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Four-time NBA All-Star Michael Ray Richardson has died at the age of 70 after recently being diagnosed with prostate cancer, his attorney and friend, John Zelbst, told Andscape on Tuesday (November 11).
"The basketball world and anyone Michael 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."
Richardson was a four-time NBA All-Star, a two-time NBA All-Defensive First Team selection, the 1985 NBA Comeback Player of the Year, the 1980 NBA assists leader and a three-time NBA steals leader during his eight-year NBA career with the New York Knicks (1978-1982), Golden State Warriors (1982-1983) and then-New Jersey Nets (1982-1986). The Texas native was the first player banned for life by late former NBA commissioner David Stern after testing positive for cocaine for a third time in three seasons, but regained the right to play in 1988, however, decided to continue his career in Europe.
"We are saddened to hear about the passing of former knick Michael Ray Richardson," the Knicks said in a statement shared on their social media accounts. "One of the fiercest defensive players of his era, the four-time NBA All-Star made an incredible impact on the Knicks during his four seasons with the franchise. Our deepest condolences go to his family, friends and teammates."