Micheal Ray Richardson

Micheal Ray Richardson, a gifted and tumultuous guard whose brilliance on the basketball court was matched by personal challenges off it, died November 11, 2025 at his home in Lawton, Oklahoma. His attorney, John Zelbst, confirmed the death and noted Richardson had been battling prostate cancer.

Born April 11, 1955, in Lubbock, Texas, Richardson moved to Denver during his youth, attending Manual High School. He starred in basketball there, including a spot on the 1972 state championship-winning team. He played college ball at the University of Montana, where he was a three-time First Team All-Big Sky Conference selection. He was drafted 4th overall in the 1978 NBA Draft by the New York Knicks, two picks ahead of Larry Bird.

In his NBA career from 1978-1986, Richardson played for the Knicks, the Golden State Warriors, and the New Jersey Nets. He was a four-time NBA All-Star and led the league in steals per game three times and in assists once. His versatile play earned him a reputation as one of the era's most dynamic guards on both ends of the floor.

Despite his success, Richardson's career was marred by substance-abuse issues. In 1986, he became the first active NBA player to be banned for life from the league due to repeated cocaine violations. The ban was lifted two years later, but he never returned to play in the NBA after reinstatement. After the NBA, he continued his basketball journey in the Continental Basketball Association (CBA) and in Europe, turning that period into one of personal growth and mentorship. After retiring as a player in 2002, he turned to coaching.

Beyond his statistical legacy, Richardson's story became one of redemption and resilience. His post-NBA coaching career included multiple championships in the CBA and in the National Basketball League (NBL) of Canada. Twice named NBL Coach of the Year, he lived later in Lawton with his wife, Kimberly, and engaged in youth mentorship and community work. Friends and former teammates remember him as a bright light who struggled, succeeded, stumbled and rose again.

By Legacy News Staff

(Image: Mario Carlini - Iguana Press/Getty Images)