countless people, including his own community through coaching & mentoring 
but what im most impressed by is how he came back from the setbacks he faced in his life, like getting banned from the league for violating the drug policy, you feel? it's like he never let that hold him back and instead used it as fuel to keep pushing forward 
It's amazing how he was able to turn things around and become one of the most memorable players in the game 
His legacy as a trailblazer will definitely continue to inspire future generations of players and coaches 
. But you know what's even more inspiring? How he was able to turn his life around and become an incredible coach and mentor in his community 
. He may not have achieved everything he wanted to on the court, but he definitely made up for it with his heart and character 
.
. Not sure what's more impressive, his on-court accomplishments or his ability to stay out of trouble off the court 
. Anyway, he'll definitely be missed by basketball fans everywhere 
70 years young went too soon. 
️. And can you believe he was drafted 4th overall behind Larry Bird? 
. RIP Mike "The Honeyball" Richardson 
#RIPMikeRichardson #NBAlegend #PioneerInAction
It's like the system failed him at some point.
- I mean, it's crazy how 70 is considered old in sports years 
. And yeah, his personal struggles were rough, but he turned that into something positive by giving back to his community 
. He was a true trailblazer in every sense of the word 
he was like a superhero on the court but also in real life helping ppl in his community 
can't help but think of Magic Johnson too 