Micheal Ray Richardson, one of the most talented yet complex figures in NBA history, passed away on November 11, 2025, at the age of 70. The former New York Knicks and New Jersey Nets star was a four-time NBA All-Star who left behind a legacy filled with both brilliance and redemption.
Early Life and College Career
Born on April 11, 1955, in Lubbock, Texas, Micheal Ray Richardson grew up in Denver, Colorado, where his natural athleticism and leadership on the court quickly drew attention. He played high school basketball at Manual High School before joining the University of Montana, where he became one of the best players in the program’s history.
During his college years from 1974 to 1978, Richardson led the Montana Grizzlies in scoring for three consecutive seasons and was named First-Team All-Big Sky three times. His incredible speed, defensive instincts, and court vision made him one of the most exciting college guards of the 1970s.
NBA Career: Rise to Stardom
In the 1978 NBA Draft, Richardson was selected 4th overall by the New York Knicks. Known for his defensive intensity and playmaking, he quickly became a standout in the league. His career reached its peak during the early 1980s when he became one of the NBA’s top point guards.
Richardson was a four-time NBA All-Star, leading the league in steals three times and in assists once. In the 1979-80 season, he averaged 10.1 assists and 3.2 steals per game, a rare feat in NBA history. Over his career, he played for the Knicks, Golden State Warriors, and New Jersey Nets, posting career averages of 14.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 7.0 assists per game.
His flashy style, confidence, and passion earned him the nickname “Sugar”, making him a fan favorite across the league.
Personal Struggles and NBA Ban
Despite his immense talent, Richardson’s career was marred by off-court struggles. In 1986, he was permanently banned from the NBA by Commissioner David Stern for multiple violations of the league’s drug policy. This marked one of the most controversial moments in NBA history, as Richardson became the first player ever to receive a lifetime ban for substance abuse.
However, he later spoke openly about his mistakes and path to recovery. In later interviews and in his memoir “Banned: How I Squandered an All-Star NBA Career Before Finding My Redemption,” he reflected on his challenges and how they helped him grow as a person.
Life After the NBA
After leaving the NBA, Micheal Ray Richardson continued his basketball journey overseas, playing professionally in Italy and France. He later transitioned into coaching, mentoring young players and teaching them not just the game of basketball, but also the importance of discipline and focus.
In his later years, Richardson lived a peaceful life in Lawton, Oklahoma, where he remained active in the community and occasionally shared his story to inspire others struggling with addiction and life’s setbacks.
Death and Legacy
On November 11, 2025, Micheal Ray Richardson passed away after a short battle with prostate cancer, according to reports from Montana Sports and Bleacher Report. He was 70 years old.
His death marks the loss of one of basketball’s most gifted players—an athlete whose career embodied both extraordinary potential and human vulnerability. Richardson’s journey from All-Star glory to personal struggle and eventual redemption serves as a reminder of how greatness and adversity often coexist.
