Four-time NBA All-Star Micheal Ray Richardson, known to fans as “Sugar,” has died at the age of 70. The former New York Knicks, Golden State Warriors, and New Jersey Nets star passed away Tuesday in Lawton, Oklahoma, shortly after being diagnosed with prostate cancer, according to his attorney and close friend John Zelbst.
“The basketball world and anyone Micheal came in contact with lost a great sportsman,” Zelbst said. “He lived life to the fullest. He overcame the most incredible odds to accomplish what he did in life. He serves as an example on how to redeem yourself and make something of yourself. I think he is the greatest NBA player that has never been inducted into the Hall of Fame. Incredible player — player, person and family man.”
Early Life and Rise to NBA Stardom
Born in Denver, Colorado, Micheal Ray Richardson made his mark at the University of Montana, becoming one of the top collegiate guards of his era. His stellar play led the New York Knicks to select him fourth overall in the 1978 NBA Draft.
Nicknamed “Sugar” for his smooth style on the court, Richardson went on to play eight NBA seasons, earning four All-Star selections and leading the league in steals three times.
He was named the 1985 NBA Comeback Player of the Year after an outstanding season with the New Jersey Nets, averaging 20.1 points, 8.2 assists, 5.6 rebounds, and a league-best 3.0 steals per game.
Admired by Legends and Peers
Richardson was widely respected among his peers for his all-around talent.
“He had it all as a player, with no weaknesses in his game,” said Isiah Thomas, Hall of Famer and former Detroit Pistons guard. “He is the player who gave me the most problems playing against him. He was taller, just as fast and could shoot from 3 and midrange. His post-up game was elite. Offensively, he had it all.”
Former NBA guard Quinn Buckner added: “Back when he played in the NBA, the best guards were Magic [Johnson] and then Sugar.”
Fall and Redemption
Richardson’s promising NBA career was cut short in 1986 when he was banned for life following his third violation of the league’s drug policy. He later admitted to struggling with cocaine addiction, calling that period the lowest point of his life.
“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 said in a 2024 interview. “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. And then after that, I came to. I got myself into it. I have to get myself out.”
Despite his struggles, Richardson rebuilt his life and reputation through international basketball and coaching.
Coaching Career and Later Life
After leaving the NBA, Richardson continued to play in the Continental Basketball Association (CBA), and later in Italy and France, before retiring in 2002.
He transitioned into coaching, leading the Albany Patroons and Oklahoma/Lawton-Fort Sill Cavalry to multiple championships in the late 2000s. He also coached Canada’s London Lightning from 2011 to 2014, and ran youth basketball camps for underserved communities alongside former teammate Otis Birdsong.
In 2024, Richardson co-authored a memoir titled “Banned: How I Squandered an All-Star NBA Career Before Finding My Redemption.”
He later served as an ambassador for the Denver Nuggets, and in retirement, settled in Oklahoma with his wife Kimberly. His son, Micheal Amir Junior Richardson, plays professional football for Fiorentina in Italy and represents Morocco internationally.
A Legacy of Redemption and Inspiration
Earlier this year, Micheal Ray Richardson celebrated his 70th birthday at a surprise party in Phoenix, surrounded by family and friends.
“I’m still here after all the s— I’ve gone through,” he said at the time. “It was a surprise. All of my friends were happy to see me because I haven’t seen all of my friends in 10 years. It’s really good to see your friends because every year you lose somebody.”
Richardson’s journey — from NBA superstardom to redemption — remains one of the most powerful comeback stories in basketball history.
