Four-time NBA All-Star Michael Ray Richardson, once considered among the most talented guards of his time, died Tuesday in Lawton, Oklahoma. He was 70 years old. His attorney and longtime friend, John Zelbst, said Richardson died shortly after being diagnosed with prostate cancer.

With that, several NBA legends and the whole basketball community paid tribute to his passing.

Brilliant Start to an NBA Career

Magic Johnson, Stephon Marbury, Other NBA Legends Mourn Michael Ray Magic Johnson, Stephon Marbury, Other NBA Legends Mourn Michael Ray
NEW YORK - APRIL 11: (L-R) John Starks, Cal Ramsey, Michael Richardson, Earl Monroe, Dean Meminger, Kim Hampton and Charles Smith pose for photos at the 2005 Net Gain Basketball Tournament at Basketball City, Pier 63, April 11, 2005 in New York City. The round-robin basketball tournament will help score critical funds for New York City High School basketball programs that are not equipped with the necessary facilities to practice and play their home games. Brad Barket/Getty Images

Born in Denver, Colorado, Richardson's basketball journey began at the University of Montana, where his dynamic play nationally captured attention. Chosen fourth overall by the New York Knicks in 1978, Richardson earned the nickname "Sugar" for his smooth style. With quick moves, great vision, and an all-around game, he dazzled fans.

Over an eight-year NBA career with the Knicks, Golden State Warriors, and New Jersey Nets, Richardson was a four-time NBA All-Star and led the league in steals three times. ESPN wrote that his top season came in 1984–85 for the Nets, during which he averaged 20.1 points, 8.2 assists, 5.6 rebounds, and a league-leading 3.0 steals per game. He also won the NBA Comeback Player of the Year award that year.

NBA Community Pays Tribute to the Fallen Player

Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas once said that Richardson has "no weaknesses in his game." He also added that "Sugar" gave him the most problems because he's an elite scorer who's not only taller, but faster than any other players in his position.

Essentially Sports also took notice of Magic Johnson's post on social media:

"My good friend and 4-time NBA All-Star Michael Ray Richardson passed away today. Michael Ray could do everything on the basketball court! He was so skilled and talented. He will be missed. I'll be praying for the family. R.I.P. 🙏🏾"

Another legend, Stephon Marbury, praised Richardson's legacy. He hoped that his family would feel less pain as the moment passed. He also said that "Sugar" gave the world a "nice show."

NBA Ban and Redemption

Despite his success, Richardson's career took a devastating turn in 1986 when he was banned from the NBA for life after violating the league's drug policy for the third time. Suffering from cocaine addiction, Richardson later described his moment of being banned as his "darkest day."

"I knew what was going on as soon as I got off the plane," he recalled. "After that, I went on a binge. But I told myself—if I got myself into it, I can get myself out."

Richardson left the NBA to redevelop his career overseas, where he played professionally in Italy and France until 2002. His perseverance and skills earned him star status in Europe, where he would compete for almost two decades before retiring.

His post-playing career had been one of redemption for Richardson. He turned to coaching and went on to lead the Albany Patroons and the Oklahoma/Lawton-Fort Sill Cavalry to multiple championships in the Continental Basketball Association. Later, he coached the London Lightning of NBL Canada and ran youth basketball camps for underprivileged children around the United States.

In 2024, he co-authored "Banned: How I Squandered an All-Star NBA Career Before Finding My Redemption."